My Goa February 2022

MARIA AURORA COUTO

10

FEBRUARY 2022 VOL 8 ISSUE 1 PANAJI - GOA 16 PAGES

TRIBUTE

PANJIM GYMKHANA MEMBER’S LEAGUE SPORT

CARNAVAL FROM FEBRUARY 26TH

GOA’S FINEST SOCIETY READ RNI No. GOAENG/2015/60455

EVENT

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2022

WHO WILL GOA ELECT? With multi-cornered contests in most constituencies, Goa’s Assembly Elections 2022 are heading for an exciting finish

EDITORIAL

GOA MUST TRIUMPH IN THE BATTLE OF THE BALLOT BOX

D

FEBRUARY 2022 MY GOA / 02 GOA NEWS Puneet Goel is new Chief Secretary Mining resumption is poll promise, again

HARSHVARDHAN BHATKULY

espite the high voltage presence of national leaders in the state, this did not really have the ‘feel’ of the otherwise garrulous elections that happen in Goa. It must be the covid induced protocols that stole the thunder from large gatherings, rallies on motorbikes, late night machinations. It could also be the zeal of the officers who keep an eye on the goings-on that we know that happen during polls of this magnitude.

Elections are festivals of democracy. But just like all festivals, this one too, has certain traditions that go with it – like the canvassing and campaigning; mudslinging on opponents, and breaking news. However, barring a couple of incidents, this election has not thrown any great controversy for the public to feast on.

Since we last saw an assembly election, Goa has changed hugely. Two years of the pandemic has been very harsh on the people. The pandemic mismanagement has also seen thousands of our friends and compatriots perish. The small traders, shack owners and hand-to-mouth vocationeers have had it difficult like never before. Jobs have vanished and livelihoods brought to a grinding halt. The past five years have also changed Goa’s demography, with more Goans migrating out of the country, and more people from the rest of the country, settling down in the state. The people, mores and Goan-ness is not the same as half a decade ago.

Newer political outfits have ensured that the fringe players now get to play in the major league.

Goa is a complex political arena, as confessed to me by a legislator from another state. Political equations calculated on the basis of research seem to have gone for a toss, because Goans rarely share what they hold in their heart, least of all to someone who cold calls you for your political opinion and candidate preference. Goans would rather shock you on election day with their choice.

Another observation that I wish to share with you is the timing of most parties to release their manifestoes at the very last minute, hardly giving the voter any time to reflect on the ideas and promises made by them or independent candidates. Barring a few exceptions, most parties stuck to a cut and paste job of their earlier promises – but obviously, reneged.

What is in store for Goa, we will only know next month. As of now, we must all think as to who has the best interest of their constituency and the state at heart. The arrival of new political outfits has enlarged the pool of hopefuls. With 24x7 media and especially social media, every candidate is under the eye of the scanner.

Get up. Rise and shine. And get inked.

Celebrate your right as a voter; and above all, let us hope Goa wins this contest of the ballot box!

The Government of India has appointed Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary following superannuation of present Chief Secretary Parimal Rai. Goel, a 1991-batch IAS officer has assumed the new charge with effect from February, this, states the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi.

Currently Goel is the

Principal Secretary holding finance, town and country planning (TCP) and few other departments. Goel has completed his B.Tech (electrical engineering) from IIT Kanpur, M.Tech (power systems) from IIT Delhi, MBA (Finance), MS (computer networking) from the University of Southern California, and Ph.D (renewable energy) from IIT Delhi.

Goel has held various positions in the government, including as director (thermal), ministry of power, secretary (power), relief commissioner, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, development commissioner, transport, Delhi and director, Delhi Jal Board, among others.

Goa University’s Study India programme to be held online

Goa University will be offering its ‘Study India Programme’ to the students of Nihon University, Japan, through the online mode due to the pandemic.

Under the programme, every year, students of the College of International Relations, Nihon University, could pay for a stay at Goa University to immerse themselves in the Indian experience.

The programme is aimed at Japanese students who want to pursue jobs in international relations, with NGOs etc in the future. The course this year will begin online from Fenruary 15 and GU will charge interested students 550 US dollars. The entire programme will be of a month’s duration, covering 60 hours. The course will include modules on Indian culture, history, politics,

society and economy.

All lectures will be online and e-content shall be provided, online interaction with Indian families, including exposure to Indian festivals and cultural practices.

The Japanese students will learn about Goa’s history, basic English conversation skills, Indian philosophy and religion, India’s foreign policy and global profile, and the country’s political system and democratic experience. At the end of the programme, the Japanese students will have to present a report on their experiences.

With just a few days to go for the assembly elections 2022, the mining issue has resurfaced in the constituencies dependent on mining activities for their livelihoods.

Dependants have started openly speaking about the non-resumption of mining. Politicians from parties across the board have made mining a major issue of their election campaign and started making assurances about the resumption of mining activities within six months of forming the government.

Mining dependants have seen the upcoming polls as the perfect opportunity to criticize the ruling party.

These dependants say that BJP has been representing Goa since the last ten years and also has the Government at the Centre since 2014, but both have failed to resume mining in Goa. They are fed up

with repeated assurances of mining resumption and the government should be clear on whether mining will commence or not, so that they can look out for some other opportunities to earn their livelihoods.

The following constituencies in the state – Mayem, Sanquelim, Poriem, Tivim, Sanguem, Sanvordem, Curchorem and Quepem – are all affected by closure of mining activities. With the exception of Poriem and Sanguem, all these constituencies were represented by the BJP. Mining came to a halt in Goa in March 2018 after the Supreme Court quashed second renewal of mining leases. The BJP, Congress, TMC and AAP have promised to resume mining if their respective parties are elected, within six months of forming the government.

GMC GETS NOD TO START 10 NEW SUPER SPECIALTY SEATS FROM MARCH

Dean Dr. S M Bandekar said that Goa Medical College has received approval from the national medical commission for super specialty courses in five disciplines. He stated that this is an achievement

for GMC and will be a morale booster to students in Goa. There will now be ten seats available in the following departments – cardiothoracic, surgery, urology, plastic surgery, cardiology, cardiac anesthesia and nephrology.

While the former three will be MCh (General Surgery) degrees, the latter three are DMs (Doctor of Medical Science). The courses are scheduled to begin in March, this year.

V M Salgaocar College of Law, Goa to host 7th edition of Lex Infinitum V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar Goa, is all set to conduct the 7th edition of Lex Infinitum 2022 which is an International Dispute Resolution Competition

held in collaboration with AIDR (Association for International Dispute Resolution) from 23rd to 27th February 2022 in an online mode. Lex provides opportunities to

law students from all over the world to showcase their Mediation and Negotiation skills.

This edition of the event will witness participation from 28 negotiating teams

and 14 mediators from 32 top Law colleges out of which 8 are international teams and 10 National Law schools with a prize money of Rs. 1,05,000. besides, trophies and awards.

Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers Pvt Ltd, Shed No D2-31, Thivim Industrial Estate, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa and Published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly

03 \ MY GOA

COVER STORY

FEBRUARY 2022

WILL 2022 DECIDE THE FATE OF GOA? With just a few days left for the upcoming Assembly polls in Goa, various political parties and independent candidates contesting are leaving no stone unturned with their promises to the people. It is going to be a multi-cornered fight between current MLAs and new entrants in the political arena.

Cover Pic courtesy: JoeGoaUK

We have covered all 40 constituencies which provide a gist on various issues faced by the people, the sitting MLA and hopeful aspirants. Keeping grievances in mind, Goa will cast its vote on 14th February 2022. Whether people elect the same old faces or decide to cast their votes in favour of new faces, remains to be seen. May Goa win!

M

with lack of parking andrem, which facilities, prove to be a falls in Pernem problem for both locals and taluka comprises of nine tourists who are forced to panchayats – Tuem, Parcem, park on the roads.

Agar wada-Chopdem, While people are Mandrem, Morjim, Keri, still struggling to get Arambol, Palyem and part sufficient water supply, of Virnoda. quality healthcare services, Due to increasing quality roads and jobs, the commercial and residential government is trying to get Dayanand Sopte constructions, the water MLA, Mandrem (BJP) projects like entertainment treatment plant and power village, which will consume stations are overloaded, MANDREM more water and power subjecting the locals to Unemployment is the biggest issue in frequent power cuts and water scarcity.

Mandrem constituency. Youngsters who Farmers in Paliem, Agarwada and are educated are either sitting at home or Tuem are unable to cultivate their fields working in the hotel industry. throughout the year, as sea water enters The community health centre in their field due to non-maintenance Tuem does not even have the provision of the sluice gates by the concerned for deliveries, X-ray, scanning, which departments, which results in damages forces people to visit Mapusa or GMC, to their crops.

Bambolim for treatment The conditions of the roads coupled

Laxmikant Parsekar Independent

Deepak Kalangutkar Goa Forward Party

Jit Arolkar MG Party

P

projects in Pernem by ernem, which is an claiming that these would agriculture-oriented provide employment to the constituency, comprises 17 locals, but till date only a villages and a municipality. handful have been provided Several government with jobs. offices be it emergency, The constituency is educational institutions, etc plagued by water shortage are located in Pernem town. especially in areas such as The agriculturalMopa, Torxem, Pernem dependent population has town, Dhargal and Korgao Manohar Ajgaonkar lost their lands to various MLA, Pernem village, which has the government and Public largest voting population in Private Partnership projects PERNEM the constituency. and farmers who have The internal roads, too, are in bad lost their land have not been properly shape and few wards which have no compensated. proper access roads, thus forcing people The latest project which has come to walk through the jungle. to haunt the locals of Pernem is the Farmers from Ibrampur, Hankhane, star hotel project which also includes a Chandel and Hasanpur have been casino at Dhargal, for which almost four complaining to the concerned authorities lakh sqmts land have been acquired by a of crop damage by wild boars, bison and private company. peacocks and other vermin The government brought several

Pravin Arlekar BJP

Jitendra Gaonkar Congress

Rajan Korgaonkar MG Party

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

B

As unemployment icholim, is a town and is the major issue, the a municipal council upcoming Industrial in North Goa district. The Estate at Latambarcem has constituency has a total to be completed, so that population of 28,045 voters industries come in and with 13,800 males and provide locals with gainful 14,245 females. employment.

Several projects A new bus stand is including swimming the need of the hour. After pool, Ravindra Bhavan, a laying several foundation Rajesh Patnekar common administrative MLA, Bicholim (BJP) stones for the bus stand, the building, KTC bus stand work was finally started just and other such projects are BICHOLIM before the elections. still to see the light of the The Bicholim Health Centre does not day. have all the facilities and patients have to The industrial estate which exists in go all the way to Mapusa.

Bicholim lacks basic infrastructure and Bicholim also lacks a fire station facilities provided to them are poor and which although is coming up near the many companies have closed down their Industrial Estate, has to be completed. businesses.

The BJP faces a tough fight from MG The major issue faced by the locals Party, which has traditional voters in this is unemployment, as most government North Goa town jobs are not given to the locals.

Naresh Sawal MG Party

Dr Chandrakant Shetye Independent

Garbage collection apusa constituency and its management have has a voting always been a concern for population of 29,093, out of local residents. which males number 14,253 The issue of discharge and there are 14,840 female of untreated waste water voters. The constituency into drains further results comprises of 18 municipal in pollution of Tar River. wards, while two wards of Mapusa’s new bus Mapusa Municipality are stand project still remains to in Aldona constituency. be properly commissioned.

Joshua D’Souza Mapusa is the commercial MLA, Mapusa (BJP) Recently, an interim bus capital of North Goa with stand has been inaugurated; the famous Friday market MAPUSA however, the actual bus bringing crowds in every stand project may take a few more years. week. Traffic congestion and parking is Mapusa was once known for its nataks one of thee issues, as despite marking (drama) and other cultural activities; some zones as pay parking, the issue however, over the years demand of continues to plague Mapusa residents.

Ravindra Bhawan is still not met.

Bad condition of roads is another The municipal market, which once issue which residents are facing over the regarded as one of most organised years; besides irregular water supply and markets, is now congested and even electricity issues, which has put Mapusa building conditions are turning bad residents to a lot of hardships.

Rahul Mhambre Aam Aadmi Party

Traffic congestion ivim constituency is witnessed as the state comprises eight villages highway passes through – Camurlim, Colvale, villages. A bypass road was Revora, Nadora, Pirna, proposed from Mulgao via Assonora, Sirsaim and Assonora to Sirsaim-Tivim; Tivim. The constituency despite land acquisition, has a total voter population nothing has happened. of 28,831, of which 14,104 Flooding has been are men and 14,727 women. another major problem Locals have been for residents of Camurlim, Nilkanth Halarnkar raising their voices against MLA, Tivim (BJP) Colvale, Nadora and the increasing number of Revora. commercial and residential TIVIM Following the closure projects which have come of mining and the ban on sand extraction up despite power and water shortage. from river Chapora, another major Garbage management has troubled problem is unemployment. The Colvale the rural panchayats and a solution is yet industrial estate and parts of Karaswada to be worked out despite several attempts industrial estate in the constituency are being made. unable to provide jobs to all local youth.

The main road, a state highway, is A new industrial estate was notified maintained well but the condition of in Sirsaim village but nothing has internal roads is a concern in some materialised till now pockets.

Meghashyam Raut Congress

M

Sudhir Kandolkar Congress

T

Tarak Arolkar Trinamool Congress

MY GOA / 04

Godfrey D’Lima Nationalist Congress Party

Kavita Kandolkar Trinamool Congress

Aman Lotlikar Congress

S

PWD and Water Resources iolim constituency Department for lying of includes Assagao, water pipeline. The recent Anjuna and Oxel and hot-mixing may make the is known for the world voter ire recede a bit. famous Anjuna and Vagator Farmers too are badly beaches. affected and are unable For years, the to cultivate their fields constituents have been especially in Siolim-Marna complaining of irregular and Sodiem. The farmers water supply or no water have stopped cultivating Vinod Paliencar for months. The water MLA* Siolim (Ind) their fields which remain pipeline connecting the inundated throughout the constituency to the Tillari SIOLIM year.

Project has already been The load on basic infrastructure laid; but the supply has not commenced. has increased as the constituency has Locals complain that the commercial witnessed a rise in construction activities projects such as hotels, resorts and others and population in recent years. receive water round the clock.

A number of ‘rich migrants’ have Those residing in commercial also settled down in beautiful and complexes and residential buildings, peaceful villages of Assagao and Siolim, complain of facing low voltage problem. changing the demographic equation of Siolim faces another issue of bad the constituency roads which have been dug by the

Delilah Lobo Congress

Dayanand Mandrekar BJP

Vishnu Naik Aam Aadmi Party

05 \ MY GOA

S

issue. Nothing has been aligao is surrounded by done to set up a sports the villages of Porvorim, facility in this constituency Parra, Guirim, Sangolda, which has produced several Pilerne, Candolim, national and international Calangute and Nagoa. It players and has over three has 27,313 voters of which football clubs.

13,371 are male and 13942 There seems to be an are female. anti-incumbency sentiment The government has against the sitting MLA, focused on larger projects both from his traditional Jayesh Salgaonkar while totally ignoring the MLA* Saligao (BJP) supporters who elected basic needs of the locals. him as one of the three Goa Rapid urbanisation has SALIGAO Forward Party legislators altered the look of villages in 2017; and the BJP workers, who do in several areas. People want an end not seem to welcome his in the saffron to large-scale sale of land to outsiders, folm at the nth hour, by dislodging which is facilitated by political leaders.

Dilip Parulekar. Discontent seems to The demographics of serene villages like be brewing in Salgaonkar’s own village, Saligao, Pilerne, and Reis Magos have Verem and adjoining areas of Pilerne become skewed. and Nerul, for not being supportive of Traffic congestion on the Porvorimthe locals, despite being a minister in the Calangute stretch and on the BetimParrikar cabinet for two years Candolim stretch via Nerul is another

Kedar Naik Congress

Mario Cordeiro Aam Aadmi Party

tremendous anger to the alangute is famous for villagers. Inclusion of these its beach, the largest in four villagers into the North Goa and a popular NGPDA has resulted in total tourist destination. unplanned development.

Calangute is also known Due to rapid for its coastal villages but urbanisation and rise in due to its tourism potential construction activities, local the once fishing village infrastructure has come is no more serene with under enormous pressure. disturbing reports of drugs The ongoing work of laying Michael Lobo and prostitution, which are MLA* Calangute (Congress) sewer lines is not completed worrying the locals. and has been ongoing for The once peaceful CALANGUTE the past seven years. village has loud music Calangute is today facing drugs and playing beyond the stipulated time, prostitution menace and taxi operators’ thanks to the hotels and restaurant,s issue. All internal roads were in bad state which causes nuisance and noise while, some areas in the constituency pollution to the residents. were experiencing water shortage and To add to further problems, the load shedding. government’s decision to bring all four The battle is for Michael Lobo to villages of Calangute, Candolim, Parra retain his seat, this time as a Congress and Arpora-Nagoa, under the Outline candidate Development Plan (ODP) has caused

Joseph Sequeira BJP

Adv Shankar Phadte Nationalist Congress Party

*MLA resigned

In the urban Porvorim orvorim constituency plateau there is a need comprises of the village for a separate Porvorim panchayats of Socorro, Municipal Council to Penha de Franca and provide civic amenities to Salvador-do-Mundo. The the people here. Another seat of the government is major issue is the increasing located in the Constituency. stray dog menace on Presently there are 26,752 the plateau resulting in voters, as compared several cases of dog bites, to 24,346 in 2017. The motorcycle accidents and Rohan Khaunte major problem which ails MLA* Porvorim (BJP) incessant barking at night, Porvorim is the existence disturbing the residents. of just one Primary Health PORVORIM Gardens and parks on Centre, located in two flats the plateau are not well maintained with of a government building, with one over grown shrubs and weeds, which health officer and one medical officer. make locals afraid to use the parks and Residents have complained that gardens for fear of snakes which are seen the highway road crossing becomes frequently. Septic tanks of residential difficult as traffic lights are often not buildings overflow due to underground timed properly, posing a problem for sewerage system not being operational, pedestrians and senior citizens to cross giving rise to the spread of malaria and the road. There are issues of frequent dengue in the constituency accidents, too.

Ritesh Chodankar Aam Aadmi Party

C

Bholanath Sakhalkar Trinamool Congress

P

Vikas Prabhudessai Congress

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

Sudesh Mayekar Aam Aadmi Party

Ricardo D’Souza Independent

A

spot, even though it is in ldona, as a partial ruins. This fort can comunidade-village, be accessed by way of the comprises of 16 wards. cable-stayed bridge that was Bodiem and Danua wards constructed in 2004. The are separated from the fort needs to be preserved, main village area by the according to the locals.

Mapusa river, and come Aldona constituency under the neighbouring has many other needs village of Tivim’s panchayat. like supporting talented Aldona comunidade’s other sportspersons and artists/ Glenn Souza Ticlo wards are Quitula, Ranoi, MLA, Aldona (BJP) artistes. Aldona requires Coimawaddo, Gutcoi, Udoi, a market complex and its Cottarbhat, Santerxette, ALDONA roads have to be widened Panarim, Naikawaddo, for traffic to flow smoothly; and a fully Castelwaddo, Carona, Lankdem, Panth, equipped library.

Corjuem and Calvim Aldona village has bridges, springs, Aldona’ has been home to a number lakes, and rivers but there is need for of notable Goan personalities like bridges to get new paints, constant singers, tiatrists, bishops and former repairs with illumination. Pomburpa chief secretaries, authors, Padma Shri spring is in a pathetic state. awardee Maria Aurora Couto, among Hot mixing of roads take place only others. when elections are round the corner The Corjuem Fort is a popular tourist

Carlos Alvares Fereira Congress

Kiran Kandolkar Trinamool Congress

Mahesh Satelkar Aam Aadmi Party

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

P

Heera petrol pump at Patto, anaji, the state capital, etc. is known for its The Bainguinim Waste cobblestone streets lined Treatment Plant Project, with colourful villas which was planned almost and buildings from the ten years ago, is only on Portuguese colonial era. paper.

Though considered While on the one to be a developed city, hand the government talks problems continue to haunt about developing Panjim as the residents. Flooding and blocked drains is a major Atanasio Monnserrate Smart City, ironically the St. MLA, Panaji (BJP) Inez creek remains highly problem at Mala. One contaminated, devoid of heavy monsoon shower PANAJI oxygen and aquatic life, and and certain areas in the stinks – leading to severe environmental capital are flooded. In the Mala area, the pollution. problem is more complex and experts Voters are also not happy with say that constructions have blocked the the casinos, which is a major bone of flow of water, which then finds its way contention amongst the residents here. into the low lying areas of Mala.

This time, the denial of ticket by BJP Garbage is a long-pending issue and to Utpal Parrikar has caused a vertical off late some efforts have been made divide in the saffron party and the contest to resolve it like door-to-door garbage is keenly watched by the entire state collection, treatment facility beyond

Utpal Parrikar Independent

Elvis Gomes Congress

power supply. Water supply anta Cruz consisting is not consistent except for of two villages one ward where the supply (Calapor and Cujira) is a is regular. The remaining neighbourhood located wards get water every next to the city of Panaji. alternate day and for certain Santa Cruz (meaning holy hours only. cross in Portuguese) is the Locals further largest village in Goa with complained that elected a population of 21,000 representatives pay no focus people. to the needs of the villagers Antonio Fernandes Although located in MLA, Santa Cruz (BJP) and the example is a poorly close proximity of Panaji, there is a sense of fear SANTA CRUZ existing Panchayat Ghar, which consists of only one amongst locals given that room. there are thieves and murderers living in The closure of a co-operative bank the village and roaming openly without three years ago has created a difficult fear of the law. Locals say that young situation for senior citizens who now boys prefer to socialise with persons have to travel all the way to Panaji. involved in crimes due to lack of jobs.

With the AAP announcing its new The village suffers from lack of face, Adv Amit Palekar as the CM basics like good roads, water supply candidate, the fight for the constituency and electricity. There is no underground has been spiced up cabling due to which there is interrupted

Adv Amit Palekar Aam Aadmi Party

sewage lines have been laid aleigao was once in some areas, it needs to be considered the granary completed in all areas of the of North Goa; and now constituency. is known for the Goa Underground laying University campus. This of electricity cables is constituency has a little in progress and can be over 29,000 voters and has completed only after the listed out the major issues new government has sworn which are plaguing them. in.

Lack of water supply At present, the Jennifer Monserrate and erratic power outages, MLA, Taleigao (BJP) Taleigao Panchayat office is a cause of worry. operates from the section of Another issue which TALEIGAO the Community Centre. emerged as one of the major As far as setting up of vigilance problem areas is the sewage disposal. cameras are concerned, the Smart City Over speeding of vehicles at the Project has already undertaken steps but Taleigao-Caranzalem road crossing, is completion of the project is pending. also a pet peeve.

Incumbent Jennifer Monserrate (BJP) Residents, especially those staying will take on an opposition comprising of in independent bungalows and housing AAP and her husband’s former loyalist societies, say that they are dependent on Tony Rodrigues, who is a Congress water tankers. candidate this time Residents say that although the new

Valmiki Naik Aam Aadmi Party

S

Rodolfo Fernandes Congress

T

Ajay Kholkar Revolutionary Goans Party

MY GOA / 06

Tony Rodrigues Congress

Cecille Rodrigues Aam Aadmi Party

Adv Pundalik Raikar Independent

S

Unemployment is also t. Andre’s total electorate one of the major issues in is 21,419 with 9819 male the constituency that locals voters and 11600 female have been complaining voters. about. A significant number Traditional fishermen of youth have migrated fear that the proposed abroad in search of jobs marina project will create due to lack of employment a hindrance to their opportunities. traditional activities and Locals say that that they may lose access although development Francisco Silveira to the shore if the project MLA, St Andre (BJP) was promised to them, materialises; besides the government hasn’t leading to pollution and ST. ANDRE completed any major contamination of the river. development project in the constituency.

The proposed project at Nauxim is The coastal zone management plan not only a threat to the livelihood of the is also one of the issues which people fishermen of the area but to the entire are concerned of; they claim that their fishing community residing along the views have not been considered by the stretch of the River Zuari. government.

Illegal fishing activity in river Zuari The fishing community also demand continues despite “efforts” by the ruling for action against illegal fishing in river MLA, the fisheries department and other Zuari, which till now has been ignored enforcement agencies.

Anthony Fernandes Congress

Jagdish Bhobe Trinamool Congress

Ramrao Wagh Aam Aadmi Party

07 \ MY GOA

H

at Bainguinim, Old Goa still aving a total number stands unresolved despite of 26,600 voters, opposition from the locals.

Cumbharjua constituency The construction of comprises of seven village the illegal bungalow within panchayats: Corlim, the area of the heritage site Old-Goa, Carambolim, is yet another issue plaguing Cumbharjua, St Estevam, the locals.

Goltim-Navelim, Divar and The bad condition of São Mathias (Malar), Divar. the approach road leading This constituency faces to Gaundalim bridge from Pandurang Madkaikar several issues like deliberate MLA, Cumbharjua Cumbharjua village is inundation of paddy fields by breaching of bunds CUMBHARJUA another major issue faced by the locals, which they using gelatin in order to had demanded be resolved with priority. earn more out of fishing activities.

The farmers of Cumbharjua are yet According to Divar villagers, to be compensated for the land that they cultivable land is deliberately made to had handed over to the government for remain flooded the entire year. building of road even though it is almost Public utility services are five years since the road was opened. inadequate with no approach road, Rising rate of unemployment especially frequent breakdown of ferryboats, and amongst the youth is a cause for worry increasing unemployment. The waste amongst the locals management plant proposed to be set up

Janita Madkaikar BJP

Rajesh Faldessai Congress

Maem Lake, which aem constituency is famous across Goa, which is famous for still needs to be upgraded the Miem lake and temples which has been done to a has 28,746 voters of which certain extent but is still not 14,072 are male and 14,674 enough. are women.

There are many famous The most important temples in the constituency issue in the constituency is and the government has the custodian issue which tried to develop some of is related to the land rights them including that of Pravin Zantye of the locals and the people MLA* Maem (MG Party) Vargao in Pilgao, Narve and demand that they should be Shirgao. given Class I ownership of MAEM In order to reduce the the land. distance between Maem and Panjim, Though past governments had tried locals have been demanding for a Chorao to resolve the issue through an Act, later Bridge and although several foundation not much was done in this regard. stones were laid, the real work of the The government has been giving bridge is yet to begin. sanads to the people, but the people feel About 40 per cent of the villagers are that the process is very slow. dependent upon farming and there are A master plan for Maiem has been issues related to mining silt which has in the works for a long time but is yet to entered farms take shape.

Premendra Shet BJP

Manojkumar Ghadi Aam Aadmi Party

*MLA resigned

dependent upon mining in he Sanquelim Pale, Surla and other areas. constituency which Locals have been is represented by the demanding for a mining Chief Minister has very corporation and feel that if few issues which the next an industrial estate comes representative would have up in remote villages of to handle.

Sanquelim, the problem Several developmental of unemployment will be works and projects in the tackled. form of Ravindra Bhavan, Water and electricity Pramod Sawant a new bus stand, the sewage MLA, Sanquelim (BJP) connections to individuals treatment plant, new especially in remote areas building for the Sanquelim SANQUELIM are lacking.

Municipal Council, bridge The road in the market is in bad shape at Amona, bridge connecting Vithalpur and is in urgent need of hot-mixing. to Sanquelim and other such projects The main bridge connecting Bicholim have already been completed in the and Sanquelim is the need of the hour constituency. along with restoring of the Sanquelim The main issue which needs to be Fort. The road from the Public Health taken care of is mining. After the closure Centre to the market has to be either of mining, many people are unemployed widened or divider placed to minimise and have lost their livelihoods. There traffic congestion is a sizable number of people who are

Sujay Gauns Revolutionary Goans Party

M

Samil Volvoikar Trinamool Congress

T

Dharmesh Saglani Congress

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

Santosh Sawant Goa Forward Party

Rajesh Kalangutkar Aam Aadmi Party

P

in Poriem Constituency to oriem Village Panchayat the North Goa Collector. comprises of 12 wards However, till date, not a and has been continuously single Alvara land holder represented by former has been given the full Chief Minister Pratapsingh ownership rights.

Rane (Congress), who has Locals are facing acute stepped down this time to water shortage problem make way for his daughterfor several years. In all in-law, Deviya, of the BJP. these wards, the water is Issues in Poriem supplied through tankers.

Pratapsingh Rane range from incomplete MLA, Poriem Several times due to the infrastructure, like the erratic water tanker service, proposed MorlemPORIEM villagers are kept waiting.

Bagwada Bridge.

Constituents also complain that most The Honda and Pissurlem Industrial of the internal roads in the constituency Development Corporations have failed are in bad shape. They have demanded to provide the jobs to the constituents, that the Valpoi to Honda route be especially the youth, which has resulted widened and requested for a proper road in the soaring unemployment rate. connecting Querim to Dongurlim Thane With regards to the full ownership Village Panchayat. of Alvara land, voters claim that they The BJP is banking heavily on have already submitted over a thousand bagging this one seat to its tally files pertaining to the land ownership

Deviya Rane BJP

Ranjit Rane Congress

Vishwajeet K Rane Aam Aadmi Party

NCP ALLIANCE TAKES UP GOA POLL CHALLENGE

Shri Praful Patel

GODFREY D’LIMA TIVIM

Shri Sharad Pawar

NATIONALIST CONGRESS PARTY

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE. IT IS TIME FOR NCP

Contesting from the Tivim const Godfrey is a self employed busin involved in social work. He is co for the first time and aims to tac garbage crisis in Goa. Godfrey al to improve transport facilities from capital Panjim to Tivim. He has in to build a panchayat complex ho club house alongside other facil recreation.

A

tituency, nessman ontesting ckle the lso plans m the state ntentions ousing a lities for

JOSE PHILIP D’SOUZA

FILIPE NERY RODRIGUES

FRANCISCO PACHECO (MICKKY)

RAVINDRA TALAULIKAR

DABOLIM

VELIM

NUVEM

MARCAIM

Contesting from Dabolim, Jose Philip D’Souza is the NCP Goa State President.

He has served as a member of the legislative assembly from the Vasco constituency. Philip has helped in the development of infrastructure in the Vasco constituency. He plans to make improvements to the bus stand which is in need of rehabilitation. He also intends on increasing employment among Goans. His main focus will be on digital training.

Contesting from Velim, Filipe Nery is a four-time MLA. Having entered politics in 1999, he has contested from the 1999, 2002, 2007 and 2017 polls and won. he has held important minsiterial portfolios like water resources and fisheries in the government. He has also held multiple portfolis over the course of his political career like tourism, rural development, legal and metrology, weights and measures etc. A true people’s representative.

Contesting from Nuvem, Mickky Pacheco is a veteran MLA first coming into power during the 2002 assembly elections. He has presided as minister over several portfolios like tourism, sports and youth affairs, rural development, archaeology and archives etc. Mickky has contested twice from the Benaulim constituency and twice from Nuvem. Having lost out in 2017, Mickky will look to make his re-entry this time around.

Contesting from Marcaim, Ravindra Talaulikar was a junior engineer in the PWD Department. He has been in the field of social work and politics since his early teens. He joined Congress in 2021 and even served as its Seva Dal President of the Madkai block. He contested the 2012 elections from the Valpoi constituency.

Talaulikar’s plans for Marcaim is solving unemployment, 24x7 water and electricity supply, development of playground, the introductions of different schemes etc.

ADV SHANKAR PHADTE

DR SUBHASH PRABHUDESSAI

DIGVIJAY VELINGKAR

ESTEVAN BARRETO

PORVORIM

SHIRODA

PRIOL

ST ANDRE

Contesting from the Porvorim constituency, Shankar has a youthful exuberance to his charm. He plans to break the shackles of corruption and transform Porvorim. As part of his manifesto, Shankar aims to prioritise health-care infrastructure. He plans to improve on the existing facilities by installing a well equipped PHC at Porvorim.

Shankar has also kept the farmers in mind by investing in agriculture and improving the quality of farm fields. He plans to open a designated market complex for the farmers to sell their produce.

Contesting from Shiroda, Dr Subhash Prabhudessai is a well renowned medical practitioner. He is a general practitioner but is avidly adored by his patients due to his ability to counsel and treat his patients with utmost care. Dr Shubhash plans on improving medical facilities in his constituency by setting up a well-equipped PHC. He also has plans of organizing door-to-door medical camps for the old aged. Also listed on his agenda are education and transport facilities.

Digvijay is contesting from Priol constituency. He comes from a family that has done social work for more than 30 years. His father was sarpanch of Priol’s largest village for 20 years and his mother was deputy sarpanch. Digvijay is an executive member of the Goa Football Association (GFA). He himself has done social work in the field of sports and healthcare. His plans include improving employment, building a playground, improving road connectivity etc

Contesting from the St Andre constituency, Estevan is young, dynamic and passionate about change. He has witnessed first-hand how corruption among lawmakers has affected his constituency. Estevan has been in the field of social work and was actively involved in the distribution of household essentials during the pandemic lockdown. Estevan plans to improve medical facilities, public services like free legal service at every panchayat, an app where people can put forth their grievances, building a playground for the youth, etc.

DOMACIO BARRETO

XEQUE ACBAR

REHAN MUJAWAR

ALOYSIOUS D’SILVA

SANGUEM

MORMUGAO

NAVELIM

QUEPEM

Contesting from the Sanguem constituency, Domacio Barreto is the current sarpanch of the Curdi village in Sanguem Taluka. He is a commerce graduate and has been in social work for more than ten years. Domacio has been actively asking for the development of better roads, improvement of public transport and constantly criticized the ruling BJP government for its failure to provide the same. His plans are to improve basic infrastructure in the village and introduce welfare schemes.

Xeque Acbar is contesting from the Mormugao constituency. Xeque is contesting for the first time and is convinced that he can take on an arduous task of bringing in change to his constituency. Xeque is an active social worker. He has constantly criticized the BJP government for its failure to protect the minorities; and its destruction to the environment with the sanction of the three linear projects that are to pass through the Mollem National Park. Xeque plans to improve infrastructure at the Marmagao port trust and improve education and health facilities.

Contesting from Navelim, Rehan is contesting for assembly polls for the first time. He is a dedicated social worker and has stressed on the motto of helping the poor and unemployed. He took on the arduous task of going door-to-door delivering household necessities during the pandemic lockdown. Rehan aims to build high-end sports infrastructure and education for the upcoming future. He also plans on bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people addressing their grievances within 30 seconds.

Contesting from the Quepem constituency Aloysius D’Silva is an Executive Committee Member of the Maritime Seafareers Union.

He has worked professionally in the Merchant Navy and is now a real estate investor. Aloysius made his entry into the field of politics by contesting for the Municipal Elections from Quepem in 2021.

Having worked in the Merchant Navy and part of its seafarer unions, Aloysius plans to bring the state of Goa on the global maritime map. He also plans on promoting primary education and tackling issues related to employment and health.

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

T

The locals allege there here are over is lot of corruption going 31,000 voters and on in the Valpoi Municipal the total population is Council. Half of the approximately 40,000 in councillors at present in the Valpoi constituency. There council have failed to even are total five panchayats develop their own ward. and one municipality. The The standard of panchayats are Nagargao, education is also very Khotodem, Sanverdem, poor in the constituency.

Guleli and Usgao; and the There are no well equipped Vishwajit Rane Valpoi Municipal Council, MLA, Valpoi (BJP) anganwadis in the remote the lone municipality. villages.

The major issues VALPOI Sattari Taluka does in Valpoi are the land not have a college. The roads are not ownership of Alvara, Kumeri, Mokaso connected in the remote villages. In and other land rights.

Budruk Karmali village there is no In Valpoi Municipal Council proper motorable road nor is there a jurisdiction, the Children Park and the proper anganwadi.

Municipal ground is in a bad condition.

The water which is supplied to the There is no proper market in Valpoi villagers is not clean plus there are no town, and also no proper parking place. basic amenities here, making Valpoi seek Every monsoon, there is flooding in urgent attention Valpoi town.

Manisha Usgaonkar Congress

Satyavijay Naik Aam Aaadmi Party

a proper demarcation of onda is also known as parking space for vehicles ‘Antruz Mahal’ because of consumers, vendors and of the presence of numerous shop owners at these places. temples and its rich cultural There are many heritage. unemployed locals waiting For the voters, the for jobs. Bethora Industrial Ponda Sub District Hospital Estate is close to Ponda, has failed to provide however many units are non major health facilities functional. The government despite its renovation and has failed to bring new Ravi Naik reconstruction a decade MLA* Ponda (BJP) job oriented industries to ago. provide employment to Patients are referred PONDA locals, is a common lament. to GMC even for a minor Besides the above there are several ailment. In the absence of CT scan issues like need of a visionary plan to people have to go to private hospitals. revamp Ponda constituency which Another major problem faced by comprises of Ponda Municipality and the locals is shortage of parking space Curti Khandepar Panchayat. especially at the main market, State Bank Although the sitting MLA’s clout of India, the stretch from Dada Vaidya runs through the constituency, his recent Chowk to Upper Bazaar, near Almeida shift from Congress to BJP has left voters School, Varkhandem, Tisk Ponda, etc. questioning his winnability The locals of the taluka have demanded

Dr Ketan Bhatikar MG Party

In Bhoma-Adcona, riol constituency despite strong opposition is largely rural from villagers, a bioincorporating seven medical waste treatment village panchayats: Veremplant was set up. This Vaghurme, Volvoi, Betkiproject is threatening to Khandola, Querim, Veling slowly contaminate the Priol Cuncoliem, Bhomawater-bodies of the village, Adcolna and Tivremwhile untreated water Orgao, with a total of from numerous other 30,835 voters. industries get drained Govind Gaude The major issue which MLA* Priol (BJP) into the paddy fields and has remained unresolved is already contaminating is that of the communidade PRIOL the soil. Agriculture being land, which is pending for a traditional business of the villages, the last ten years. the water resource development is a Farmers of Veling are facing ample major issue faced by villagers of Priol difficulties. Lack of concrete bund constituency. forces them to build a temporary bund Priol being an area rich in agriculture of wooden blocks and tree trunks every and horticulture, a lot of useful products year. This temporary embankment can be derived from jackfruit and kokum sometimes gets washed away due to which can be exported to different parts heavy flow of water, following flooding of the country of paddy fields.

Manoj Parab Revolutionary Goans Party

P

Rajesh Verenkar Congress

P

Surel Tilve Aam Aaadmi Party

MY GOA / 10

Deepak Dhavalikar MG Party

Sandeep Nigalye Independent

Digvijay Velingkar Nationalist Congress Party

S

panchayat area. hiroda constituency in Residents of Devadde, Ponda taluka comprises Dhulpe, Makadsai, Borim, Shiroda, Bethora, Sakharwal, Paz, Dhanasade, Nirankal, and Panchawadi Torl, Udden and Chikangal panchayats. area of Paz Ward have One of the major requested government problems faced by the for installation of mobile villagers is the traffic network tower in the ward. congestion at the Shiroda Paz ward, where Bazaar, where the road is more than 2000 people are Subhash Shirodkar too narrow. At present all MLA, Shiroda (BJP) residing, which include the traffic on Sanvordem1470 voters has no mobile Shiroda-Panjim route SHIRODA connectivity.

School passes through Shiroda students have to travel 4 to 5 km away market. from their home for online classes.

Another major problem faced The nomad Vanarmare tribe,

by Shiroda locals is unemployment. originally from Maharashtra, residing Although the government has acquired at Nirankal are living a miserable life. land for industrial estate, no major efforts Locals demand that they should be either are being taken to bring employmentprovided government land for house oriented industries for the local youth. construction or should be sent back to There is also need to improve water their native place supply in some parts of Bethora, Nirankal

Mahadev Naik Aam Aadmi Party

Shailesh Naik Revolutionary Goans Party

Subhash Prabhudesai Nationalist Congress Party

11 \ MY GOA

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

T

of a public crematorium, he Marcaim while private crematoriums constituency comprises are not allowed for the six village panchayatsgeneral public.

Kavlem, Bandora, The Marcaim Primary Talaualim, Durbhat, Adpoi, Health Centre, which was Agapur, Kundaim and built twenty years ago, Marcaim, which is one of has not been upgraded or the biggest in the State. maintained.

Marcaim locals demand Pharmaceutical and that the government and other industrial units Sudin Dhavalikar communidade lands at Marcaim should be given MLA, Marcaim (MG Party) which have been set up in the village are not keen on to landless villagers on MARCAIM providing employment to priority basis, and not to the locals and have been responsible for migrants, NGOs, charitable institutions pollution and other issues. and religious mutths, who then go on The villagers at Marcaim, Kundaim to build commercial and residential face lot of hardship due to breaches in projects on these lands. bandaras, which cause flooding in the Vast tracts of land have been lost to fields and further damages paddy crops. the industrial estate. A housing scheme Besides, the roads in Marcaim need hotframed for Marcaim villagers by the mix carpeting, on an urgent basis government is biting the dust.

People face hardships in the absence

Lavoo Mamledar Congress

Sudesh Bhingi BJP

Sankalp Amonkar Congress

Sunil Loran Aam Aadmi Party

*MLA resigned

decent Kadamba Transport asco da Gama is Corporation (KTC) bus named after the stand even though the MLA Portuguese explorer who was the KTC chairman. found the sea route to Locals have been India. It is the headquarters asking for the construction of the Mormugao of a new fish market taluka (sub-district). complex, which has yet to The 1888-constructed materialise.

Mormugao Port remains a Construction of the busy shipping route in Asia.

It is one of the major ports Jose Luis Carlos Almeida Vasco fire station building, which was demolished and the ship-building area MLA* Vasco (Congress) of Goa Shipyard Limited VASCO DA GAMA more than five years ago, is delayed. that builds Indian Navy and Big projects coming up here have not Coast Guard vessels was also built there benefitted the locals much. in 1957 (during the Portuguese era).

Locals though did praise the smooth The voting population of Vasco is functioning of testing and medical 35139, out of which 18011 are males facilities and delivery of essential supplies and 17126 are females and 2 are during the first wave of covid. transgender. Vasco constituency is the The BJP’s MLA moved to the only constituency in South Goa to have Congress, after being denied ticket; and transgenders registered for voting. this has made the polls an exciting one The government has failed to build a

Saifula Khan Trinamool Congress

The closure of mining ormugao is a seaport activity has also caused city situated in the social tensions as many eponymous Morumugao youth have been retrenched Sub-District of South by various companies Goa. It has a deep natural involved in the export of harbour and is Goa’s chief iron ore. port.

Every monsoon the Though it has a major Sada residents face garbage port contributing to the menace as it is not treated growth of maritime trade properly. They also receive Milind Naik in the country, residents MLA, Mormugao (BJP) irregular water supply and vehemently oppose the coal transportation as it is MORMUGAO water is released hardly for one hour. causes pollution. They fear There is no full-fledged health centre that it could lead to health problems. and people have to visit the nearest sub The residents under the banner of hospital at Chicalim, which is about 10‘Goyant Kollso Naka,’ started a people’s km away. movement to stop coal transportation Also, the Mormugao Fort and the and laying of railway double track in Viceregal Palace situated near the Goa. The residents also complain that Harbour need urgent attention and movement of goods trains, mostly should be preserved transporting coal during night, also adds to noise pollution.

Ravindra Talaulikar Nationalist Congress Party

V

Krishna (Daji) Salkar BJP

M

Xeque Acbar Nationalist Congress Party

Paresh Toraskar Revolutionary Goans Party

D

those affiliated to the abolim is a village in church, have been vocal Mormugao. Dabolim against the ruling party for Airport, the only airport damaging the environment, in Goa, is located here. who have brought in the There are 24,087 voters in three linear projects which Dabolim, of which 12,010 will harm the biodiversity are men and 12,077 women. and environment.

Locals have said Also, the islanders that the kind of projects of St. Jacinto, who were undertaken by the current called anti-nationals for Mauvin Godinho MLA was only to please the MLA, Dabolim (BJP) not allowing the Navy to posh locality of Chicalim; hoist the Tricolour on their while the other side, New DABOLIM island during Azadi Ka Vaddem, has neither Amrit Mahotsav, were not happy with proper drainage nor water facilities. the accusations by the ruling party and People of New Vaddem still face acute their supporters. water shortage and are provided supply In a multi-cornered battle, Mauvin through water tankers.

Godinho will take on seasoned politician, The taxi association is not very happy Jose Philip D’Souza, who has moved to with the government, stating that their Dabolim, after the delimitation of some voices are not being heard by the MLA of his voters. The challenger, however, who is also the Minister for Transport. seems to Capt. Viriato of Congress The youth of Chicalim, especially

Capt Viriato Fernandes Congress

Premanand Nanoskar Aam Aadmi Party

Jose Philip D’Souza Nationalist Congress Party

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

C

Despite having approached ortalim has a little the Fisheries Department over 30,000 votes constantly and submitted and is spread out across many memorandums to the the villages of Cortalim, government, no action has Cansaulim-Arossimbeen taken.

Cuelim (CAC), VelsaoThe new Primary Pale-Issorcim (VPI) and Health Centre in Cansaulim Sancaole . is not fully equipped in A constant source terms of infrastructure of worry for the locals or personnel. In times of Alina Saldanha is that if the doubleMLA* Cortalim (AAP) emergency, people have to tracking project comes up, go to Margao or GMC. they will be forced to be CORTALIM The local taxi drivers displaced, as their houses have expressed their discontentment can be demolished. Locals say that their with the government. Drivers have said livelihoods also depend on this location. that they received no help during the There are also concerns of locals’ lockdowns and they still have not been crossing over the SWR railway tracks in able to recover from the losses they have Cansaulim to get to the other side, which suffered in the last two years. has led to accidents in the past.

The multi-cornered fight is surely at The local fishing community has BJP’s expense as they have lost the sitting also made clear their unhappiness with MLA to the Aam Aadmi Party the government for neglecting them.

Olencio Simoes Congress

Narayan Naik BJP

countries due to lack of nown as the ‘granary of job opportunities, lack of Salcette’, as agriculture proper sewage connection is the primary occupation in Rachol resulting in of the people living here. pollution of agricultural Curtorim Constituency fields, destruction of includes the four villages environment with rampant of Raia, Rachol, Curtorim, hill cutting, no proper Camorlim, besides a few educational and youth wards of Margao Municipal policies; and garbage Council. This constituency has more than 29000 voters, Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco problems.

MLA* Curtorim (Ind) Further, people of with a maximum number Curtorim have complained of female voters.

CURTORIM about lack of major projects Voters claim that which can generate employment or the government employees of this revenue to the local bodies. Football, constituency are less in number as being one of the major sports activities, compared to other constituencies in has no policy to boost players resulting Goa and parents wish that their children in youth moving out from their villages get government jobs, so that they avoid for better prospects. migrating abroad to earn their livelihood.

Aleixo Reginaldo is coming to Various issues faced by the voters terms as an independent candidate after include no proper training programmes quitting Congress and then TMC for farmers, youth migrating to foreign

Dominic Gaonkar Aam Aadmi Party

The Ambulor Lake, uvem, comprises the which is fed by streams from villages of Nuvem, the Verna plateau, which in Verna, Nagoa, Loutolim, turns empties out into the Majorda and Betalbatim, streams that feed River Sal and has an electoral base of needs to be maintained. around 28,000 voters.

In Verna, for over 15 In Nagoa villagers feel years, the farmers in Dulape the number of migrants village have been asking for has exceeded the local a road of a mere 500 metres population, which has long; the work which had Wilfred D’Sa put a major burden MLA* Nuvem (Ind) begun on the road recently on infrastructure and has been left incomplete resources as well as lack NUVEM and halted. of hygiene and improper Due to increased real estate police tenant verification. construction activity, locals say during Villagers near the industrial estate monsoons, water overflows into their have complained of dues owed by compounds. industries to the respective panchayat Part of the land that was given years bodies. ago by the communidade and farmers The bad condition of the water for a football ground for the youth bodies such as the sewage contamination is presently being used for garbage of ‘Bhokti Khanddi’ in Nuvem, is another management cause for worry.

Gilbert Rodrigues Trinamool Congress

K

Moreno Rebello Congress

N

Anthony Peixoto Trinamool Congress

MY GOA / 12

Aleixio Sequeira Congress

Jose (Raju) Cabral Trinamool Congress

Mickky Pacheco Nationalist Congress Party

F

grappling with. atorda is a suburb of The new district the city of Margao hospital and South Goa in Salcete. The Catholic Collectorate are considered Gawda community has as the major government a very large presence in services in Fatorda, but Fatorda. However, due to sadly less preference is the increasing number of given to the locals while buildings in Fatorda, the recruiting staff in the population has become district hospital. more diverse.

Residents of Madel Vijai Sardesai Voters feel that issues like the Sonsoddo dump MLA, Fatorda (Goa Forward) have pointed out to the mess at the wholesale fish yard, lack of a bus stand, FATORDA market at Madel and said wholesale fish market, nobody seems serious in resolving this few employment opportunities for the issue locals and meagre compensation to land Agricultural land has been acquired owners for parting with their land for for the truck terminus. Residents are big infrastructure projects, need to be urging the administration to return the resolved at the earliest. land back to the farmers. Marginalised Pollution caused by sewage into people are deprived of land and benefits the open fields and River Sal is a major of giving their agricultural lands for cause for worry for everybody. Roadside government projects garbage is another menace that voters are

Damodar Naik BJP

Adv Valerie Fernandes Revolutionary Goans Party

Adv Seoula Vaz Trinamool Congress

13 \ MY GOA

M

cultural events having been argao voters feel that shifted to Fatorda, this pollution caused due has made Margao lose its to sewage; stray dogs/cattle cultural pride. issues are issues to be taken The lack of seriousness care of. Encroachments on towards CCTV surveillance public places by migrants has resulted in many illegal are also a nightmare. activities.

The issue of two The legally assessed markets owned by Margao premises and legal business Municipal Council is yet establishments have to Digambar Kamat to be resolved. People are neither finding a place to MLA, Margao (Congress) bear the brunt of the rise in taxes. The hub of South park their vehicles, nor MARGAO Goa’s main bus stand is a is there a proper parking shame to Goa’s image and needs a total facility till date. overhaul.

Garbage menace is considered one of Tourism minister and Pernem MLA, the major issues of Margao constituency Babu Ajgaonkar, who fancies himself for the last several decades. People feel as the ‘King of Gandhi Market’ is the that this issue needs to be dealt with surprise challenge that BJP has thrown at seriously. former Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, Illegal businesses operating in the whose 28 years reign from Margao has heart of the town have become a thorn been unchallenged, so far in the flesh for the civic body. Major

Babu Azgaonkar BJP

Shashiraj Shirodkar Revolutionary Goans Party

that was only recently overing the villages fulfilled. of Seraulim, Colva, For years, taxi drivers Benaulim, Varca, Orlim, and their families have Carmona and Cavelossim, had to face problems with the constituency is a major app-based aggregators tourist attraction. trying to enter the market.

One of the biggest issues Their concern now is over still bothering people is the installation of taxi digital Western Bypass that begins meters at a time when in Nuvem and passes the number of tourists Churchill Alemao through Seraulim and MLA, Benaulim (TMC) has decreased due to the Benaulim to join Navelim. pandemic.

While work has almost BENAULIM While the local been completed on the fisherfolk have made requests for space Nuvem and Navelim stretches, the to park their boats, the government had, Seraulim-Benaulim stretch is in trouble earlier last year, expressed interest in with demands from locals for it to be privatising the area, a decision that has built on stilts. not gone down well with the community As far as tourism is concerned, the The Colva sewage treatment plant, need for a dedicated parking space for which was built near the football ground, the busy Benaulim and Colva beaches, is another project that has come in for as well as toilet and changing room criticism from locals facilities, was a long-pending demand

Antonio Dias Congress

Valanka Alemao Trinamool Congress

*MLA resigned

still waits commissioning. avelim is a town and The western suburb of the city bypass, garbage disposal, of Margao located in the underground cabling, Salcete sub-district. It has a unemployment, and the large parish and has played rising menace of drug a crucial rule in South addiction among the youth Goa politics. Navelim of are others issues which has been connected with are haunting the locals. some important persons The 12-bedded of Goan history, too. This Luizinho Faleiro Navelim primary health constituency has a total MLA* Navelim centre still awaits the of 28,654 eligible voters construction of phase II. including 14,141 male votes NAVELIM But the project is still to see as against 14,513 female the light of the day, while a doctor is not voters. available round the clock.

Other issues include release of The sitting MLA, Luizinho Faleiro’s untreated sewage directly into the flight from the electoral ring, into Saipem Lake, which was proposed to be the party machinations of Trinamool rejuvenated. This sewage eventually finds Congress has made the contest open its way into River Sal and the failure to for former minister Avertano Furtado complete the sewage network for the (INC), Pratima Coutinho (AAP) and remaining four villages of NavelimValanka Alemao (TMC) Telaulim, Aquem-Baixo and Davorlim

Pratima Coutinho Aam Aadmi Party

C

Lincoln Vaz Aam Aadmi Party

N

Avertano Furtado Congress

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

Venzy Viegas Aam Aadmi Party

Damodar Bandodkar BJP

C

institutions are deprived of uncolim constituency basic facilities. The National includes Cuncolim Highway passing through municipal area, Chandor, Cuncolim town is narrow, Macazana, Guirdolim, which causes traffic jams Paroda, Ambaulim and regularly. Residents believe Balli panchayat areas and if Pairaband Lake could has 29,419 voters. be developed for tourist The primary problem attraction, as it would bring the locals who live here employment opportunities is the pollution from to locals.

Clafasio Dias the Cuncolim Industrial MLA, Cuncolim (BJP) Ambaulim panchayat Estate; besides the double is hugely populated by tracking of the railway line CUNCOLIM Scheduled Tribes, but at Guirdolim. Thousands the desired benefits of Tribal Welfare of tonnes of hazardous waste is lying at Schemes are yet to reach them. the industrial estate, due to which land In Paroda panchayat, illegal hill and water gets polluted. The industrial cutting and illegal construction is a huge estate was brought in to solve the issue. unemployment problem and motivate Coal transportation via railways local businessmen but polluting and transportation of mining through industries came up instead. the village roads has been a bone of Cuncolim was announced to be contention for constituents an educational hub but educational

Yuri Alemao Congress

Dr Jorson Fernandes Trinamool Congress

Prashant Naik Aam Aadmi Party

CONSTITUENCY FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2022

V

of this constituency have elim is one of to depend on Balli PHC or the important Margao UHC. constituencies in Salcete, For law and order, the which has beautiful villages constituency depends on like Assolna, Dhramapur Cuncolim Police station. and is known as fishing Besides this, there are issues hub of South Goa, having of migrant labourers; and the largest fishing jetty, lack of sanitation facility at Cutbona. the jetty.

Currently there are Due to lack of market, Filipe Nery Rodrigues 31,346 registered voters out MLA* Velim (NCP) fish and vegetable vendors of which 16,526 are female are seen sitting in a small voters and 14,827 male VELIM place and also on the voters. roadside.

People want sustainable development It has been more than decade since without damaging the natural heritage of Chinchinim villagers are waiting to see the constituency. the much awaited multipurpose complex.

The River Sal which is the lifeline But this has also failed to materialise. of Chinchinim, Assolna and Velim Issues like proper sports grounds, scrap villages, is polluted due to untreated yard, upgradation of industrial estate and sewage and is the main issue which the setting up food processing units are still constituents want to be resolved. Next pending and need to be addressed key issue is lack of heath facilities. People

Benjamin Silva Trinamool Congress

Savio D’Silva Congress

health and educational urchorem is part of facilities and employment the Quepem Taluka opportunities. and is a twin town with The textile factory at Sanvordem, both located Tilamol was abandoned by on either side of the Zuari the management and no River. The town is divided initiative has been taken to into 13 wards and is the hub revive it. There are no small of the mining industry. scale industries which can The major issue in provide jobs to the locals. this town is the lack of Sports and educational Nilesh Cabral parking space in the MLA, Curchorem (BJP) infrastructure are severely Curchorem market. More than 20 years ago, land CURCHOREM lacking which results in locals and children having was acquired for parking to travel long distances to avail these purposes and extension of the public facilities. garden besides another piece of land to The newly-constructed building for construct a market complex including the Primary Health Centre has yet to fish market and Kadamba Bus Stand; start functioning fully with all medical but an administrative building of the requirements. municipality has come up in the land The government’s efforts to restart which was acquired for parking. Other mining have come to naught and has issues plaguing this town include lack of angered the local populace sports infrastructure, a proper bus stand,

Vipin Naik Revolutionary Goans Party

people face is the present uepem is an bridge, which villagers administrative consider unsafe. The village region of Goa, having of Khola being dependent two sub-towns which are on tourism, there is no Curchorem-Cacora and empowerment for locals Quepem, one town called as there are many youth Xeldem and 35 villages. without jobs; and the lack This constituency needs of internal village transport basic facilities, especially is a hindrance to the locals. in remote villages, where The people in Barcem Babu Kavlekar people live without regular MLA, Quepem (BJP) have to travel through water supply, electricity, a jungle road and have proper sanitation, QUEPEM faced animal attacks, while connectivity and jobs. also having issues with electricity and Medical facilities are also lacking water supply. The Quepem market for people of remote villages who have has no CCTV cameras which have to travel long distances for treatment of led to incidences of robbery and theft. any major illnesses and maternity needs.

Residents have also complained about Also known as a mining area, delays the lack of educational facilities at the in restarting mining are affecting the government schools and the problems of people who are rendered jobless and are connectivity faced in remote areas, when facing issues in feeding their families. it comes to online classes At Avadem, the main concern that

Cruz Silva Aam Aadmi Party

C

Amit Patkar Congress

Q

Gabriel Fernandes Aam Aadmi Party

MY GOA / 14

Raul Pereira Aam Aadmi Party

Altone D’Costa Congress

Aloysious D’Silva Nationalist Congress Party

S

Another important anvordem is located contribution is the near Shiroda. Out of the upgradation of playgrounds seven panchayats, Dabalin panchayat areas and Kirlapal, Sanvordem and that of government Dharbandora panchayats primary schools. Also the account for 5,000-plus government has proposed voters, each followed by the construction and Collem panchayat with beautification of the road 4,633 voters, Sacorda 3,410 from Collem to Dudhsagar, voters, Kalay 3,447 voters which will also be an Deepak Pauskar and Mollem 2,140 voters.

MLA* Savordem (Ind) important tourist centre.

The issue of drinking Sanvordem being the water shortage and general SANVORDEM hub of mining activities, developmental works are the closure of the industry has hit the the main issues that worry the voters locals very hard and has resulted in loss of this constituency, along with loss of of livelihoods. livelihoods of mining dependants, as Important landmarks here include the well as the lack of a mining bypass road.

Dudhsagar waterfall, the Government The government though is responsible agriculture farm and Kalay, which locals for the construction of a multipurpose feel will help promote tourism if the sports complex at Anandwadigovernment goes about it in the right Sanvordem and beautification of Kapxem way to Sanvordem Tisk road.

Ganesh Gaonkar BJP

Anil Gaonkar Aam Aadmi Party

Aditya Dessai Revolutionary Goans Party

15 \ MY GOA

M

aria Aurora Couto was a writer and educator; best known for her book Goa: A Daughter’s Story and for promoting literature and ideas within Goa and beyond. In addition to her books, she wrote for newspapers and magazines, and also taught English literature at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi and Dhempe College, Panaji. She also helped start the DD Kosambi Festival of Ideas in 2008. Her late husband, Alban Couto, was a key administrator in Goa after liberation and they lived in the north Goan village of Aldona. Couto passed away due to pneumonia on 14th January 2022 at the age of 84.

Couto was born in Salcete in South Goa on 22nd August 1937 to António Caetano Francisco (Chico) de Figueiredo and Maria Quitéria Filomena Borges. She moved as a child to the city of Dharwad, then in the Mysore state, and a centre of education and opportunity for Goans, with her parents and six siblings. She studied at the St. Joseph’s High School and later studied English literature at Karnatak University. She later completed her PhD in literature studying religious humanism in the works of François Mauriac.

Couto married an Indian civil administrator of Goan origin, Alban Couto (Albano Francisco Couto) in 1961. She moved along with her husband spending time in different parts of India,

Remembering the Grand Dame of Literature

Maria Aurora Couto’s passing has ended a literary era for Goa. Writer, teacher, guide and mentor of the D.D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas, she led her life with grace and charm of the old world kind as well as abroad and later returned to shape the literature of the region in her later years. Her husband belonged to the Indian Administrative Service. She met him in Mumbai and they had three children together. Due to the nature of his work, they would travel and stay across the country. They almost settled in Chennai, before finally choosing to live in Aldona, Goa in his ancestral house.

Albano Couto passed away in June 2009.

Couto’s writing career began with her 1988 book about English author and literary critic, Graham Greene’s works, Graham Greene: On the Frontier, Politics and Religion in the Novels. She had met the writer earlier during his visit to Goa in 1963. Her book, Goa: A Daughter’s Story, published in 2004, covers the history of Goa in addition to being an autobiography. The book discusses Goa, from the prehistoric times to its Portuguese colonialism to its liberation and subsequent loss of culture. In 2014, Couto released her book Filomena’s Journeys, which elaborates on the life of her mother, Filomena Borges, covering

S

Subhash Phaldesai BJP

Domacio Barreto Nationalist Congress Party

*MLA resigned

constituency and provides anguem comprises water for potable use, as well seven village panchayats as agricultural purposes to namely Uguem, Vaddem, South Goa and some parts Bhati, Netravli, Rivona, of North Goa. However, Molcornem and Kavremthe successive governments Pirla and a Sanguem have failed to lay the water municipal council. supply pipelines in many Despite being one of the villages of Sanguem. most revenue generating People from Vaddem talukas in terms of iron and the neighbouring Prasad Gaonkar ore mining resources and providing water supply MLA* Sanguem (Congress) villages of Sanguem who sacrificed their land for the to most parts of Goa, the SANGUEM Salaulim Dam project were voters of Sanguem feel allotted plots by the government. The that the successive governments have issue of granting status of these plots neglected them and failed to provide the from Class-II to Class-I had remained due funds for the development of the pending for the last four decades. In constituency.

2019, efforts were made by the MLA and After mining operations came to a he succeeded in completing the process. standstill, the mining dependents have However, it is learnt that the file is been struggling for livelihood. pending at the Chief Minister’s office for Salaulim dam, the biggest water final approval for the last eight months reservoir, is situated in Sanguem

Savitri Kavlekar Independent

TRIBUTE

FEBRUARY 2022

Maria Aurora Couto ‘Goa’s dying Catholic elite, as it shows the shift of society and culture in Goa. She translated A.B. Braganza Pereira’s Ethnography of Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese. The Alban Couto Community Library was initiated with the imagination of having a library space in the village of Aldona, inclusive and open to anyone who would like to access a good collection of books and engage with the library more deeply. This library program was supported by Couto who had generously contributed and urged contributions towards the development

of a good library program in the village.

Couto went on to teach English literature in colleges such as Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi and Dhempe College, Panaji and also contributed to periodicals in India and the United Kingdom. As the Chairperson of the DD Kosambi Centenary Committee in 2008, Couto helped initiate the ‘DD Kosambi Festival of Ideas’, a lecture series sponsored by Goa’s Department of Art & Culture. Couto has also been actively involved with the Goa University.

Couto was passionate about the environment, speaking out about environmental issues and on various social justice causes pertaining to Goa. She spoke against vandalism targeted at Catholic institutions in Southern Goa in 2017. She was also a supporter of the Goenchi Mati Movement, a people’s movement that protested the mining activities in Goa. Couto was amongst writers who asked the Sahitya Akademi to condemn actions including the M. M. Kalburgi killing and other violence in the country in 2015.

Couto was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2010.

Couto lit up the lives and opened up the minds of all those who were fortunate enough to have come in contact with her.

In her character and personality, Couto blended the best of Goa, India and the world

K

residents from Canacona nown for some of the have been dealing with acclaimed beaches serious kidney ailments like Palolem and Agonda, due to the untreated the people of Canacona and contaminated water constituency are fighting released to them for for basic facilities even drinking purpose. The though Goa was liberated residents of Canacona 60 years back. The residents complain about inadequate of Nandker, Keri, Marlem water supply and frequent and Tirwal had earlier power cuts.

During Isidore Fernandes boycotted Zilla Panchayat MLA* Canacona (Ind) monsoon, the residents are elections for similar forced to go without water reasons.

CANACONA and electricity for threeTribals are yet to get four days at a stretch. The residents their rights under the Forest Rights are forced to go to Margao or GMC or claims. private hospitals in case of emergencies, Residents of Keri, Kuskem, as well as for minor treatments like Nandker and Bhatpal had submitted fractures. Tourism has been one of memorandums to the successive MLAs the major sources of livelihood for the and government to exclude their areas people of Palolem and Agonda but locals from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, so that complain of unorganised tourism sector they can live life without any restrictions. that lacks basic facilities Over the last couple of decades, the

Vijay Pai Khot Independent

Janardan Bhandari Congress

Ramesh Tawadkar BJP

SPORT & LEISURE

FEBRUARY 2022

MY GOA / 16

PRESCON WINS INAUGURAL PANJIM GYMKHANA LEAGUE Prescon Panthers have been crowned champions of the inaugural Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML) after a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Dempo Challengers at the Bandodkar stadium, Campal on 30th January.

Chasing a modest total of 116, Prescon Panthers were made to sweat to achieve 117/5 in 19.3 overs in a tense finish. Allrounder Buddhadev Mangaldas

was named ‘man of the final’ for a crucial role with the bat in a low-scoring encounter. Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of other dignitaries.

Prescon looked in control throughout, but failed to get the forceful shots at will and as such, progressed slowly thus keeping Dempo Challengers in the game.

Swayam Naik, with 31 runs in 26 balls, was the top scorer. Opening pair of Prajyot Rivonker and Prashant Pangam scored 15 runs each. However, Prashant was too far behind with his strike rate, and Prescon required some aggressive tactics before it got to a high-pressure situation.

It required Mangaldas to come out with big hits and he delivered in his 15-ball stay at the crease, hitting two sixers in his cameo of 24 runs, to get the required runs to a runa-ball situation. Iftikar Agha

contributed 12 runs and Prescon scored a deserving triumph, having played a consistent brand of cricket across the PGML. Earlier on winning the toss, Dempo Challengers failed to put up a decent batting performance and were bowled out for a below-par 116 in 19.4 overs.

Dempo’s marquee player Aryan Mashelkar was the top scorer with 25 runs off 28 balls.

He applied himself and played steadily as wickets fell around him. His innings contained two welcome boundaries as runs were hard to come by in the wake of disciplined bowling performance by the Panthers.

Kiran Shirwaikar (12) hit the only sixer of their inning, but he failed to bat responsibly as he had done in the Qualifier 2 with a man of the match performance.

“The league brought together cricket loving members of Panjim’s premier club,” said Manoj Caculo, president of Panjim Gymkhana

CARNAVAL FROM FEB 26TH

PANAJI (26 FEB) MARGAO (27 FEB) VASCO (28 FEB) MAPUSA (1 MARCH)

Goa government will organise Carnaval in the state from February 26, beginning with a float parade in Panaji, which will be held following covid protocols and the model code of conduct.

Commercial floats or floats on commercial themes will not be allowed.

After the Panaji parade, Carnaval will be held in Margao on February 27, followed by Vasco on February 28 and Mapusa on March 1.

This year float parades have been limited to these four main towns as requests have not been received from municipal councils in other towns. Organisers have said

it makes more sense to have parades at just the four main towns as celebrations have to be concluded within four days and if parades are held at more places then they will have to be held at two towns simultaneously.

The parades are held with the assistance of the respective municipal councils.

The Tourism Department will give Panaji, Margao and Vasco `20 lakh each as infrastructure assistance, whereas Mapusa will be given `15 lakh. Prize money for each town has been fixed at `7.5 lakhs. The Department will shortly advertise seeking applications to choose a King Momo to symbolically kickstart the festive period