Drug manufacturers adopting anti-consumer practice of inducing 15 tablets per strip,cautions RTI activist

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,September 27-It has been observed that gradually drug-manufacturers in India have started introducing 15 tablets or capsules per strip rather than usual 10 just to mint extra money and profit. 

Veteran Right to Information activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal says that usually chemists sell complete strip of the medicine rather than cutting the strip for wanted less tablets. Rest of the tablets or capsules after taking the prescribed dose for limited days practically becomes a total waste for consumers. 

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (Union Ministry of Petro Chemicals) should regulate packing-formula in true metric spirit by ensuring pack of medicines in packs of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000 tablets, capsules or millilitres and,thereafter, in multiples of 1000. 

Exemption from such packing-formula may be sought from regulatory authority for dose-wise administration. This will also prevent another anti-consumer practice of some commonly advertised medicines like cough lozenges being packed in strips of eight because consumers usually judge price of such medicines per strip without realising that the strip has less number of lozenges than usual ten.

Drug-manufacturers should also be directed to print front side of strips in a manner that name of the medicine appears on each of the tablet or capsule may be by having a background print with name of medicine printed all over the strip with other details like composition overprinted on the strip. Likewise manufacturing and expiry dates should be printed repeatedly all over the back side of the strip. There must be some maximum overall trade-margin on all medicines including both generic and branded medicines. Presently there is a very big loot even in wholesale sale of generic medicines where generic medicines have Maximum-Retail-Price (MRP) which is at times ten times more the distributor-price, says Mr. Agrawal.(eom)

 

 

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav : Exclusive women's RideKashmir

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,September 10- An exclusive all women Cycle expedition is being organised by Indian Army in which over 100 women are participating. 

This is for the first time that an expedition of such magnitude is being organised in Kashmir. The expedition is being done with an aim of Celebration of 75 yrs of independence and express solidarity with men in uniform, and promoting Women Empowerment . 

Women not only from Kashmir but from all the parts of the country are taking part in it. The 65- km long expedition will start off from Baramulla and end at LoC Kaman Aman Setu Uri. 

The flagging off ceremony will be done by known fitness enthusiasts and Iron Man Winner Milind Soman and Pinkathon Ambassador Ankita Konwar. Major Arpita Dwivedi who is presently posted in Jammu is also among the cycle enthusiasts who is taking part in the event. Along with her Ms Preeti Maske first women cyclist from Pune to complete 6000km golden quadrilateral in 24 days, Capt Manjula Katoch (Retd) one of the pinkathon ambassador in delhi, Shimpy Bajwa a certified triathlete, 74-yr old Ms Nirupama Bhave who has been cycling for last 20 yrs, 16-yr old Baramulla girl Anush and Preety, Rohini, Ananya,to name a few among the expeditioners.

Major Arpita Dwivedi says,"It will not only showcase solidarity with men in uniform but will also encourage fitness by picking up cycling as a hobby for women of all ages. Cycling is not only a great way to maint fitness but our contribution to world to curb global warming."

 

Crime against women is rising while agencies to tackle that are ineffective,warn Goa women's collectives&civil society groups

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,August 30- A meeting of organisations and individuals working on crimes against women held to take stock of the unabated crimes against women on Thursday here took note of the brazen multiple violence against women in public places indicating that safety in public spaces for women has collapsed. 

Assault, rape, kidnapping, murder has become a norm. Government institutions monitoring crimes know that most attacks are pre planned. That group of men prowl at beaches, public gardens and attack young people in relationships meeting outdoors, blackmail them resulting in heinous acts. The government has failed to take responsibility of maintaining law and order in public spaces. 

With public uproar, while some cases get highlighted, many especially those taking place at homes and workplaces go unregistered.

Absence of quick action has resulted in the eroding of trust and fear of the law, which has encouraged crimes. Women’s right to work, pursue education, creative pursuits have been affected. Restrictions are being put on her instead of the perpetrators who roam freely.

The meeting critiqued the inadequate response at the police stations and condemned the mental violence inflicted on complainants and their families with their patriarchal attitudes by police in some instances, victim blaming, admonishing and even vulgar behavior amounting to sexual harassment.

Taking stock of the functioning of various systems meant to address crimes against women, there was a common refrain that the agencies have been inept and not forthcoming to address the challenges women face to get justice.

The government has not provided adequate infrastructure, personnel and budget to strengthen the redressal mechanisms. Protection officers with independent charge under Domestic Violence Act, full-fledged forensic laboratory, has been a demand for several years which has not been fullfilled. Mandatory functions under various Acts are just not taking place. 

Free legal aid lawyers demand money and poor vulnerable sections are put to further trauma.

Accountability of institutions and audit was lacking besides gender sensitivity.

It was decided to meet various authorities flagging out the issues that need redressal. 

A meeting of complainants will be held to bring forth the ordeal and injustice in the public domain and demand justice.

The organisations included Arz, Bailancho Saad, Goa Domestic Workers Forum,  Human Rights Law Network, Presentation society, Saad Aangan, The Muslim Women’s Association among others,said  Ms. Sabina Martins on behalf of  the organisations which participated.(eom)

Women's collective says early action was lacking in teen's suspicious death case in North Goa

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,August 16-- The Bailancho Saad,women's collective met the family members of the Nachinola girl(North Goa) who was found dead in suspicious circumstances on Calangute beach and extended support to fight for speedy investigation s and justice .

Bailancho Saad states that early action was lacking in this case when missing report was filed. Any report of missing girl  needs proactive response  by the police.It is only when the parents have exhausted their search at possible places, that they report to police. Early action was lacking in this case.

The police have made public the contents of the post mortem report but the family is yet to get a copy to match the medical report with circumstantial evidence.

Bailancho Saad has assured to pursue the matter to get the medical report.

The women's collective strongly condemns the circulation of semi nude photos of the girl in social media.

"While circulation of such photos are against the law related to sexual offences, even otherwise it violates the dignity of women and is violation of human rights.,"said Sabina Martin's,coordinator of Bailancho Saad, on Monday.

Voyeurism is a crime under section 354 C of IPC and the jail term is 3 years for the first time offence and upto 7 years for subsequent second or third time,she warned.

She said that this incident brings to the fore the way complainants and their families are treated at police stations when they go to report crimes against women. The police makes accusatory and derogatory comments which are offensive and further traumatise the complainants. It does not inspire confidence in police.

Bailancho Saad demands timely collection of evidence and  speedy investigation.The family is receiving information and clues from public which should be pursued.

The family has appealed for support and requests the public to join the protest on 16th August 21 at 5pm at Aldona in North Goa.

Bailancho Saad will join the protest and will also hold protests to demand justice in all the cases of crimes against women which are increasing day by day, stated Ms. Martin's.(eom)

Abolish immunity for all legislative activities done or said during House-proceedings: RTI activist Agrawal

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, August 13- Right to Information(RTI) veteran activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal has demanded that impunity  for all legislative activities done or said during House-proceedings be abolished to check on wastage of precious time of Parliament and State-Assemblies by usual disruptions,din leading to causing frequent adjournments of proceedings. 

Referring to sudden end of monsoon session of Parliament two days before the scheduled end because of high-level and unprecedented disruption in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for which Central government and opposition are blaming each other,Mr. Agrawal said on Friday that now since Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV are going to be merged, CCTV-footage will be the only proof available for knowing the truth. Perhaps it was for first time that eight Union Ministers had to appear before media on 12.08.2021 with TV footage to give clarification on allegations levelled by opposition parties.

It is not the first time that such unruly behavior of Parliamentarians was witnessed during Parliamentary proceedings. Much-awaited Women-Reservation-Bill could not be passed in midnight session of Rajya Sabha despite three-fourth majority of Parliamentarians in support only because of tearing the bill by a member. Rajasthan assembly witnessed slipper-throw on 29.08.2011. Earlier also such unruly activities including even bloodbaths and trying to hurt Speaker have been there in other state-assemblies like Tamilnadu, Bihar, UP etc.  

If such immunity continues, day may not be far when quarrels between members may even turn fatal,cautioned veteran RTI activist. Chairpersons and House-committees are often soft in action against unruly behaviour of members. Abolishing immunity will also have a check on wastage of precious time of Parliament and state-assemblies by usual disruptions causing adjournments of proceedings. 

It may be recalled even Supreme Court acquitted Parliamentarians involved in infamous JMM-bribery case because bribed act of Parliamentarians (to vote for Narsimha Rao government) was considered immunized being the act done during Lok Sabha proceedings. Immunity makes Parliamentarians pass undignified remarks against normal citizens when a member in Rajya Sabha called RTI applicant having sought details of subsidy in Parliamentary canteens as black-mailer,said Mr. Agrawal.(eom).

 

ACTION DEMANDED FROM GOVERNOR OVER LOKAYUKTA REPORT ON INACTION BY CM AGAINST GOA MLA PANDURANG MADKAIKAR

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, July 30- Activist lawyer Rodrigues on Friday called on Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai at Raj Bhavan  near here and had further discussion with him on the Special Report sent last month by Goa Lokayukta Justice Ambadas Joshi over the decision of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant not to register an F.I.R against former BJP Minister and Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar in the disproportionate assets case. Adv. Rodrigues had last Friday met Governor Pillai and sought his intervention in the matter.

Adv. Rodrigues today drew Governor Pillai’s attention once again that that the Government by not registering the F.I.R as directed by the Lokayukta was in contempt of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Lalita Kumari case which laid down the law on the issue of registration of an F.I.R.

He also pointed out to the Governor that the Chief Minister declining to comply with the Lokayukta’s directive without giving any reasons or justification was unacceptable and untenable in law.

Adv. Rodrigues has expressed confidence that Governor Pillai would duly act on the Lokayukta’s report strictly in accordance with law.

In a Special report sent on 23rd June last year to the Governor under Section 16 (3) of the Lokayukta Act, the Lokayukta while seeking action as deemed appropriate drew the attention of the Governor that Chief Minister had not given reasons or justification for not accepting the report of the Lokayukta which had directed that an F.I.R be registered against MLA Madkaikar on the basis of the complaint filed by Adv. Rodrigues in the disproportionate assets case.

While directing the Chief Secretary and the ACB to register an F.I.R against Madkaikar,the then Lokayukta Justice P.K. Misra on 15th September last year in his 15 page order also observed that the then Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma and the former Superintendent of Police of Goa Anti- Corruption Branch (ACB) Priyanka Kashyap had entirely failed in discharging their duty in accordance with law.

While stating that appropriate punishment was required to be imposed on SP Kashyap, the Lokayukta directed that suo motu proceedings be initiated against her for gross dereliction of duty.

Justice Misra in his order while censuring then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and former Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma besides then SP of ACB Priyanka Kashyap for their mishandling of the disproportionate assets case against Madkaikar had observed that they had shirked and shied away from their responsibility by not registering an F.I.R and not conducting an investigation against Madkaikar.

After holding a preliminary inquiry into the complaint filed by Adv. Rodrigues, the Lokayukta in his order held that reasonable grounds exist for conducting a detailed investigation while also observing that after going through all the material on record it could not be said that the complaint filed by Adv. Rodrigues against Madkaikar was frivolous or vexatious.

Adv. Rodrigues on 7th June 2018 had filed a complaint with the Lokayukta over the inaction of the ACB in probing the complaint filed by him against Madkaikar. Pointing out that Pandurang Madkaikar’s Nikitasha Realtors Pvt Ltd had on 1st April 2017 inaugurated a huge palacial bungalow at Old Goa estimated to have cost around a whopping 200 crores, Adv. Rodrigues in his complaint had demanded that the ACB register an FIR under Sections 13(1) (d) & (e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and Section 120-B of Indian Penal Code against Madkaikar and his wife Janita Madkaikar,the Sarpanch of Old Goa  in North Goa and to speedily investigate the case.(eom)

Goa Govt's proposed Mineral Dev Corporation will work effectively for people provided it is run by professional Board of Directors:Goa Foundation on bill tabled in Goa Assembly

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,July 30- The Goa Foundation,Goa green NGO has said that the proposed State Mineral Development Corporstion as per the bill Introduced in the Goa Assembly on Friday for purpose of managing the major mineral mining will fail to achieve public purpose if it is flooded with political directors and headed by Chief Minister, as envisaged.

In its comments, the Goa Foundation(GF) stated that the features of the new Bill are routine and unexceptional. The Government could have involved itself in a more creative and imaginative enterprise. Instead, it has largely copied from existing Acts governing other public sector undertakings(PSUs). When dealing with mineral resources belonging to the people of the State, definitely a corporation with a different character would have been preferred.

Nevertheless, the Goa Foundation, which hasn't been crusading for environmentally conscious mining has congratulated the Goa Government for introducing the bill, considering that the idea was opposed tooth and nail by the mining lobby.

Several other States in India have Mineral Development Corporations. The sorry conduct of a mining industry wholly in private hands in the state, condemned and deplored by several judgements of the High Court and Supreme Court, and investigated by reports of the Justice Shah Commission of Inquiry and the Central Empowered Committee have paradoxically moved the Government to revert from private mining to public sector mining.

The present Board of Directors, as constituted, will ensure the corporation does not run efficiently. Chief Minister as Chairman is a bad idea, not only because of conflicts of interest, but also because the Corporation needs professional people to run it and not politicians. The said corporation must be a professionally run corporation. Reliance on only political appointees and politicians will surely ensure it runs fairly soon into the ground.

What is required, once the corporation becomes a fact, is for the Government to pass an order reserving all mining in the State to the corporation.

"We remind the present BJP government that the present Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, had issued an order reserving all bauxite mining in Gujarat for exploitation only by PSUs. A similar order is required for Goa as well under Section 17A of the MMDR Act, 1957. This will eliminate the need for the State Mineral Development corporation to obtain leases located in Goa through auction, as it can get them directly from the State government," said Dr.Claude Alvarrs,Director, Goa Foundation.

We also recommend that the GMDC commence its innings by first recruiting all employees and workers of the mining industry that has been irrevocably shut down by a series of Supreme Court orders. These employees and workers not only need the employment, they are the persons fully competent to advise and manage mining in the State, as they performed this job when working with private companies earlier,urged Goa Foundation.

It further recommend that now that the Corporation is being set up, the Directorate of Mines & Geology should be permanently wound up. This department has been wholly compromised. It has shown that it cannot operate except as an employee of the erstwhile mining lobby. It has acted wholly irresponsibly in the management of Goa’s mineral ore wealth. Though appointed as watchman over the mineral resources, it has colluded instead with the thieves. The public has lost faith,remarked Goa Foundation.

Goa Foundation believes that as per the Goa Mineral Policy of 2013, no fresh extraction be permitted until and unless all the damages wrought at the hands of the private mining industry be repaired, lands, fields and rivers desilted and rehabilitated, all existing illegal dumps placed outside lease boundaries are removed and returned to mining pits. Any saleable dumps mined under mining leases, ECs, short term raising contracts can be sold to raise needed resources. 

In 2013, then Chief Minister late Mr. Manohar Parrikar estimated that 20% of the 750 million tons of dumps, i.e., 150 million tons, is saleable. This will not only remove a continuing source of pollution of our rivers and streams, it will make large tracts of land available for agriculture as well, while creating jobs and income for the mining dependent. The sums received in exchange for selling the saleable dump ore could be sequestered in the Goa Iron Ore Permanent Fund for our children to inherit, said Dr. Alvares.(eom)

Is Goa Government sensitive to the woes of People with Disability:DRAG

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, July 18- The Disability Rights Association of Goa(DRAG), NGO of persons with disability,which works for persons with disability has indignantly asked Goa State to shut down offices of State Disability Commissioner and Special Cell for the Empowerment of persons with disability

Here is its latest letter addressed to Goa Chief Secretary Parimal Rai,with copies marked to various concerned departments and authorities:

Re: Demand to shut down offices of State Disability Commissioner and Special Cell for the Empowerment of persons with disability

Disability Rights Association of Goa is a disabled peoples organization started 17 years ago by people with disability with the main objective of bringing people with disability into the mainstream society.

We demand that the State Government shuts down the offices of State Disability Commissioner and the Special Cell for the Empowerment of Persons with Disability in Goa with immediate effect as the state government departments are not implementing the orders of the part time State Disability Commissioner and the circulars of the Special Cell of the Empowerment of Persons with Disability neither is the State Government serious in appointing a full time State Disability Commissioner nor is it interested in giving persons with disability their dues as mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016. We make this demand as we see no point in wasting tax payer’s money in continuing these offices in view of the above.

We give herebelow few instances to support our demand

1.      The part time state disability commissioner in January 2021 after one year of hearings had passed an order to promote a person with disability in the Directorate of Animal Husbandry. However even after six months have passed the order is not yet implemented by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry.

2.      The Ministry of Personnel Govt. of India more than a year ago had exempted persons with disability from attending office due to COVID 19 due to their vulnerability to the virus. The State Government notified the same only a month ago after representation from persons with disability. However till date many persons with disability are not getting the exemption as many government departments claim to have not received the circular.

3.      The State Government in 2017 notified the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 wherein the number of disabilities increased from 7 to 21. However even though 4 years have passed 10 disabilities are not yet being certified in Goa due to absence of medical board thereby denying around 2000 people with disability in Goa social and educational benefits.

4.      The State Government in 2014 had issued circular that persons with disability should be posted near their place of residence. However even after 7 years persons with disability in Goa have to run from pillar to post to cancel their transfers in violation of the above.

5.      The State Disability Commissioner in 2004 had directed that all government offices should be accessible for people with disability as mandated under Persons with Disability Act 1995 and all public functions should be held in accessible places. However till date even though 17 years have passed 90% of government offices are not accessible for people with disability and many offices do not even have an accessible toilet for their employees with disability.

6.      State Government Departments are not implementing reservations in promotion for people with disability inspite of supreme court order dated March 2020.

7.      People with disability have not received Dayanand Social Security Scheme for the last 2 months despite undertaking to High Court of Bombay at Panaji.

We hope you will accede to our above demands and oblige at the earliest.

Thanking you in anticipation

Yours truly

Avelino de Sa

PRESIDENT

DISABILITY RIGHTS ASSOCIATION OF GOA

Drishti,Goa beach safety body issues advisory: Stay away from rocky areas and cliffs;avoid venturing into sea

Prajash Kamat

Panaji,Jult 8- The Drishti,Goa government appointed life saving agency has issued an advisory of safety measures to people going to beaches in Goa during present monsoon times.

The advisory come in the wake of unfortunate incidents which took place last week where a young boy slipped from a dangerous cliff at Cabo da Rama fort when attempting to take a selfie. Last weekend two young males succumbed to the rough sea at Utorda when they ventured into the rough sea for a swim despite warnings from lifesavers and red flags posted on the beaches.

Drishti has advised beach goers to stay away from rocky areas and cliffs along the coastline. The rocks are very slippery during monsoon season and also wave height, intensity and frequencies are very high and one can easily get washed out.

In unfortunate and tragic incidents which took place last week,a young boy slipped from a dangerous cliff at Cabo da Rama fort in South coastal Goa when attempting to take a selfie. Last weekend two young males succumbed to the rough sea at Utorda when they ventured into the rough sea for a swim despite warnings from lifesavers and red flags posted on the beaches.  

The State has been lifting curfew and opening up activities across Goa. After having been confined indoors for several weeks, residents of the State and tourists have been heading to the beaches along the coast.  

“It has been observed that there has been a spike in visitors to the beaches along the coast. A number of visitors are scaling rocky area and cliff tops in an attempt to get photographs to share on their social media profiles. In an unfortunate incident which took place earlier last week a young man had scaled the rocky hill at Cabo da Rama fort and slipped into the waters when attempting to take a selfie from a dangerous edge. At Utorda two young males lost their lived to the rough sea. Such incidents are heart-breaking. Many of the images and videos posted online are located at extremely dangerous locations amidst steep rocks with jagged edges, areas with loose rocks and locations prone to rip currents and fierce waves. Many such locations are at beaches which are unmanned by lifeguards. This poses a serious threat to visitors.” explained Navin Awasthi, Operations Head, Drishti Marine.

 
He said, “The monsoons are on in Goa. Visitors to the beach are advised to not enter the sea as the sea conditions in the monsoons are extremely rough with fierce underwater currents.”
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and falls from slippery and rocky areas along the coastline; Drishti Marine had previously identified unsafe zones which are strictly no-selfie zones. Appropriate signage boards continue to be posted at these spots along the coast.

Red flags are put up on all beaches marking them as strictly no-swim zones.(eom)

Goa lacking a scientific and fair policy to ensure that seaweed was not over-exploited: GABRIELLA D'CRUZ

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,July 5- Goa has rich potential for cultivating seaweed along its coast.  But it also urgently needs to take care of its coastal water quality and ensure the sector is smartly regulated to avoid excessive exploitation.

Young marine conservationist Gabriella D'Cruz, who has a Master's in biodiversity from Oxford, said this at a seminar on seaweed organised by the Collaborative Learning Cafe-Goa.  D'Cruz has also worked to restore reefs in Thailand and has spent 4-5 years on seaweed.

Tamil Nadu's Gulf of Mannar national park has a huge seaweed industry.  India seaweed mainly comes from TN and Gujarat, and a little from Maharashtra.  But Indian operations of harvesting are "quite unsustainable", she said and added that the sector employs many women often under trying conditions.

"Most of us don't think we've eaten seaweed, yet we consume it almost every day," she explained.  "Carrageenan is a seaweed-based gel used in your toothpaste.  Next time you're brushing your teeth or eating ice cream, remember you're using or eating a product with seaweed," she added.

It goes into making gels or agar-agar China grass, toothpaste, pastes, ice-cream, certain alcohols and is a vegetarian gelling agent.

Goa has 145 species of seaweed, and India, around 800.  Even Baga has a lot of marine life "not just tourists", she said.

She spoke about identifying seaweed, its reproducing, seaweed not needing any land or fertilizer to grow, and it being the "most climate-smart algae".  "You need open ocean and sunlight, and we have a lot of that in Goa," she added.

"Besides overseas, India is a growing market -- the beauty industry, organic food, and seaweed as a biofertilizer (as done in Goa too earlier)," she said.  Farming seaweed is much like farming land, but with different skills.  It can be harvested in six months, and grown on rafts.  Goa has potential given its 100 km coastline, D'Cruz noted.

She voiced concern about Goa lacking a scientific and fair policy to ensure that seaweed was not over-exploited.  "There is no clarity on the paperwork required, no information on whom to contact, and no understanding on where along the coast you are allowed to grow seaweed," she said.

Integrated farming between mussels (xinnanio) and seaweed could work well in Goa or with fish farms and shrimp farms.  "Seafood is so important for our local culture, and for tourism," she noted.  Seaweed is "very regenerative, as it acts as a breeding ground for marine life, captures carbon and is very planet-smart," she said.

She advocated working closely with coastal communities, ensuring coastal waters are clean ("Goa actually has very poor water quality, with a lot of e-coli and pollutants coming in"), and bridging the "huge gap in policy".

She said she was "very excited" to try out the field, though it was a "very slow process".  Other countries' experiences need to be learned from, over nutritious food products and superfoods.

D'Cruz ended her session with a detailed Q&A on training available, traditional seaweed recipes (Goa lacks these), why the Goan fish-based cuisine matches seaweed, salinity levels needed to grow seaweed, how it gets affected by pollutants, and which seaweed markets pay more.

She appreciated work in this field by others like SXC-Mapusa Prof Dr Maria Fonseca, who has studied it academically.

"We're really lucky to live in Goa and to have the ecosystems and culture that we have," D'Cruz said, but felt there was "not enough conversation happening around getting jobs for young people, especially the types they would like to do."

She noted that there was growing concern over ecological issues such as Mollem, the CZMP (coastal zone management plan), and heritage structures.  She noted that the CZMP maps being currently reviewed "make no mention of seaweed or seagrass forests".

D'Cruz herself spent almost a decade working on reef ecosystems, seaweed forests, and with whales and dolphins.  See the entire talk at: https://tinyurl.com/yjxb4wag (eom)

Human rights organisations raise concern over the manner of police probe in triple unnatural deaths of migrants in Goa

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, July4- The National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation(NCHRO),Goa Unit, Council for Social Justice and Peace, Human Rights Defenders, and concerned civil society members have been closely monitoring the manner in which the triple unnatural methods suicide case that rocked Goa has been handled by Goa police. 

In a joint statement issued here on Sunday, they have pointed out that the police inquiry so far has missed on some key issues which could provide more accurate and objective truths. They have further noted that the failure to provide credible answers to public concerns has now prompted the police to shift the inquiry into the hands of the Crime Branch. It is hoped that the Crime Branch inquiry will not be driven by the same anti-poor, anti- migrant worker narrative that tends to cloud effective and scientific investigations. Alternately, the inquiry should be conducted by an independent commission of inquiry for the sake of justice and fairness. Such an approach assumes added relevance considering that issues of bias and police harassment have been raised. 

There are already serious complaints by the family of harassment by the police of the deceased. It is being asked whether this can be attributed to the fact that the victims and their families come from conditions of disadvantaged caste, class, region, (the victims were all migrants), and hence already vulnerable and disadvantaged. It is not uncommon for the police to adopt dual standards in dealing with vulnerable communities when power lies on the side of the complainant, say the organisations.

The inquiry into the unnatural deaths must at least now reveal if there is influence being peddled by the complainant that is slowing the inquiry. Either that angle has either not been investigated adequately, or not at all. Whatever be the case, the matter cannot be kept concealed. Not only has the inquiry been dragged, it lacks transparency and is discriminatory to the deceased and their families. 

The groups have stated that they are forced to ask why the post mortem of the bodies was conducted at the Goa Medical College and Hospital(GMC) at Bambolim in North Goa when the entire incident happened in the South district, and consequently why the bodies were not taken to the South Goa District Hospital for examination; and further, as to why the post mortem was conducted by postgraduate students and a junior medical officer and not by any senior post graduate medical officer. They have stated that this smacks of the discriminatory attitude with which the police as well as the medical authorities have handled a serious matter involving three unnatural deaths.   This question needs to be examined separately under the authorities of the GMC and the State Health Department and credible answers must be forthcoming, the groups have remarked     

The groups have also pointed out that the police have disseminated selective and biased information to the media which could prejudice public perceptions that defame the deceased victims from a sheer class bias. The note alleged to be written by the deceased is yet to be proven as authentic. The information we have suggests that none of the deceased victims were literate. What real evidence does the police have that the victims authored the note? Did they compare any two handwritings of the said victims that would justify their findings?   

Just like we have information about the victims and their families based on investigations, the complainant must also be summoned and queried. It is important for the police to make known the precise figure that the allegedly stolen adds up to? The police should also make public the copy of the FIR/Complaint letter just as they have voluntarily shared information about the so-called note found in the room of the deceased. We demand equitable standards in the investigation of the victims and their families and that of the complainant.  If required other agencies such as the Income Tax department should be involved in investigation. It is the fundamental right of every citizen to get justice, without being discriminated based on region, caste, class and the influence and power of the complainant.   

"We believe that the bodies constituted for the protection of the human rights such as the Goa State Human Rights Commission, Goa State Women’s Commission, and State Police Complaint Authority should take suo moto cognizance and conduct an inquiry," said the joint statement signed by Ranjan Solomon, President, NCHRO, Goa and others.                          

The organisations have said that they were waiting with keenness an urgent report of this renewed investigation.  In a case of such severity, speed is of the essence for the public to believe that the police are taking the case itself seriously,they noted.(eom)

                     

WORKSHOP ON RADIATION FROM CELLULAR MOBILE TOWERS : Myths around Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) Radiation explained

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,July 3 An awareness workshop on "Radiation from Cellular Mobile Towers” held in the city on Saturday tried to dispell misconcenptions and myths around Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) Radiation and tried to quell unfounded fears of citizens, supported by credible scientific evidence.

The workshop was organised by the Goa unit of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the chairmanship of  Ashok Kumar Mittal, ITS, Advisor, DoT at Sanchar Bhavan. This workshop was organised as part of DoT’s public advocacy programme. 

Giving an outline of the telecommunication services and highlighting the issues faced by the stakeholders, Mr. Ashok Kumar Mittal said, "Mobile towers are vital for smooth connectivity. However, rising misinformation related to health concerns posed by mobile towers is alarming". 

Dr. T.K Joshi, Advisor to Health Minister, Government of India said "Scientific research is testimonial to the fact that there are no health impacts of these radiations on human health. It is important for citizens to understand today that mobile tower EMF radiation are being strictly monitored and evidence from credible sources have ruled out possibility of health issues emanating from EMF radiations.” 

Mr. S.Sudhakar, Deputy Director General, Department of Telecommunications, Goa spoke on the technical aspects on EMF from Mobile towers and the Government initiatives to expand the Telecom and Internet Facilities to support latest and the advanced new services for the General public of Goa. 

Mobile Services and wireless broadband access are necessary not only for rapid growth and modernization of various sectors of the economy but also for success of key Government initiatives related to education, health, finance, Direct Benefit Transfer, e-KYC and other e-governance services. Telecom towers are critical infrastructure for providing mobile connectivity in all areas, including residential areas. 

The EMF Project of World Health Organization, after two decades of extensive research has corroborated that there is no evidence to support the claim that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health. The WHO has studied over 25,000 articles and reached the conclusion that there is no correlation between mobile tower EMF emissions and its hazardous impact on human health. 

In India, the EMF radiation norms are 10 times stricter than the limits prescribed by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Goa unit of DoT has done EMF testing across the State of Goa and all the towers have been found compliant with Indian EMF norms. Citizens need not worry about the adverse effect of mobile tower EMF radiation as they are being strictly monitored and evidence from credible sources have repeatedly ruled out the possibility of any impending health hazards emanating from EMF radiations. 

For towers, emission check : go to http://tarangsanchar.gov.in/EMFportal. Click on the location and find EMF levels. Site also geo-locates location by itself. Get email updates for the tower near you. For mobile radiation check - Type *#07# on mobile to check mobile-specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR value, which is the radiation emitted by a cellphone, will have to be displayed on mobile handsets. The 1.6 watts/kg averaged over a mass of 1 gram human tissue are only permitted to be manufactured or imported in India for the domestic market.(eom)

 

 

 

Goa State Biodiversity Board appeals for protection and conservation of precious wild edible mushrooms- ‘ROEN ALAMI’

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,July 1-From July to September, Goa  during peak of the monsoons will witness the plunder and sale of ‘Roen Alami’, cultivated for 120 million years strictly by fungus growing and mound or ‘Roen’ building  termites, the seasonal and overexploited wild edible mushrooms, which are being plucked from pristine areas and sold on the roadside and these will appear in major markets at premium price. These wild species play a very important role as a powerful degrading fungus in forest and grassland ecosystems converting fifty percent dead plant material on ground into rich fertile soil. Without this fungus the termite hills can’t degrade dead forest biomass which they bring inside the mounds to grow this species. Besides these mushrooms destroy virus carrying vectors hiding in dead organic matter in forest and keep away diseases affecting humans. 

It is very necessary for the general public to be aware that like several crops and fruits that are grown these species cannot be artificially cultivated and produced on mass scale by humans for their consumption. These species have no independent existence anywhere in the world and termites need their seeds for their own use. They grow only in association with termites. If there are no termites, no mushrooms and vice versa. If people  keep on exploiting  the RoenAlami - the food of the termites –which help in degradation of forest litter and cultivating the mushrooms in their habitat- the termite hills, we will lose out on both the mushrooms as well as the complex biodegradation based ecosystem services provided by the termited. 

Out of the 90 species found in the world, Western Ghats has 35-40 species of Termitomyces Mushrooms cultivated by termites like Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Microtermes, about 15 of which are endemic, 12 were brought earlier in market for sale. But over-exploitation over the past 30 years have reduced the local species seen in the market to 5-7 only. Over 50 percent aboveground dead plant material on forest floor and in grasslands; millions of tons per year is converted by the powerful enzymes of these species inside the fungus gardens of the termite hill. People who purchase the mushrooms need to understand that each hectare of forest in the Western Ghats has about 810 termite hills. In mixed forests, termites invade between 21 and 79 percent of trees. Termites turn over large amounts of soil by plastering on trees and the ground. The plant material taken inside the termite hill ends up in the "fungal comb". Each comb weighs 28-31 kg. The Termitomyces fungus in each comb decomposes 167 to 341 kg of organic matter annually. Besides, the mutuality system creates quarantine by removing virus carrying vectors like ticks on the forest floor. These are brought along with dead litter inside the termite hill and composted. 

Members of public and local Biodiversity Management Committees(BMCs) of the Goa State Biodiversity Board(GSBB) need to prevent destruction of termite mounds and plundering of these species. GSBB fears that over-exploitation of these ecologically important mushrooms may also result in eruption or release of quarantined new forest diseases viz. KFDV. Goa is already battling with viruses, the latest being the Covid-19.

Dr. Nandkumar Kamat, microbiologist and Ph.D guide of Goa University and Consultant, Microbial Biodiversity, GSBB, an authority on wild mushroom diversity of Goa, and an expert on Roen Alami, during an awareness program conducted by GSBB to commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2021, had warned that we ourselves may be responsible for the next pandemic most likely to originate from the Western Ghats if we persist in destroying the ecosystems that contain such harmful viruses and other disease agents within the forest ecosystem. GSBB with his help had also created awareness on the conservation of Roen Alami since 2018 and had released a poster.

For thousands of years the ethical principles of forest dwellers had conserved these species as they never thought of marketing them  But from 1975 the community conservation ethics changed  and market forces began to exert pressure leading to overexploitation. With high demand and increasing price which translates into Rs.15000 to 20000 per kilogram on dry basis the  traditional pluckkers with ‘get rich quick’  and ecologically and ethically irresponsible attitude have been degrading their sensitive wild habitat thus causing erosion of its diversity. There are international conventions prohibiting such unsustainable practices followed by wild mushroom pluckers in USA, UK, EU, etc., where picking of other species of wild edible mushrooms is regulated.  

The wildlife protection Act, 1972 has ensured protection of such natural species in local wildlife sanctuaries but people still enter secretly inside the forest to collect them. They are ignorant of the different species which they plunder because at young marketable stages these look identical. All wild edible mushroom consumers need to be careful of samples which could be adulterated with look-alike poisonous mushrooms.

Scientists are researching these species to find new drugs and pharmaceuticals. But if species in Goa are destroyed then nothing will be left for science. Many of these species are rare in other States. All States are facing a similar threat but only in Goa these mushrooms fetch a record price. GSBB fears that this year the prices may cross Rs. 1500-2000 per packet.

Till the government declares a total ban on the collection and consumption of these precious mushrooms from wild habitat in future, GSBB appeals to the educated consumers not to encourage exploitation of such wild mushrooms by purchasing them and instead patronize the much cheaper, more nutritious and cleaner button and oyster mushrooms available in abundance  in local markets. An online workshop on cultivation of Oyster mushrooms is planned by GSBB, which can be availed by people involved in this trade to earn income through eco-friendly means. 

Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) appeals to all those involved in plucking, sorting, packing, roadside sale, market sale to leave behind at least fifty percent young stages on the termite mounds for conservation of their diversity. They must completely avoid plucking and bringing very small mushrooms for marketing. Nobody should plunder rare smaller species found outside forest areas. Owners of private forests are also requested to take care of the Roen Alami species and conserve them. These include varieties known as khut or khutyaliolami, toshaliolami, sonyaliolami and chonchyaliolami. People must also not over exploit non marketed smaller species of Termitomyces locally known as Shiti, Shitololami found at the end of monsoon.

In present times the consumers are craving for ethnic food and hence is a  temptation to many to make windfall income without returning anything back to nature. The whole world is now sensitive to anything that can’t be cultivated and considered as sacred by our past traditions, precious Roen Alamis of Goa need to be seen as blessings of Earth Goddess Santeri and accordingly treated with respect.(eom)

(Entirely based on an appeal from the GSBB released by Goa Department of Information &Publicity).

CYBERSPACE IN GOA TO GO GREEN WITH FOUR CLC TALKS FROM SUNDAY

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,July 01-As the monsoons settle down in Goa, the State's newly-planted initiative called the Collaborative Learning Cafe (CLC) has sowed a series of four interesting sessions dealing with environmental, ecological and related green issues from near and far.

The sessions will be held online from coming Sunday, June 27, 2021, till Wednesday, June 30 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm each day. 

Speakers will be noted national environmentalist Medha Patkar, Rozendo Mendonsa of Mr Farmer, green-campaigner and priest Fr Bolmax Pereira, and seeweed expert and environmental campaigner Gabriella D'Cruz.
On June Sunday, Ms Patkar will speak on Challenges in Environmental Activism.  The TISS-educated Indian social activist is noted for her work on various crucial political and economic issues raised by tribals, dalits, farmers, labourers and women facing injustice.

A day later, on Monday, Rozendo Mendonsa ("Mr Farmer") will speak on landscaping villas, including on the types of garden soil and manure; selection of plants; drainage and water for irrigation.

Fr Bolmax Pereira, the young priest known for his environmental campaigns, will speak on June 29 (Tuesday), on "Amchi Mati -- The Revival of Agriculture: Hope for a better tomorrow for Goa".  His talk will focus on identifying fallow land, generating jobs for youth, the potential of community farming, and support systems.

Marine conservationist Gabriella D'Cruz, who has been called Goa's seaweed queen, on June 30, 2021 will focus on sea biodversity, why seeweed is good for people and the planet, and seaweed farming.

All talks are open to the public on a first-come-first-served basis, at no cost, but registration is mandatory.  Online capacity is limited.  Registration has to be done for each session separately.

The CLC is an initiative of the Friends of the Jesuits of the Goa Province.

This initiative comes in following Jesuit Superior General Fr.  Arturo Sosa call during his 2019 India visit on the society to work to promote an ecological agenda.

Former professor, Fr (Dr) Sosa, a 1948-born Venezuelan priest and the 31st Superior General elected in 2016, the first Latin American to head the global Order, has called for the Society in India to give a pastorial priority to ecology, as a direct response to Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical 'Laudato Si'.

In February 2019, Sosa announced four priorities that would guide the Society's decisions for the next decade.  These were: teaching discernment through the use of the Spiritual Exercises, walking with the poor in their quest for dignity and justice, accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future, and collaborating in the care of our Common Home.(eom)

Stakeholders meet on drug abuse among children,among others suggests mapping of children in street situations using drugs and substance

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, June 25- The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights(GSCPCR),child rights body in Goa held a stakeholders meeting on the eve of World Drugs Day,and extensively deliberated the issue of drugs and substance abuse and liquor addiction among children and adolescents.

The GPSCPCR convened a stakeholder meeting for dialogue on the Joint Action Plan on Prevention of Substance Abuse among Children on Friday on the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. 

Keeping in view the issue of drugs and substance abuse among children,strategic actions, interventions, responsible authorities and timeline havebeen identified, and are being projected here, for convergent action by theenforcement agencies, monitoring bodies and the service providers, said Peter F. Borges, Chairperson, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

He noted that the problem of substance abuse is increasing and requires a broad stakeholder participation for prevention and treatment. Some of the key prevention strategies included highlighted included:

1) Sales of liquor in surrounding areas of Educational Institutions including coaching centers for children - Circulars to ensure that there should not be any liquor shop nearby school. - State of UP &OrsVs. Manoj Kumar Dwivedi &Ors AIR 2008 SCW 1912

2) Ensure that FIR is registered against the person under Section 77 of Juvenil Justice Act, 2015 who violates the law. 

3) Creating enabling provisions to ensure the banin sales of liquor, in surrounding areas of Schools - Inclusion of a provision for recognition/affiliation of a school to ensure there is no liquor shop within the prescribed distance near the school premises and an undertaking from schools by State Education Department before giving recognition.

4) Circulars to ensure that there should not be any shop selling Biddies/ Cigarettes, Gutkha and other tobacco products within 100 meters radius of the Schools/Institutions by as per Section (6) of the COTPA 2003.

5) Put notice/display boards prominently at public places like- malls, airports, provision stores, hotels, eateries where liquor and tobacco stores are available should be out of reach of children and penal provision as per section 77 and Rule 56 of JJ Act 2015 & Rules 2016

6) Creating provision/mechanism for early detection of substance use among Children (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

7) Separate or exclusive deaddiction and rehabilitation facilities for children with drugs and Substance use by Department of Social Welfare,Goa.

8) Mapping of children in street situations using drugs and substances and producing before Child Welfare Committee (CWC) by the Childline for keeping them into fit facility for counselling, treatment and rehabilitation

9) Orientation of parents & teachers to understand the psychology of the adolescents and children so that they will be able to cope/help them in their emotional crisis to prevent any drugs dependency.

10) Awareness generation programmes in School/Colleges and Educational Institutions involvingstudents/ teachers/ SMCs/ PTA/ NCC and NSS volunteers.

11) Taxation and Excise – Should be seen from public health angle, rather than economic. Pricing for alcohol products is such that it should be more expensive to consume high concentration beverages as compared to low.

Mr. Borges emphasized that more work needs to be done in primary prevention, including public awareness and provision of expertise and facilities for rehabilitation. He reiterated the role of research and generating evidence to ensure that need based interventions are implemented for drug demand reduction in the State. 

Apart from few health facilities managing substance use disorders the state does not have a programme to attend to substance use disorders, although there are scattered NGOs supporting the communities in different aspects of the problem including health education, support programs for quitting, brief interventions, as well as treatment of substance use disorders, he further said. 

Several speakers from government and NGOs shared their experiences. The sharing focused on the need, the gap and the heavy cost required to tackle substance use disorders and the necessity to engage government and NGOs in the quest to find a solution to substance use problems.

The Human Touch Foundation engaging in substance abuse prevention programme shared about various initiatives under "Yes to Life Campaign", which is the largest intervention in substance abuse focusing on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, which included interventions in educational institutions an communities and strong families initiative which is launched to offer family support groups for the loved ones of individuals in substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Shrikant Banerjee from Kripa Foundation informed  the meet that there are two rehabilitation centres of Kripa Foundation. He further informed that they got 28 cases of substance abuse over 2 years. He said that the person becomes victim of substance abuse when he gets addicted to drug 4-5 years. He further said,"We need to look at the cases evidence base and focus on research on drug problems in Goa. That they have rehab centre for adults."

If they receive cases of children they refer to Asilo or GMC State hospitals. He also mentioned that there is need to open child rehabilitation center for children of drug abuse,he said.

During the open discussion there were suggestion from the Child Welfare Committees that there should be rehabilitation centre for the drug addicted children.

From the Railway Police Force suggestion was that there should be awareness programmes on Railway station as most of the children found on railway are run away from home and get involved in drug abuse.

Personnel from Goa Health Department suggested there should be preventive measures for drug abuse.

Human Touch Foundation suggested that Excise department should monitor where bars are established within 100 meters in the vicinity of school. More vacancies of Counsellors of mental health should be advertised to help children who become victim of drug abuse due to negative coping. 

Kripa Foundation suggested that the subject of drug abuse should be a part of education curriculum.

Education Department suggested that awareness needs to be in public placed also. The drug abuse matter should be included in the EVS subject. Visual presentation should be presented in the school. It was also suggested to present the matter of drug abuse during assembly of the school.

From the Health Department it was informed that in co-ordination with the Education Department training regarding drug abuse was given to the teachers. The teachers had to give talk of one hour to the students. Also they informed that there is YUVA Clinics in every Primary Health Centre wherein a child with drug abuse can be referred.

Ms. Pradnya Desai  suggested there should be focus on comprehensive plan of drug abuse.

Adv. Balaji S. Mayekar of the GSCPCR suggested that all the stakeholders should co-ordinate and work together for the proper implementation of various laws.

Mr. Borges, Chairperson, GSCPCR informed that the commission has to give quarterly report to NCPCR and therefore all stakeholders should work together to implement the joint action plan prepared by NCPCR and Narcotic Bureau Plan.(eom)