IFFI,54 Inaugurated: Incentive for Foreign Film production in India to be increased to Rs 30 Crore

 Prakash Kamat

Panaji, NOV. 20- The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals was officially inaugurated in Goa on Monday.

Embracing diversity and creativity, this edition of the festival offers a spectacular and immersive lineup of films, showcasing the richness of cultures, perspectives, and narratives from across the globe. The nine day film festival has commenced with the international premiere of Catching Dust, by award-winning British filmmaker, Stuart Gatt.

In a glorious tribute to the legendary Bollywood actress, Madhuri Dixit, was honoured with 'Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema' Award by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports  Anurag Singh Thakur along with Minister of State for information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the inaugural function.

In his address, Mr. Thakur announced an increase in incentive for Foreign Film production in India from Rs 2.5 Crore to Rs 30 Crore.

 He also said thst the Government of India was committed to make India the most sought-after destination for film shoots.(eom)

Goa State Child Rights body writes to Minister for Women&Child Welfare seeking intervention for strengthening child protection systems

Prakash Kamat in Panaji

Monday,Nov.13-The Goa State Commission  for Protection of Child Rights(GSCPCR) has today written to Goa Minister for Women and Child Development,Vishwajit Rane requesting his intervention for Strengthening Child Protection Systems in the State.

The letter has significance as it comes on the eve of the Children’s Day.

The Commission says that a current analysis of the system indicates that Goa is lagging far behind, with poor implementation and under-utilization of the of Integrated Child Protection Scheme, now Mission Vatsalya, for over a decade. 

Mission Vatsalya Scheme was launched as a roadmap to achieve development and child protection priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). It laid emphasis on child rights, advocacy, and awareness along with strengthening of the juvenile justice care and protection system with the motto to 'leave no child behind'. 

For past two years, as a monitoring and recommendatory statutory body, the Commission has been able to make little headway, with several recommendation not being complied. 

All of us in the child protection ecosystem, including the children desires your intervention,the letter reiterated.

Today, children face myriad risks such as separation from parents and caregivers, family violence, sexual abuse and exploitation including online, disabilities, bullying and violence in schools and communities, justice-related issues, living and working on the streets,dangerous labour, substance abuse, trafficking, HIV and AIDS, and inability to meet basic needs. 

Lack of proposed interventions like aftercare for those transitioned out of institutional care, sponsorship scheme to prevent parents from institutionalized care and promote family-based care, delay in creating demand for foster care, failure to identify and address child protection issues in communities, poor justice system, for over a decade has weakened the ecosystem and failed to provide safety and safe environment for children to grow and thrive,laments the Commission.

The shoddy response to children in street situation, despite a well-designed standard operating procedure for rescue and rehabilitation and direction by Supreme Court is of great concern as it has increased the risks and vulnerabilities in children leading to abuse, neglect,exploitation, abandonment, and isolation,notes the Commission with concern. 

"The state of Goa is witnessing an astonishing number of children growing up on the street at several places in Goa as child beggars, child hawkers pleading desperately to sell a sunshade, stationary or something that is of minimal importance,"said the Commissikn,adding,"The phenomenon of street children has not yet received the policy attention it deserves." 

The non recruitment of personnel required for District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) has only worsened the system. For several years, there has been no strong social service workforce to assist the larger ecosystem with timely outreach services and interventions. 

Further, since July this year, the Childline (1098) which is taken over by the government is under resourced with funds as well as non-recruitment of personnel,weakening the response system to children in distress. 

"It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a whole eco-system to keep them safe to help them grow. No matter their story, their background, their origin, all children have the right to health care, education and other forms of social protection that shield them from the lifelong consequences of poverty and exclusion.

"We need a big overhaul of the system and investment in innovate solutions to improve children’s access to justice systems that are child-friendly, gender-sensitive and well resourced to uphold their rights and dignity at all stages of their journey,"says Chairman of the GSCPCR.

"The Hon’ble Commission is ready to work with other stakeholders in the system to address these issues on a war footing with your intervention and support.  We need to start looking at our children as equal citizen of today. Investing in our children is investing in our future,"he has said offering full cooperation from the Commission for the cause of the marginalised children.  

The Commison Chairman has said that he looks forward to continuing the constructive dialogue on this and has assured him of best support.(eom)

Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights calls for strengthened prevention to address the growing concern of substance abuse among students

 

Prakash Kamat, Panaji, June 25- The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights(GSCPCR) has called for strengthened prevention to address the growing concern of substance abuse among students, ahead of the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.

 

Strengthening prevention is very vital as the drug abuse problem is now eating into the very vials of Goan society and is doing much more damage than even alcohol. Drug and alcohol use affects health outcomes, job opportunities, family life, and academic outcomes. The problem is grave and continues to wreak havoc in the State, resulting in tragic consequences for young adolescents, their families, and communities.

 

Prevention programmes in educational settings offers a “window of opportunity” for the establishment of neural pathways that may protect against the development of drug and alcohol use problems. The state requires, a well-coordinated, sustainable response to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and drugs that seeks to improve the health and social outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Therefore, now more than ever, it is critical to focus resources and efforts,says Peter F. Borges, Chairperson, GSCPCR on Sunday.

 

The Goa State Commission in the recent times, has been leading coordinated efforts with government departments and civil society organization for strengthening prevention initiatives in the State. The same will be now strengthened with the following measures:

1. Promotion of Prahari Clubs to ensure a drug-free campus by imposing a total ban on the possession or consumption or use of drugs and alcohol by students at the school, within or outside the campus.  A large range of preventive programmes will be promoted through the clubs to prevent children from using tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
2. Capacity building of stakeholders, i.e., counsellors, nodal teachers, to create a cadre of professionals to provide range of substance use prevention and early intervention services and support.
3. Formulation and adaptation of school drug policy to set normative values and expectations for student behaviour as well as to document procedures for dealing with drug-related incidents in schools.(eom)

Goa Issues Advisory for the Monsoon Months of June to September

  

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,June 3- The southwest monsoon is likely to hit Goa’s coast within the next couple of days according to the India meteorological department(IMD). Also, with the entry of the monsoons in Goa the fishing ban has come into effect on June 1 and end on July 31st  as it isn't safe for trawlers to venture into the seas during the monsoon. 

Drishti's, lifeguard service which patrols Goa's beaches has advised people and tourists to take safety and precautionary measures while venturing on beaches of Goa.

Because of the impending monsoons and current weather conditions, red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti's supervision, indicating that these are strictly no-swim zones.

"Pre-monsoon showers have already hit Goa," said Navin Awasthi, Operations Head, Drishti Marine. He went on to say, “Light showers have been seen along the coast in recent days. We have placed red flags at all of the beaches to indicate that the area is not suitable for swimming. Even wading into the water is not advised. Our team of lifeguards stationed along the coast is keeping an eye on the weather. The team has been trained to perform rescues even in bad weather."

Drishti advises visitors to avoid rocky areas, cliffs, and hills along the shoreline. During the monsoon season, these are considered perilous due to their slippery nature. The wave height, intensity, and frequencies of the waves in the sea too are extremely high, making it easy to get pulled into the ferocious sea. River bathing, including water sports, is prohibited. Drishti Marine monitors sea conditions and weather conditions on a daily basis. 

#ListenToYourLifesaver: Safety tips for the monsoons by Drishti, Goa’s lifesaver agency:

• We advise visitors not to venture onto the beach. Even wading into the waters is not advisable. 

• Wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times.

• Those visiting the beach should keep a minimum 10 metres away from the waterline and listen to the instructions given by the lifesavers.

• Keep a very close eye on children while on the beach and do not allow children to venture into the waters unattended, no matter how shallow it may be .

• Stay alert as lifesavers while patrolling make announcements to alarm and educate people via the Public Address System put up on the jeeps.

• It is not suitable to head out to the beach or venture into the water during lightning and thunder because lightning can pose a danger. 

• Do not get onto the rocks during low tide because the rocks get a lot more slippery and mossy during the monsoon season.

• It is not advisable to swim or to engage in any water sports activities at the beach during the monsoons from June to September because even though the sea may seem calm, a sudden large wave can sneak up on you and pull you into deep waters without warnings. 

•  If under the influence of alcohol make sure you do not venture into the water. 

• Always read and obey the safety signs found at the main entrance of the beach(eom)

Konkan Railway Gears for Monsoon-2022

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, June 2-Just ahead of monsoons when Konkan region is known to receive heavy rainfall, Konkan Railway completed the planned safety works on its 740km route and now gears up for the onset of monsoon season. 

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 the 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 nine years,says a spokesperson of the Konkan Railways.

Konkan Railway will conduct Monsoon Patrolling as per the prescribed guidelines  to ensure safe running of trains. About 846 personnel will patrol the Konkan Railway route during the monsoon. Identified vulnerable locations will be patrolled round the clock, Stationary Watchmen will be deployed for 24 hours and speed restrictions will be imposed at these 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 Theater and emergency medical aid are kept ready at Ratnagiri and Verna.  The ART (Accident Relief Train) is also kept ready at Verna.

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 & Veer), Savitri river (between Veer & Sape Wamane), Vashishti river (between Chiplun & Kamathe) and will alert Officials in case water flow reaches above danger Level. Anemometers have been installed at 04 locations viz. Panval viaduct (between Ratnagiri & Nivasar), Mandovi bridge (between Thivim & Karmali ), Zuari bridge ( Karmali & Verna) and Sharavati bridge (between Honnavar & 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, 2022 upto 31st Oct, 2022. 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.

Konkan Railway aims to ensure safe travel for its passengers in the coming monsoon with the measures taken above,says the spokesperson on Thursday.(eom)

Prostitution(CSA) has been decriminalised by the Supreme Court,to protect the victims

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,May 27- As regards the Supreme Court ruling in the Criminal Appeal No (S) 135/2010, Budhadev Karmaskar Vs The State of Bengal & ORS on 19/05/2022, there appears to be a big misunderstanding regarding the order/directions/observations of the Supreme Court,says Arun Pandey, Director, Arz (anti sex trafficking NGO).

"Supreme Court has not legalised prostitution but decriminalised prostitution”. 

The decriminalization of sex work is the removal of criminal penalties for sex work. 

Decriminalization is distinct from legalization.

The Supreme Court has not legalised commercial sexual activity, but instead decriminalised commercial sexual activity for the women in commercial sexual activity. 

In-fact the Supreme Court has reiterated what is already laid down in the special law, 

Immoral Traffic Prevention, 1956 & IPC. ITPA & IPC, provides for action against those iinvolved in commercialisation of sexual activity and involved in recruiting, selling, buying aandsurviving on the earnings of women in prostitution. 

The special law does not provide for prosecution of women involved in commercial sexual activity.

Apex Court has talked about Arrest & long- term detention at protective home of adult women in prostitution. 

Arrest Vs Rescue:

In large number cases in India the women in Prostitution are arrested and not rescued by police. 

The Supreme Court has rightly ordered that, women in prostitution should not be criminally prosecuted for being prostitution. Because the experience has shown that criminal prosecution of women in prostitution leads to their further dependence on their exploiter and leading to becoming “bonded sex slaves”.

Mr. Pandey further says that the present Supreme Court direction/order does not prevent the police to rescue the women in prostitution under sec 15 of ITPA and lodging them in protective home. 

Short term Stay Vs. Long term incarceration at Protective Home/Shelter Home:

In large number of cases in India post rescue of women from prostitution proper inquiry is not conducted and women continues to languish at protective for years. 

The Apex court has rightly stated that an adult person should not be kept at the protective home/shelter home for 2 -3 years only because she wishes to continue in prostitution or her relatives are unfit to take the custody. A long term forced stay at protective home/shelter home is noting but a forced incarceration. 

The women in prostitution requires community-based rehabilitation which includes psychosocial services and livelihood alternative. Rehabilitation can’t be forced on a woman only because she is in prostitution.

The apex court order has only reiterated that the women in prostitution should not be illtreated and victimised by the law enforcement agencies.

The apex court order no where STOPS the police to act against the pimps, brothel keepers, clients and those surviving on the earnings of women in prostitution.

"The apex court has rightly said, what we at Arz, NGO has been advocating,that the girls and women in prostitution should be rescued and not arrested," reiterates Mr. Pandey.

After rescue they should be admitted at the protective home and an inquiry should be conducted in a victim- friendly manner and post inquiry if the victims want rehabilitation, she should be provided non shelter based rehabilitation and in case she wishes to go back to prostitution she should be allowed.

In Goa, generally the recent direction of the Apex Court is already being followed.

1. Girls in prostitution are rescued and not arrested.

2. After rescue the girls are admitted at the protective home for safe custody and protection.

3. The magistrate conducts an inquiry in a victim friendly manner (It is only in Goa that the magistrate visits the protective home along with 5 social workers and conducts an inquiry for her release and rehabilitation).

4. The rescued victims are generally at the protective home for 20 to 3O days. 

5. Only those victims are for longer period who are foreign nationals and their documentation for return is pending with their embassy or those from India who needs to be escorted to their home state.

6. In Goa if the victims are from Goa, all of them are offered alternative livelihood by Arz, NGO. 

7. Sex workers are being issued Aadhar card and Voting Card.

Goa is a destination State and the girls and women are trafficked from different States and countries to Goa for commercial sexual exploitation. The law enforcement agencies should study the judgement properly and should not misunderstand that prostitution has been legalised. The police should continue rescue, Department of Women and Child Development should provide proper services to the rescued victim at the protective home and the magistrate should in time bound period,(withing 21 days) pass final order, to enable the release of the girls from protective home,says Mr. Pandey.(eom)

GUJ urges Goa government to notify ‘Goa Journalists Welfare Bill’:Condemns stripping of journalists in MP & chaining of a journalist in Odisha

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,April 8-The Goa Union of Journalists(GUJ),body of working journalists has appealed to the State government to fast-track the introduction and notification of the 'Goa Journalist Welfare Bill' which will provide protection to journalists from violence while on duty.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his 2020 budget speech had announced the legislation 'Goa Journalist Welfare Bill' to protect on-duty Goan journalists from violence.

Goa Union of Journalists’ executive committee had earlier submitted the draft of the much-needed 'Goa State Journalists Protection Act' to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The Chief Minister has been consistently updated on the Journalists Protection Acts in other states on account of an increase in the number of crimes against journalists.

According to Goa Director, Information and Publicity, Dipak Bandekar, technical queries raised by the Police and Law department had delayed the implementation process. All technical queries have been addressed now and the 'Goa Journalist Welfare Bill' will be soon introduced and passed in the coming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.    

Meanwhile, GUJ strongly condemned the ugly incidents of journalists along with YouTubers and theatre artists being arrested and stripped down to their inner wears inside the Kotwali police station in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh.

According to the local YouTube journalist Kanishk Tewari, he and his camera person were arrested while covering the protest against the arrest of theatre artist Neeraj Kumar for making alleged indecent remarks against BJP’s Kedarnath Shukla and his son Kedar Shukla.

According to the Free Press Journal, journalists were kept in the lock-up for nearly 18 hours, severely beaten and asked to remove their clothes. To further humiliate the group, police clicked photos of journalists, artists and activists and posted them on social media.

In another incident in Odisha’s Balasore district, police chained a journalist’s leg to a hospital bed, following a case of assault.

Local journalist Loknath Delai has,however, refuted the charges stating that his reporting on corruption involving police led to his arrest.  

"These cowardly acts by the law enforcing authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are highly condemnable. They are an attack on the freedom of the press which cannot be treated lightly,"said Goa Union of Journalists in a statement released in Panaji on Friday.(eom)

PWD lodges complaint with State Disability Commissioner about inaccessible Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukhrjee Stadium near Panaji

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,March 26- A complaint has been lodged by a person with disabilities(PwD) with Goa State Disability Commissioner against Director,Sports Aurhority Goa(SAG) under Sections 3, 30, 92, of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 for lack accessibility of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Tiswadi Goa, causing discrimination to the Persons with Disabilities.

The applicant Mr. Vishant S. Nagvekar(50),a person with 89% disability, has submitted that the state-of-the-art structure of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, situated at Taleigao Tiswadi Goa, hosts several sporting events, celebration, exhibitions, events of national and international fame and importance, seminars, inaugural ceremonies, inaugural ceremonies, including swearing ceremony of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa and election related events, etc.

While the ramps are installed at this government premises, however, the same are defective and the required gradient, are handrails or grab bars are missing or not provisioned thereby causing harassment and discrimination and as such it violates the section 3 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  Hence the Persons with Disabilities are denied access to the aforesaid stadium and, therefore, unable to attend any event, celebration, etc., organised at this prestigious premises owned and controlled by the SAG. 

He has complained that the Persons with disabilities often face societal barriers and evoke negative perceptions and discrimination in the society.  As a result of the stigma associated with disability, persons with disabilities are generally excluded from education, employment and community life,which deprives them of opportunities essential to their social development, health and well-being. Sport and inclusion in all the activities can help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with disability which can also resort to transform community attitudes about persons with disabilities by highlighting their skills and reducing the tendency to see the disability instead of the person.  Through inclusion the persons without disabilities interact with persons with disabilities in a positive context forcing them to reshape assumptions about what persons with disabilities can and cannot do.

He has noted that the inclusion can change the person with disability in an equally profound way by empowering persons with disabilities to realize their full potential and advocate for changes in society.  Through inclusion and full participation, persons with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change.  Inclusion and active participation is also well-suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities to become physically and mentally stronger.

He said that due to inaccessibility of the Stadium the Persons with Disabilities are deprived from full and active participation in any events organized including sports events and practice at this venue.

He has further brought to the notice of the State Disability Commissioner that the lift has been installed at this premises.However, the same have been left un-operational and therefore the access of the Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen have been excluded, debarred and deprived.  Further, due to non functioning of the lift / elevator the staff / employees of SAG, and visitors with disabilities, para players, etc., are not able to access upper floor of the Stadium and the office of the State government-owned SAG.

The relevant extract of the said above section is reproduced here under for ready reference:

3. Equality and non-discrimination..

(1)  The appropriate Government shall ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity and respect for his or her integrity equally with others.

(2)  The appropriate Government shall take steps to utilise the capacity of persons with disabilities by providing appropriate environment.

(3)  No person with disability shall be discriminated on the ground of disability, unless it is shown that the impugned act or omission is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

(4)  No person shall be deprived of his or her personal liberty only on the ground of disability.

(5)  The appropriate Government shall take necessary steps to ensure reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

The complainant points out that the section 30 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides for sporting activities especially to the Persons with Disabilities, which the SAG and Goa government and failed to adhere and provide basic facilities to the Persons with Disabilities not only at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, but also at all the other Indoor Stadium at various places in the State.

The extract of the provisions referred hereinabove is reproduced below for ready reference:

30. Sporting activities.. (1) The appropriate Government shall take measures to ensure effective participation in sporting activities of the persons with disabilities.

(2)  The sports authorities shall accord due recognition to the right of persons with disabilities to participate in sports and shall make due provisions for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their schemes and programmes for the promotion and development of sporting talents.

(3)  Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), The appropriate Government and the sports authorities shall take measures to,

(a)  Restructure courses and programmes to  ensure  access, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all sporting activities;

(b) Redesign and support infrastructure facilities of all sporting activities for persons with disabilities;

(c)  Develop technology to enhance potential, talent, capacity and ability in sporting  activities  of all the persons with disabilities;

(d)  Provide multi-sensory essentials and features  in all sporting activities to ensure effective participation  of  all persons with disabilities;

(e)  Allocate funds for development of state of art sport facilities for training of persons with disabilities;

(f) Promote and organise disability specific sporting  events for persons with disabilities and also facilitate awards to the winners and other participants of  such sporting events.

 Whereas the provision of accessibility at public places / premises has been mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.  The 05 years time period have been granted under the Act, 2016 for providing accessibility to the old building.  However, the authorities have failed to adhere to the appropriate sections of the Act, 2016 and rectify the faulty gradient of the ramps till date,stated the complaint. 

In view of the above, the applicant has demanded that 

(a)The faulty gradient of the ramps at the Stadium may be rectified in accordance with the law in force at the earliest.

(b) The handrails / grab bars and tactile guides for visual impaired may be installed wherever required at the Stadium.

(c) The toilet / washrooms may be fitted with wider door for wheelchair accessibility and anti skid flooring, grab bars in accordance with the law in force.

(d) That all the Stadiums under the control of the Respondents may be made accessibility to the Persons with Disabilities.(eom)

Goa Govt Advisory on heatwave

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,March 25- Goa Government's Revenue Department has said that as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast on the seasonal outlook for the warmer temperature from March – May, 2022, the State of Goa will be facing an extreme hot weather conditions and rise in maximum temperature above of the normal maximum temperature and minimum temperature above of the normal minimum temperature with corresponding Red Colour Code, for safety tips for Heat waves the following mitigation should be taken.

It has advised people to listen to All India Radio, watch TV, read news papers for local weather forecast to know if a heat wave is on the way. Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty. Wear light weight, light coloured, loose and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals while going out in the sun. Carry water with you while travelling. If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs. Use ORS, coconut water, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which helps to re-hydrate the body. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately. Visit a doctor immediately, if you feel faint or ill. Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink. Keep some drinking water for birds in small pots on the roof/balcony. Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshade and open windows at night. Use fans, damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently. Provide cool drinking water near the workplace. Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight. Schedule strenuous jobs at cooler times of the day. Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities. Give additional attention to the pregnant women and others with a medical condition.

The don’ts - do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm. Avoid wearing dark, heavy or tight clothing. Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high. Avoid cooking during peak hours. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrates the body. Avoid high-protein food.(eom)

Act against Govt College for using debarred&offensive languge for Persons with Disability in admission form, UGC urged

                             Vishant Nagvenkar

Prakash Kamat

Panaji, March 20,2022- In a complaint addressed to the Vice Chancellor of Goa University with copies to Goa State Disability Commissioner, University Grants Commission and other government authorities, Mr. Vishant Nagvenkar, a post graduate student and an officer of Goa government has demanded that strict action be taken against college authorities for using debarred and offensive expressions about persons with disability(PswD) in its admission form.

The Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim Goa, have failed to adhere to the Circulars issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, Panaji Goa and also by the Government of India and, therefore, have violated the provisions of the aforesaid Act in letter and spirit and have used the abbreviation “PH” on its admission form which denotes / elaborates as “Physically Handicapped”. Perhaps such barred / banned expression are used in all the Admission Form of the Government as well as Private Institutions which needs to be curtailed and restricted.

"The Institutions which should have been imparting wisdom, ideas and correct knowledge to the generations to come, however, the past generation have already learned the wrong expression and the same have been using openly thereby violating the provisions of the afore referred Acts and also the Constitution of India," lamented the complainant.

The act of using banned and barred expression appears to be purposeful and intentional to lower the dignity, degrade, disgrace, stigmatize, stagnate, condemn the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities  in order to detriment, demoralize, defame, dishonour and humiliate to "prove that they are useless, burden, ineffective, inefficient and worthless to the society," said the complainant and asserted that the ignorance of the Law cannot be an excuse to commit offense. 

The Institutions have been imparting wrong and faulty knowledge or expression to the young students and if the same is not rectified immediately the same shall continue for next generations because these faulty expression and vocabulary addressing the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities which have been used by the learned employees of the Goa University and their subordinates Institutions for past several years after enactment of the Persons with Disability Act in the year 1995. 

The Goa University should have taken the cognisance of the aforesaid Circular which was issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which the India is party and signatory.

Considering the aforesaid facts, the Vice Chancellor may kindly request all the authorities above and institutions, especially the Law Colleges using a wrong, banned, barred, offensive expression which is against the Constitution of India to rectify all the forms, documents, signage and all such documents, correspondence teaching material, Power Point Presentation, etc., immediately where such barred / offensive expressions or abbreviations are used.  And to begin with I  kindly request you to change or rectify the Admission Forms used for the PGDAS course for which the applicant is enrolled.

I may further also request you to initiate a disciplinary action against the erroring officer / official who is instrumental in using a offensive of barred expression / abbreviation addressing the Persons with Disabilities so that such act of offending Persons with Benchmark Disabilities is not repeated in future.  This will pass a strong message amongst the masses to restrict any offensive act against the Persons with Disabilities.

It is further humbly suggested to cancel the doctorate, PhD, degree MPhil of those who have submission there research / papers / documentation on the Persons with Disabilities using a barred expression “Handicapped” or “Handicap” and also in future bar the use of banned expression in any reports / submission / research and ensure using of expression “Persons with Disabilities” or “Persons with Benchmark Disabilities” or any other expression permitted as per Law, demands the complainant.(eom).

  

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