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)

Exempt pandemic-hit tourism and hospitality industry from various taxes, says Goa trade and industry body-GCCI

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, June11-  Stating that the tourism and hospitality industry is one of the worst sufferers on account of the spread of pandemic as a result of which the hotels / resorts are running empty without much occupancy since the beginning of March last year, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GCCI) has  asked the government o exempt it from payment of taxes.

The industry had started looking up since the start of the tourist season in October mostly due to the arrival of domestic tourists but the situation reversed from February this year due to the second wave of the pandemic and its effect was  much more disastrous than the earlier one. With flights suspended and advisories from the authorities of overseas countries against visiting the country the industry is facing a grim situation the effect of which will be ravaging for the economy of the State.

Reiterating that the tourism and hospitality industry is one of the cornerstones of economy, especially after stoppage of mining in the State and it is the onus of the government to nurture it and keep it in the best of its health, says GCCI.

It is a seasonal sensitive industry depending upon perception. Even if the spread of the virus is controlled, still the tourist will not travel on account of perceived health hazards as the World Health Organization has made it clear the threat realization will continue for a few more months thereafter which will be an impediment to the travel by tourists worldwide. It will therefore take at least a year for the tourism industry to recover and be back on its feet. 

In view of the grave situation we from GCCI has urged the government to kindly consider the  following pleas:

i) Waive off the House Tax, Sanitation Tax, Trade Tax, Sign board Tax etc.

applicable to Resorts ,Small standalone Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Pubs,

Night Clubs ,and Shacks for the period of 1 st April 2021 to 31 st March 2022.

The GCCI has said that the State of Gujarat has already taken such a step to alleviate the sufferings of the tourism and hospitality sector as a whole. This industry being on one of the major contributor to the growth of the State and the government takes note of its plight and take all precautionary steps to protect it from collapsing. Along with the stakeholders there are thousands of jobs, the survival of which is at risk.(eom)

 

Goa State Child Rights Panel Gets Siolim Petrol Pump Permission Revoked

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, June 09- No permission should be given to build petrol pumps within 50-m radial distance of schools in the State, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights(GSCPCR) has said.

Under Section 31 of the RTE Act, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is responsible for monitoring the provisions of the Act and its functions which includes safety and security of the children.

Acting on a petition by Gregory D’Souza, Chairperson, Village Panchayat Child Committee, North Goa,that alleged setting up of a petrol pump within 50 m of Keerti Vidyalaya, Siolim, the Commission pursued the matter with various bodies involved in granting the NOC by the district administration, North Goa. An order by District Magistrate, North Goa states that the no objection certificate stands rescinded with immediate effect. 

Chief of GSCPCR, Peter F. Borges, said on Wednesday, "As per a circular issued by the Central Pollution Control Board vide memorandum dated 07.01.2020 for setting up of new petrol pumps in compliance with Hon’ble NGT order dated January 18, 2019, petrol pumps should not be allowed within 50-m radial distance of schools and hospitals. If at all a petrol pump had to be set up within 50-m owing to some exigency, local bodies should ensure that safety guidelines stipulated by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation were being strictly followed. However, on no account should the pump be located within 30-m radial distance from the school."  

Ensure Compliance

The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to the Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board to issue orders appending the copy of the memorandum to all the local bodies, to ensure compliance with these safety guidelines before giving permission for setting up petrol pumps.(eom)

Goa Chief Secretary has no time to respond to letters of Pro Child Network over present concerns of under-privileged children?

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,June 7- The Goa Pro Child Network(GPCN), a network of civil society organizations and child rights advocates, working for protection of children in the State has been writing letters to Goa Chief Secretary bringing to his notice various issues pertaining to health and other concerns of the children particularly in the present pandemic crisis. 

The letters have also been written to Goa the Chief Secretaruy as Chairperson of Goa State Child Protection Society as well as Chairperson of Goa State Disaster Management Authority. The network is shocked by lack of response to its letters from the head of the State administration.

"We also refer to our letter dated xxx and further an email dated xxx, to discuss concerns related to protection of children. We are reproducing those important issues in this letter hoping that these issues will be immediately addressed,says its latest letter.

The immense health and socio-economic crises brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately hit underprivileged children. What started as a public health emergency has turned into a multidimensional crisis that has led to a pandemic of malnutrition, of poverty, of violence and also mental health issues of children in the State.

1)Food Security: As per Notification No. DCS/S/Food Security/2014-15/877 dated 10th December 2014 - Guidelines for Identification of Eligible Households as per Section 10 of National Food Security Act, 2013 (enclosed with this letter).  Information obtained from the department for 2014-2020 (attached with this mail) reveals poor implementation of the scheme for Priority Households, with majority of the classified groups (including orphans and minors), receiving no benefits, even amid COVID-19 pandemic.

 The government claim that the State is leading in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and that 97.32 percent people covered in the scheme availed its benefits does not match with the information provided by the department. As per the department, in Goa, out of a population of 15 lakh, almost 5.49 lakh people are covered under PHH (Priority House Holder) cards and the benefits have reached very few people as per RTI.

The network is seriously concerned about the food security of children in difficult circumstances, specially amid the surge in COVID-19 pandemic. With no mechanism for enrolment and implementation in place, the PHH category has not been able to avail the benefits. Further, with the Central government now announcing additional free food grains for May and June 2021, due to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, the entitled beneficiaries will not be in position to avail these benefits too, if the systems are not functioning efficiently and there is no proactive approach on the part of the concerned Department/s .

2) Mental Health of Children: COVID-19 has triggered an impending psychological disaster for many children in distress, who are passive recipients of sufferings. Being already in a precarious situation, they are undergoing high levels of trauma and stress because of being uprooted overnight. This stress on children during their formative years can impact their self-esteem and decision-making abilities lifelong.

 While we are responding to the pandemic, it is an act of justice that we pay heed to children’s needs. With the lockdown, several basic services for children such as growth monitoring, supplementary nutrition, immunization, sexual and reproductive health services, education and child protection systems were disrupted. This has affected children living in multidimensional poverty disproportionately since they are largely dependent on these services to fulfil their rights and entitlements,says the GPCN and puts forth its demands:

 1) Notify the “Sponsorship Scheme under Integrated Child Protection Scheme, which can provide supplementary support to families to meet medical, nutritional, educational and other needs of their children amid this pandemic, with a view to improving their quality of life.

 2) IMMEDIATE identification and enrolment of beneficiaries for Priority Households (PHH) under National Food Security Act, 2013 in terms Notification No. DCS/S/Food Security/2014-15/877 dated 10th December 2014.

 3) Extend the mid-day meal scheme for May, 2021, and ensure that the mid-day meal package henceforth, at least during the period of the pandemic, includes immunity building foods (that have vitamin C, D, Zinc, magnesium), where it may either be distributed to the children at their doorstep or the parents may be asked to collect as has been done so far. Also, audit of the mid-day meals distributed in/through schools in Goa.

 4)Set up/Activate State Children’s Fund (under the Goa Children’s Act) and Juvenile Justice Fund (under the Juvenile Justice Act) so that emergency needs of children due to COVID-19 vulnerabilities, may be prioritized and addressed through these funds.

 While we envisage a new normal future for us, these children are still waiting for a “normal” future to unfold. These little architects of resilience are often “seen but not heard”. As COVID-19 has added woes to their lives, they must become our priority while we respond to the pandemic. We must not leave them behind. We must hold their hand.

Lastly, we draw your attention to the directive of the Empowered Group 6 (EG 6) constituted by Government of India and chaired by CEO, NITI Aayog to all the Chief Secretaries, requesting them to appoint State-level Nodal Officers to coordinate with all NGOs and resolve their issues apart from leveraging their resources and networks.

"We, therefore, call upon your authorities to give attention to the concerns raised by Goa Pro Child Network. We look forward to receiving your reply and to continuing a constructive dialogue and co-operation with you and the Government of Goa",says the letter of the GPCN to the Chief Secretary.(eom)

Tejpal case judgement is a grave miscarriage of justice :NWMI

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,June 5- The Network of Women in Media in India(NWMI),body which provides a forum for women in media  professions believes that the recent judgement in Tarun Tejpal case is a grave miscarriage of justice and a massive setback for the Indian women’s rights movement and the safety of working women in particular.

The NWMI believes that the May 21, 2021 acquittal of Tarun Tejpal, the Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka magazine –charged in 2013 of the rape, unlawful confinement  sexual harassment of a colleague– must be closely scrutinised in the interests of justice for survivors of sexual violence.

The NWMI critique of the 527-page judgement in State (through CID CB North Goa) vs Tarunjit Tejpal highlights the following:

Persistent shaming and discrediting of the survivor as though she were the one on trial.

The problematic setting out standards for a “sterling witness” and the “normative” look of a traumatised woman.

Location of Tarun Tejpal in a position of “trust or authority”

The short shrift to consent, the defining factor in sexual assault including rape.

Interpretation of evidence in apology emails by Tejpal himself including one in which he acknowledged a “shameful lapse of judgement” and “clear reluctance” on the part of the survivor.

Punishment in the long-drawn out, traumatic process.

The violation of rights through the digital “strip search”.

Failure of Tehelka as employers.

The critique can be found here:

https://www.nwmindia.org/sexual-harassment-work/the-tejpal-acquittal-nwmis-critique-of-the-judgement/(eom)

 

Konkan Railway Gears up for Monsoon-2021

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,June 3 -- As the fight against the second wave of Covid-19 strengthens, the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited(KRCL) gears for the upcoming monsoons in the Konkan region.

All efforts are being made to maintain track and passenger amenities ensuring all safety related guidelines and Covid-19 protocols,says a spokesperson of KRCL on Thursday.

The Konkan region is known to receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon seasons. Konkan Railway runs through this region comprises of a 740Km long route. 

All planned safety works on this route from Kolad to Thokur have been completed. Special attention has been given to catch water drain cleaning and inspection of cuttings. The large-scale geo-safety works executed along the railway line in last few years have significantly reduced the incidences of boulder fall and soil slip, thus ensuring safe running of trains. No major disruption to train services have occured on account of boulder fall during monsoons in the last 8 years,claimed the spokesperson.

Konkan Railway will conduct Monsoon Patrolling as per the prescribed guidelines  to ensure safe running of trains. About 681 personnel will patrol the Konkan Railway route during the monsoon. Vulnerable locations will be patrolled round the clock and Stationary Watchmen will be deployed for 24 hours at critical locations. Speed restrictions will be imposed at vulnerable locations. BRN mounted excavators have been kept ready at nominated points for quick movement in case of any emergency.

Instructions have also been issued to loco pilots to run the trains at a reduced speed of 40 kmph in case of heavy rainfall when visibility is limited. Self-propelled ARMVs (Accident Relief Medical Van), with provision of Operation Theatre and emergency medical aid are kept ready at Ratnagiri and Verna (Goa).  The ART (Accident Relief Train) is also kept ready at Verna (Goa).

Mobile phones have been provided to all safety category staff to contact the control office / station in an emergency. Both Loco Pilots and Guards of trains have been provided with Walkie-talkie sets as well as every station on Konkan Railway is equipped with a 25 Watt VHF base station. This enables wireless communication between the train crew as well as train crew and Station Master. Emergency Communication(EMC) sockets have been provided at a distance of average 1 Km along the Konkan Railway route that enables the Patrolmen, Watchmen, Loco Pilots, Guard and other field maintenance staff to contact Station Master and control office during any emergency situations. Satellite phone communication has been provided in ARMV(Accident Relief Medical Van) for emergency contact. All main signal aspects on Konkan Railway are now replaced with LEDs for improving signal visibility.

Self-recording rain gauges have been installed at 9 stations viz. Mangaon, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Vilwade, Kanakavali, Madgaon, Karwar, Bhatkal & Udupi which will record the rainfall in the region and alert Officials in case of increased rainfall. Flood warning systems for bridges have been provided at 3 locations viz. Kali river (between Mangaon and Veer), Savitri river (between Veer and Sape Wamane), Vashishti river (between Chiplun and Kamathe) and will alert officials in case of flash flood in the river when water flow reaches above danger Level. Anemometers have been installed at 04 locations viz. Panval viaduct (between Ratnagiri and Nivasar), Mandovi bridge (between Thivim and Karmali ), Zuari bridge ( Karmali and Verna) and Sharavati bridge (between Honnavar and Manki) to monitor the wind velocity.

Control rooms at Belapur, Ratnagiri and Madgaon, will work 24 x 7 during monsoon period for ensuring safe running of trains. Monsoon time table will come into effect from 10th June, 2021 upto 31st Oct, 2021. Passengers may check train status online during monsoon by visiting www.konkanrailway.com or using KRCL App by downloading from Google Play Store or by dialing 139.

During the recent cyclone Tauktae that majorly hit the Konkan coast, the services over Konkan Railway functioned with no major disruptions despite strong cyclonic winds and heavy rainfall. "Konkan Railway aims to ensure safe travel for its passengers in the coming monsoon with the measures taken above",said Dy. PRO,Konkan Railway Girish Karandikar on Thursday.(eom)