2009 Nieman Journalism Fellowships accepting applications
Posted on: 14/10/2008
Fellowships and Awards
Deadline: 15/12/2008
Region: Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe-Central Eurasia, Latin
America, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Worldwide
Journalists with five or more years of experience from around the
world can apply for the Nieman International Fellowships to study at
Harvard University. Application deadline: December 15.
Candidates must find financial support from sources outside the Nieman
Foundation. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply even if they
haven't received full funding by the deadline. The Foundation then
works with fellows to secure the necessary funds.
Applicants from South Africa, Canada and South Korea may choose to
follow their own Nieman application, selection process and submission
deadlines.
Completed application forms should accompany work samples and two
short essays: a statement of career plans and aspirations, and a
proposal for study. Fellows begin their academic year at Harvard in
mid-August 2009.
For more information, contact nieman_applications @harvard. edu,
telephone +;1 617 495 2237, or visit
http://www.nieman. harvard.edu/ NiemanFoundation /NiemanFellowshi ps/TypesOfFellow ships/Internatio nalFellowships. aspx
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fellowships to help Asian journalists improve skills
Fellowships to help Asian journalists improve skills
Posted on: 07/10/2008
Basic Journalism, Fellowships and Awards
Deadline: 15/11/2008
Region: Asia and the Pacific
Journalists who live in Asia are invited to apply for a fellowship to
study for three months at Nanyang Technological University's
communication school in Singapore. Deadline: November 15.
The Asia Journalism Fellowships provide a three-month break for active
journalists to improve their professional skills and deepen their
understanding of media trends. Fellows will participate in informal
seminars and intensive workshops, as well as meet with key newsmakers
in Singapore.
Candidates must have at least five years of journalism experience in
any medium, leadership potential, and be fluent in English.
Freelancers are welcome to apply.
Participants will receive airfare, accommodation, and a stipend of
US$1,500 per month.
The Fellowship is sponsored by Temasek Foundation, a nonprofit
organization based in Singapore that seeks to contribute to
sustainable growth and a bright future of hope and opportunities for
people in Asia.
For the application materials and additional information, visit
http://www.ajf. sg/
Posted on: 07/10/2008
Basic Journalism, Fellowships and Awards
Deadline: 15/11/2008
Region: Asia and the Pacific
Journalists who live in Asia are invited to apply for a fellowship to
study for three months at Nanyang Technological University's
communication school in Singapore. Deadline: November 15.
The Asia Journalism Fellowships provide a three-month break for active
journalists to improve their professional skills and deepen their
understanding of media trends. Fellows will participate in informal
seminars and intensive workshops, as well as meet with key newsmakers
in Singapore.
Candidates must have at least five years of journalism experience in
any medium, leadership potential, and be fluent in English.
Freelancers are welcome to apply.
Participants will receive airfare, accommodation, and a stipend of
US$1,500 per month.
The Fellowship is sponsored by Temasek Foundation, a nonprofit
organization based in Singapore that seeks to contribute to
sustainable growth and a bright future of hope and opportunities for
people in Asia.
For the application materials and additional information, visit
http://www.ajf. sg/
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOI&GZ=T
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOI&GZ=T
Friday, March 7, 2008
Drugs, sex ring poison Goa beaches-Local Dealers Lure Poor European Girls to Expand Biz
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As theories of a drug and sex ring contributing to the death of British teen Scarlette Keeling gained ground, the Goa police on Wednesday went back on their first assumption of death due to drowning and promised a fresh probe.
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
Panaji: As theories of a drug and sex ring contributing to the death of British teen Scarlette Keeling gained ground, the Goa police on Wednesday went back on their first assumption of death due to drowning and promised a fresh probe.
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
Mum won’t take back girl’s body-Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Mum won’t take back girl’s body
Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panjim: A disheartened Fiona McKeown, whose minor daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Anjuna beach in North Goa, has refused to take her teenage daughter’s body home to Devon, UK, till the police conduct a second autopsy. “I am absolutely convinced of foul play in my daughter Scarlette Keeling’s death and want the police to conduct a second autopsy. I suspect that my daughter was sexually abused and assaulted,” said Fiona.
Her suspicions are not baseless as even the autopsy report submitted by the police surgeon states that 15-year-old Scarlette had abrasions on the forehead and eyelids and bruises on both shins which were made with a blunt cousative weapon.
North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George confirmed that he had received the letter and said that he would request a second autopsy. “Meanwhile, we are making arrangements to send the girl’s viscera and smear stride and swabs for forensic tests at the forensic laboratory in Delhi,” he said.
Though the Goa police at first dismissed the British girl’s demise as death due to drowning, they are now examining if her death was homicidal or accidental. “Within two days, we will give a report on whether her death was homicidal or accidental. At present, we are checking on the people who were last seen with the girl,” said SP George.
According to the police, 15-yearold Scarlette was last seen at Lui Café in Govekarwado, Anjuna, in the company of two men—a popular restaurateur and a runner (local drug supplier), both from Anjuna, who were known to her. A waiter at Lui Café confirmed this. “Scarlette was at the café with two locals till about 4 am on February 18. She was in an inebriated state and couldn’t even stand straight. Once we closed the café at 4 am, she left with the two men,” the waiter revealed. At 7.15 in the morning, the police found her semi-naked body floating along the Anjuna beach near Lui Café.
Locals who knew Scarlette find it difficult to believe that she died due to drowning. “Her family members are good swimmers and she wouldn’t have gone into the sea at night, knowing very well the risks of swimming in a rocky area at night,” said Richard Pereira, a local shack owner.
Even as the locals described the girl as a friendly, warm person, they alleged that there was a darker side to her personality. “She was heavily into drugs. She used to pay for the drugs in kind as she had no cash,” a local beach boy revealed. The mother admitted that Scarlette would frequently experiment with charas, but she had never purchased it. “She never had much money and always smoked charas in a group,” the mother said.
Police officials investigating the case said that the family had arrived in Goa on November 22 last year and was regularly seen at a shack named Curlie’s in Dando, Anjuna, which is owned by Anjuna sarpanch Edwin Nunes aka Curlie. “She was friendly with Curlie and his friends Roy and Julio and would go as an escort with customers for the dolphin and crocodile trips that Roy and Julio organised. But she was never paid for the job,” the mother said.
However, Curlie denies personally knowing the girl and her family. Interestingly, there are complaints of alleged illegal activities at Curlie’s which Mapusa police are investigating. “We are keeping a watch on all activities at Curlie’s,” said the DSP of Mapusa, Subhash Goltekar.
The Goa State Commission for Children, shocked at the turn of events, has decided to take up the matter with the state government. “We are studying the matter and we will follow up with the police and the state government,” said Chairperson Uday Ballikar.
The Times of India, March 4, 2008,Times Nation Page 13
Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panjim: A disheartened Fiona McKeown, whose minor daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Anjuna beach in North Goa, has refused to take her teenage daughter’s body home to Devon, UK, till the police conduct a second autopsy. “I am absolutely convinced of foul play in my daughter Scarlette Keeling’s death and want the police to conduct a second autopsy. I suspect that my daughter was sexually abused and assaulted,” said Fiona.
Her suspicions are not baseless as even the autopsy report submitted by the police surgeon states that 15-year-old Scarlette had abrasions on the forehead and eyelids and bruises on both shins which were made with a blunt cousative weapon.
North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George confirmed that he had received the letter and said that he would request a second autopsy. “Meanwhile, we are making arrangements to send the girl’s viscera and smear stride and swabs for forensic tests at the forensic laboratory in Delhi,” he said.
Though the Goa police at first dismissed the British girl’s demise as death due to drowning, they are now examining if her death was homicidal or accidental. “Within two days, we will give a report on whether her death was homicidal or accidental. At present, we are checking on the people who were last seen with the girl,” said SP George.
According to the police, 15-yearold Scarlette was last seen at Lui Café in Govekarwado, Anjuna, in the company of two men—a popular restaurateur and a runner (local drug supplier), both from Anjuna, who were known to her. A waiter at Lui Café confirmed this. “Scarlette was at the café with two locals till about 4 am on February 18. She was in an inebriated state and couldn’t even stand straight. Once we closed the café at 4 am, she left with the two men,” the waiter revealed. At 7.15 in the morning, the police found her semi-naked body floating along the Anjuna beach near Lui Café.
Locals who knew Scarlette find it difficult to believe that she died due to drowning. “Her family members are good swimmers and she wouldn’t have gone into the sea at night, knowing very well the risks of swimming in a rocky area at night,” said Richard Pereira, a local shack owner.
Even as the locals described the girl as a friendly, warm person, they alleged that there was a darker side to her personality. “She was heavily into drugs. She used to pay for the drugs in kind as she had no cash,” a local beach boy revealed. The mother admitted that Scarlette would frequently experiment with charas, but she had never purchased it. “She never had much money and always smoked charas in a group,” the mother said.
Police officials investigating the case said that the family had arrived in Goa on November 22 last year and was regularly seen at a shack named Curlie’s in Dando, Anjuna, which is owned by Anjuna sarpanch Edwin Nunes aka Curlie. “She was friendly with Curlie and his friends Roy and Julio and would go as an escort with customers for the dolphin and crocodile trips that Roy and Julio organised. But she was never paid for the job,” the mother said.
However, Curlie denies personally knowing the girl and her family. Interestingly, there are complaints of alleged illegal activities at Curlie’s which Mapusa police are investigating. “We are keeping a watch on all activities at Curlie’s,” said the DSP of Mapusa, Subhash Goltekar.
The Goa State Commission for Children, shocked at the turn of events, has decided to take up the matter with the state government. “We are studying the matter and we will follow up with the police and the state government,” said Chairperson Uday Ballikar.
The Times of India, March 4, 2008,Times Nation Page 13
Monday, January 14, 2008
Positively Yours
Positively Yours
Preetu Nair (the article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim dated 31/01/2006)
VASCO, Goa:
This is not an ordinary tale of a Hindu boy meets a Muslim girl, falls in love with her and marries her! This is an extraordinary tale of unconditional love and trust. When Raju and Shabnam met, they shared a similar problem. They were both HIV positive but had the eternal urge to live happily.
Finally, Sunday marked an unusual moment in the young couple's life. They became, perhaps, the first HIV couple in Goa to tie the knot. The 21-year-old a painter by profession converted to Islam and changed his name to Niyaz to marry the woman of his dreams at Zindagi office, amidst applause and blessings from relatives and friends.
The couple is confident that their love will guide them till life's candles flutter and burn low. "I wed her forever, not for the brief years on earth. I wed her for the life beyond the tears, beyond the pain and the clouded brow," said Niyaz.
When he was detected HIV positive, he was shocked and scared. He used to regularly visit Zindagi, a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS for advice and help. During one of his visits, he met Shabnam, who was working at Zindagi. Cupid struck and soon they decided to get married. "I was alone and scared. I am happy to find a partner who is HIV positive like me. For us, marriage is about accepting the truth and living well, even with a killer disease," Niyaz.
For Shabnam, a widow, marriage to Niyaz is the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Two years back, her world crumbled around her when her husband died of AIDS soon after the marriage. She, too, was detected HIV positive and her in-laws blamed her for their son's death. "I have cried a lot and cursed myself for the misfortunes. But now I have a reason to live and laugh," says Shabnam.
"Together with the gift of trust and love we will create our own home," adds Niyaz.
There love is ought to inspire many who shy away from accepting their HIV positive status due to fear of stigma and live a life of fear and oblivion!
Preetu Nair (the article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim dated 31/01/2006)
VASCO, Goa:
This is not an ordinary tale of a Hindu boy meets a Muslim girl, falls in love with her and marries her! This is an extraordinary tale of unconditional love and trust. When Raju and Shabnam met, they shared a similar problem. They were both HIV positive but had the eternal urge to live happily.
Finally, Sunday marked an unusual moment in the young couple's life. They became, perhaps, the first HIV couple in Goa to tie the knot. The 21-year-old a painter by profession converted to Islam and changed his name to Niyaz to marry the woman of his dreams at Zindagi office, amidst applause and blessings from relatives and friends.
The couple is confident that their love will guide them till life's candles flutter and burn low. "I wed her forever, not for the brief years on earth. I wed her for the life beyond the tears, beyond the pain and the clouded brow," said Niyaz.
When he was detected HIV positive, he was shocked and scared. He used to regularly visit Zindagi, a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS for advice and help. During one of his visits, he met Shabnam, who was working at Zindagi. Cupid struck and soon they decided to get married. "I was alone and scared. I am happy to find a partner who is HIV positive like me. For us, marriage is about accepting the truth and living well, even with a killer disease," Niyaz.
For Shabnam, a widow, marriage to Niyaz is the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Two years back, her world crumbled around her when her husband died of AIDS soon after the marriage. She, too, was detected HIV positive and her in-laws blamed her for their son's death. "I have cried a lot and cursed myself for the misfortunes. But now I have a reason to live and laugh," says Shabnam.
"Together with the gift of trust and love we will create our own home," adds Niyaz.
There love is ought to inspire many who shy away from accepting their HIV positive status due to fear of stigma and live a life of fear and oblivion!
No aid for HIV positive ‘outsiders’
No aid for HIV positive ‘outsiders’
Preetu Nair
preetu_nair@gomantaktimes.com
(This article appeared in GT Weekender, Panjim edition dated February 12,2006)
If you are a poor HIV/AIDS patient in Goa and do not have a ration card, it will be a matter of time before your family gets your death certificate. Harsh! but shockingly true. The Goa Medical College has been refusing to supply antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs to non residents or those who have no proof of residence in Goa , in gross violation of NACO guidelines and the fundamental right to life, Preetu Nair finds out how your ration card becomes your life saving drug.
PANJIM: The outsider versus insider battle has been dragged even in to the Goa Medical College , where HIV patients without rations cards or proof of residence are refused ART life sustaining tablets. Those who can afford to it can buy it privately, but what about the hundreds of poor HIV patients who have a right to life, but are expected to show proof of living in Goa , to get that right. Check out these cases:
Positively speaking, we don’t treat ‘outsider’ HIV patients
Lata, an HIV positive is staying in Goa since last 30 years and had a ration card. But as bulldozers razed her house in Baina on June 14, 2004, she lost her ration card. As a result she has become an outsider in Goa where she was born and brought up. Recently, doctors at Goa Medical College (GMC) put her on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) but refused to give her the free medicine because she didn't have a ration card. She explained her problem but to no avail. Her problem is dual: on one side she is denied medicines because she doesn't have a ration card, while on the other hand government authorities refuse to give her a new ration card, despite several applications for the same.
The ART of refusing aid
As the CD4 count machine (a blood check-up for HIV/AIDS patient which has to be done every six months) was dysfunctional in GMC in October and November 2005, Shanti was advised to take her critically ill husband to a private hospital for CD4 count. The test revealed that his CD4 count was very low at 111 (normal is 200). The couple immediately rushed to GMC to start ART but was denied the tablet because they are from Karnataka and not from Goa . When they argued that ART has to be given for free to anyone who has HIV/AIDS irrespective of the state to which they belong, they were told by doctors at GMC that they have orders to give free ART tablets only to Goans. Another doctor added that as the CD4 count was done at private hospital, they would not receive any medicine from GMC for free.
Want a tablet, go back to your village
A 32-year-old man from Nepal , who came to Goa three years back to work as a labourer at the construction site, was detected to be HIV positive in 2005. He used to have high fever and felt weak. He went to GMC where he was tested and found to be HIV positive. He was regularly denied basic drugs. In January 2005 a CD4 count was done at GMC and he was counseled to start. But when he went to take his free ART tablets, he was asked to go back and take the medicine free from his village. Reason? He is not a resident of Goa . He cried and begged but in vain.
Some free lunches, but no free tablets
Reshma, 25, purchased ART tablets for one and half year when she was pregnant to avoid HIV/AIDS transmission from mother to child. This was two and half years back, when ART tablet was not given free of cost at GMC. However, she was forced to stop the medicine later as she couldn't afford it. However, when she got a CD4 count done recently it was found that her CD4 count had gone down and she was put on ART. But when she went to GMC for the medicine, she was denied tablets, as she couldn't produce proof of residence.
Believe it or not! From January 2006, if you don't have a ration card in Goa , you will be denied ART, which is considered to be an elixir of hope for HIV/AIDS patients; especially symptomatic patients with CD4 count less than 200 by GMC. ART drugs, while they do not cure HIV, can, if successfully administered, slow and even virtually stop the proliferation of HIV in the body. This reduces susceptibility to other diseases and allows for longer and better quality of life. Though available in the market, the drugs cost anywhere between Rs 2500 to 5000, thus making it unaffordable for the poor.
This is happening even as Chief Minister of Goa, Pratapsing Rane in his message in Goa State AIDS Control Society's book HIV/AIDS in Goa, Situation and Response 2005-06 has said, "My government is fully committed to prevent the spread of HIV and to provide care, support and treatment to people living with AIDS who access our health services and to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on communities".
It just doesn't matter that they live, work and love Goa . What matters is that they don't have a ration card or an electoral card! All this in complete violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which recognizes the right to life as a fundamental right and also imposes an obligation on the State to safeguard the right to life of every person: "The
Government hospitals run by the State and the medical officers employed therein are duty bound to extend medical assistance for preserving human life". Failure on the part of a Government hospital to provide timely medical treatment to a person in need of such treatment results in a violation of his right to life guaranteed under Article 21.
Dr JJ Dias, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) admitted that many NGO's working with HIV/AIDS patients have complained that the patients are asked to show proof of residence in order to get free ART drugs. "But this is done to ensure adherence from the patient, so that they don't leave the treatment mid-way. Otherwise, I don't think there is any reason to refuse free ART drugs as we want more and more HIV/AIDS patients to take the medicine," he said.
But isn't the right to life and health a fundamental right guaranteed to every person living in India and is non-negotiable? "That is true. We can't deny the drug to anyone. But our focus is on adherence," added Dr Dias. Asha Vernekar, NGO Advisor, GSACS also admitted that she had received complaints about patients being denied ART drugs because they don't have a ration card. "We have also followed up with GMC," she added.
This is happening even as National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) envisions an India in which every person living with HIV is treated with dignity and has access to quality care. However, many like Reshma and Lata are denied free ART drugs because they are "outsiders". This despite the fact that NACO made the promise: "one nation one resolve: we shall defeat AIDS together" and for the same launched free ART drugs to all HIV/AIDS patients in state at GMC in March 2005, to provide universal access to HIV care.
"It is done to ensure that there is continuity of the medicine. What if they stay in Goa for few months and go to their native place and discontinue the medicine? By and large medicines are not denied to patients," added Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar, Medical Superintendent, Goa Medical College .
But can a patient be denied medicine on the presumption that he may stop taking the medicine in the near future? Well, no one seems to have the answer!
(Some names have been changed)
****************************************************************************
Words hurt more that the disease. Here is a sample of how insensitive medical professionals in government hospitals are when they deal with HIV positive patients.
“Leave your HIV positive husband”
* A 25-year-old local boy was admitted in November in the General ward of GMC because his CD4 count was very low and he required immediate medical attention. In the presence of relatives he was given a bed, but in the night when the relatives left, he was vacated to a dark laboratory and made to sit there alone. Scared and worried, he called his relatives for help. They intervened and he was got medical attention but not before his wife was advised by the doctor to leave her HIV positive husband.
“You are HIV positive, we can’t give you a receipt for a CT scan”
* When Shakeela took her 27-year-old husband, who is suffering from HIV/AIDS to GMC in December, they were asked to go to Hospicio Hospital , Margao. At Hospicio, she was charged Rs 200 for CT scan. She paid the money but didn't get a receipt. When the couple insisted, the staff insulted them saying they are HIV positive.
“Hey get out of the line, someone may get the disease”
* Leena and Manoj had left home in Maharashtra and settled in Goa , far away from friends and relative, because they were regularly ridiculed by everyone for
being HIV positive. But Leena got a greater shock when she went to GMC and was ridiculed by a nurse, who said, "Hey, you are HIV positive, just get out of the line or someone may just get the disease." She is yet to overcome the embarrassment and agony she experienced then.
This is happening even when it is openly agreed that maintenance of confidentiality of an individual's health status is one of the cornerstones of public health. Not only does the principle rest on human rights norms of autonomy and respect for privacy, but it has also been viewed as crucial to encouraging those most at risk to come forward for HIV testing, counseling and clinical attention.
Even NACO states, "All Government hospitals have been instructed to admit HIV/AIDS cases without any discrimination. They have to be managed in the general wards of the hospitals along with other patients except cases having sputum positive (open pulmonary tuberculosis) and when the patient's immunity is completely diminished. This is required to protect him from other infections and thus he needs to be managed in a separate room. Any special marking or board near the beds for HIV positive patients is discouraged".
Only noise, but no CD machines
CD4/CD8 count facility was established at GMC in July 2001. On an average 6 to 8 patients are screened everyday for CD4/CD8 blood count facility to verify and assess the immune status of a HIV patient. In 2005 upto September at least 449 people went for CD4/CD8 count. However, in October and November, the CD4 machine was not working and due to this few patients who could shell out Rs 1000 plus went to private hospital, while many couldn't do the test.
Dr Dias admitted that there was a problem sometime back. "The problem is that at the moment we have just one CD4 machine and it does give trouble. At the moment we have three option: have another CD4 machine, outsource the tests or purchase CD4/CD8 kits so that it can be used as substitute," added Dr Dias.
Preetu Nair
preetu_nair@gomantaktimes.com
(This article appeared in GT Weekender, Panjim edition dated February 12,2006)
If you are a poor HIV/AIDS patient in Goa and do not have a ration card, it will be a matter of time before your family gets your death certificate. Harsh! but shockingly true. The Goa Medical College has been refusing to supply antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs to non residents or those who have no proof of residence in Goa , in gross violation of NACO guidelines and the fundamental right to life, Preetu Nair finds out how your ration card becomes your life saving drug.
PANJIM: The outsider versus insider battle has been dragged even in to the Goa Medical College , where HIV patients without rations cards or proof of residence are refused ART life sustaining tablets. Those who can afford to it can buy it privately, but what about the hundreds of poor HIV patients who have a right to life, but are expected to show proof of living in Goa , to get that right. Check out these cases:
Positively speaking, we don’t treat ‘outsider’ HIV patients
Lata, an HIV positive is staying in Goa since last 30 years and had a ration card. But as bulldozers razed her house in Baina on June 14, 2004, she lost her ration card. As a result she has become an outsider in Goa where she was born and brought up. Recently, doctors at Goa Medical College (GMC) put her on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) but refused to give her the free medicine because she didn't have a ration card. She explained her problem but to no avail. Her problem is dual: on one side she is denied medicines because she doesn't have a ration card, while on the other hand government authorities refuse to give her a new ration card, despite several applications for the same.
The ART of refusing aid
As the CD4 count machine (a blood check-up for HIV/AIDS patient which has to be done every six months) was dysfunctional in GMC in October and November 2005, Shanti was advised to take her critically ill husband to a private hospital for CD4 count. The test revealed that his CD4 count was very low at 111 (normal is 200). The couple immediately rushed to GMC to start ART but was denied the tablet because they are from Karnataka and not from Goa . When they argued that ART has to be given for free to anyone who has HIV/AIDS irrespective of the state to which they belong, they were told by doctors at GMC that they have orders to give free ART tablets only to Goans. Another doctor added that as the CD4 count was done at private hospital, they would not receive any medicine from GMC for free.
Want a tablet, go back to your village
A 32-year-old man from Nepal , who came to Goa three years back to work as a labourer at the construction site, was detected to be HIV positive in 2005. He used to have high fever and felt weak. He went to GMC where he was tested and found to be HIV positive. He was regularly denied basic drugs. In January 2005 a CD4 count was done at GMC and he was counseled to start. But when he went to take his free ART tablets, he was asked to go back and take the medicine free from his village. Reason? He is not a resident of Goa . He cried and begged but in vain.
Some free lunches, but no free tablets
Reshma, 25, purchased ART tablets for one and half year when she was pregnant to avoid HIV/AIDS transmission from mother to child. This was two and half years back, when ART tablet was not given free of cost at GMC. However, she was forced to stop the medicine later as she couldn't afford it. However, when she got a CD4 count done recently it was found that her CD4 count had gone down and she was put on ART. But when she went to GMC for the medicine, she was denied tablets, as she couldn't produce proof of residence.
Believe it or not! From January 2006, if you don't have a ration card in Goa , you will be denied ART, which is considered to be an elixir of hope for HIV/AIDS patients; especially symptomatic patients with CD4 count less than 200 by GMC. ART drugs, while they do not cure HIV, can, if successfully administered, slow and even virtually stop the proliferation of HIV in the body. This reduces susceptibility to other diseases and allows for longer and better quality of life. Though available in the market, the drugs cost anywhere between Rs 2500 to 5000, thus making it unaffordable for the poor.
This is happening even as Chief Minister of Goa, Pratapsing Rane in his message in Goa State AIDS Control Society's book HIV/AIDS in Goa, Situation and Response 2005-06 has said, "My government is fully committed to prevent the spread of HIV and to provide care, support and treatment to people living with AIDS who access our health services and to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on communities".
It just doesn't matter that they live, work and love Goa . What matters is that they don't have a ration card or an electoral card! All this in complete violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which recognizes the right to life as a fundamental right and also imposes an obligation on the State to safeguard the right to life of every person: "The
Government hospitals run by the State and the medical officers employed therein are duty bound to extend medical assistance for preserving human life". Failure on the part of a Government hospital to provide timely medical treatment to a person in need of such treatment results in a violation of his right to life guaranteed under Article 21.
Dr JJ Dias, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) admitted that many NGO's working with HIV/AIDS patients have complained that the patients are asked to show proof of residence in order to get free ART drugs. "But this is done to ensure adherence from the patient, so that they don't leave the treatment mid-way. Otherwise, I don't think there is any reason to refuse free ART drugs as we want more and more HIV/AIDS patients to take the medicine," he said.
But isn't the right to life and health a fundamental right guaranteed to every person living in India and is non-negotiable? "That is true. We can't deny the drug to anyone. But our focus is on adherence," added Dr Dias. Asha Vernekar, NGO Advisor, GSACS also admitted that she had received complaints about patients being denied ART drugs because they don't have a ration card. "We have also followed up with GMC," she added.
This is happening even as National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) envisions an India in which every person living with HIV is treated with dignity and has access to quality care. However, many like Reshma and Lata are denied free ART drugs because they are "outsiders". This despite the fact that NACO made the promise: "one nation one resolve: we shall defeat AIDS together" and for the same launched free ART drugs to all HIV/AIDS patients in state at GMC in March 2005, to provide universal access to HIV care.
"It is done to ensure that there is continuity of the medicine. What if they stay in Goa for few months and go to their native place and discontinue the medicine? By and large medicines are not denied to patients," added Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar, Medical Superintendent, Goa Medical College .
But can a patient be denied medicine on the presumption that he may stop taking the medicine in the near future? Well, no one seems to have the answer!
(Some names have been changed)
****************************************************************************
Words hurt more that the disease. Here is a sample of how insensitive medical professionals in government hospitals are when they deal with HIV positive patients.
“Leave your HIV positive husband”
* A 25-year-old local boy was admitted in November in the General ward of GMC because his CD4 count was very low and he required immediate medical attention. In the presence of relatives he was given a bed, but in the night when the relatives left, he was vacated to a dark laboratory and made to sit there alone. Scared and worried, he called his relatives for help. They intervened and he was got medical attention but not before his wife was advised by the doctor to leave her HIV positive husband.
“You are HIV positive, we can’t give you a receipt for a CT scan”
* When Shakeela took her 27-year-old husband, who is suffering from HIV/AIDS to GMC in December, they were asked to go to Hospicio Hospital , Margao. At Hospicio, she was charged Rs 200 for CT scan. She paid the money but didn't get a receipt. When the couple insisted, the staff insulted them saying they are HIV positive.
“Hey get out of the line, someone may get the disease”
* Leena and Manoj had left home in Maharashtra and settled in Goa , far away from friends and relative, because they were regularly ridiculed by everyone for
being HIV positive. But Leena got a greater shock when she went to GMC and was ridiculed by a nurse, who said, "Hey, you are HIV positive, just get out of the line or someone may just get the disease." She is yet to overcome the embarrassment and agony she experienced then.
This is happening even when it is openly agreed that maintenance of confidentiality of an individual's health status is one of the cornerstones of public health. Not only does the principle rest on human rights norms of autonomy and respect for privacy, but it has also been viewed as crucial to encouraging those most at risk to come forward for HIV testing, counseling and clinical attention.
Even NACO states, "All Government hospitals have been instructed to admit HIV/AIDS cases without any discrimination. They have to be managed in the general wards of the hospitals along with other patients except cases having sputum positive (open pulmonary tuberculosis) and when the patient's immunity is completely diminished. This is required to protect him from other infections and thus he needs to be managed in a separate room. Any special marking or board near the beds for HIV positive patients is discouraged".
Only noise, but no CD machines
CD4/CD8 count facility was established at GMC in July 2001. On an average 6 to 8 patients are screened everyday for CD4/CD8 blood count facility to verify and assess the immune status of a HIV patient. In 2005 upto September at least 449 people went for CD4/CD8 count. However, in October and November, the CD4 machine was not working and due to this few patients who could shell out Rs 1000 plus went to private hospital, while many couldn't do the test.
Dr Dias admitted that there was a problem sometime back. "The problem is that at the moment we have just one CD4 machine and it does give trouble. At the moment we have three option: have another CD4 machine, outsource the tests or purchase CD4/CD8 kits so that it can be used as substitute," added Dr Dias.
Neros in Khaki
Neros in Khaki
(This article appeared in GT- Weekender, Panjim, March 5, 2006)
The BJP ignites a minor incident and has fuelled hatred that has snowballed into full blown communal carnage in Curchorem. As homes and hearts of the minorities are being torn apart, a hapless and “badly stretched” police watches over the destruction and loot. TEAM GT traveled and worked out of the riot stricken areas of Savordem and Curchorem to get you the real story and separate falsehood from facts.
Curchorem/Sanvordem:
Goa went into a spin as the communal violence in Curchorem and Savordem spun out of control and threatened to engulf the whole state, thankfully here were no deaths, but a complete failure on the intelligence machinery and the BJP’s tacit as well as overt role in fuelling tensions, has scarred Goa’s psyche.
The communal violence that has rocked the state and destroyed the communal harmony and law and order situation in the state could have been averted if the various arms of government had arrived at a consensus. Worse still, even as the government machinery failed, politicians took advantage of the situation, thereby instigating the crowd and worsening the situation.
Reliable sources reveal that while SP (South) was against issuing permission to the minority community to hold a rally because he felt that the situation was threatening to snowball into a major controversy between the minority and majority community. However, the Deputy Magistrate (South) granted permission to hold the rally. Later Deputy Magistrate did withdraw the permission to hold the rally , but by then it was too late and in the unfortunate incident happening since Friday many from the minority community were attacked , their shops destroyed, houses ransacked and vehicles damaged and scorched.
If on Friday, the police with a little force of over 409 personnel failed to handle the mob of 300o plus, then on Saturday with a force led by SP (South). six Dy.SP’s and 12 Police Inspector’s stood as mute spectators as the crowd went on a rampage after being ignited by the BJP leaders.
A controversial senior office bearer of BJP was heard saying “It is high time that Hindus and Christians join hands to kill the Muslims”. Despite all this, no BJP leaders was arrested or warned for igniting the crowd and creating communal tension!
S(H)AT(T)ER DAY
* Demonstrators gather at Sanvordem TISK, 60 arrested for violating Section 144.
* As Chief Minister Rane arrives, gathered people demand release of 60. Rane warns the people and leaves.
* Mob turns violent. Police swings into action, fires in the air. Policemen hurt. Fire services put into service.
* Governor Jamir arrives .Holds talks with BJP leadership led by Manohar Parrikar.
* Those arrested are released by 1.30 pm. Mob continues to loot business establishments and destroy vehicles.
* Fresh violence erupts. PI Gundu Naik’s pistol snatched. PSI Devendra Gad also injured, falls unconscious. His pistol is also taken.
* Mob beats up a constable. He pulls out his service revolver. Some rounds fired by mistake injuring one Manohar Naik and another person. Both admitted to Goa Medical College.
* CISF already posted, three RAF men and CRPF arrived today.
Six Dy.SP s, about Twelve Police Inspectors should have controlled it, but the force was inadequate.
Senior officials of the Goa police admit that some of the damage unleashed on minorities could have been controlled and quelled since there were Six DySPs and Eleven Police Inspector’s who were at the spot. However they admit that the number of men did not add up. The force was woefully short of what was needed to stem the violence.
Though no one is admitting this openly, it is clear that the entire force and the almost non-existent police machinery was caught napping and were unprepared for the situation. The BJP and its affiliates knew only too well that it takes Thirty six hours for Goa to mobilize optimum personal in a situation like this and struck without warning.
The Goa Government has claimed credit for not allowing the violence to get out of hand. In fact Chief Minister Rane actually termed the situation peaceful, since there not a single causality. (As our stories will tell you, this claim is laughable)
Significantly, police officials have completely denied the BJP propaganda that minority gangs had come from Bhatkal and Karwar in Karnataka and had brandished swords and threatened to wipe out the majority population in Sanvordem. DIG Ujjwal Mishra said that both the SP and DM (South Goa) confirmed that “in meeting of the minorities yesterday (Friday) none was armed or looked like an outsider”.
Mishra admitted that the Goa police was “badly stretched” and was in no position to control the sudden but almost premeditated attack on minority shops, establishments.
Asked why the police fiddled in Curchorem while it burnt, Mishra speaking to TEAM GT said “We wanted to save lives. The force was escorting the victims and was not enough to counter attack and arrest the attackers.”
Roadway to Hell
Cocktail of Hate: Shaken and Stirred
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Nearly 50 vehicles destroyed and many burnt, four petrol pumps damaged, shops looted, 20 houses ransacked and later burnt. All owned by people from the minority community and the number is increasing by the hour.
Curchorem/Savordem: The stillborn silence and suspicion look that they give you makes you squirm. If the shameless violence appeared to be greatest mockery of democracy for the cultured, then for the seven hundred plus persons from the minority community here, it had shattered their dreams and vision of communal harmony in Goa.
As democracy’s most forceful articulation , inevitably driven by the most primeval passions- hate, made its way into Curchorem and Savordem from Friday , it has probably silenced the people of the minority community forever. They are scared to speak or react. But once they open up, the scars are evident.
Slowly but with caution they reveal how the nameless, unreasoning and unjustified terror has paralyzed their life forever. Though they speak, they refuse to be quoted for they fear that will be punished by the majority community for speaking their mind.
“We were planning a silent rally to propagate communal harmony and human bonding on Friday. But we never expected things to go out of the hand” said a young person from the minority community.
Recollecting the events of Friday he said, “we canceled our rally by 2.30 pm once we were warned by the Deputy Collector (South) that there was a chance of a mob attack. But by then many people had gathered at Curchorem from different parts of Goa. Before we could think or do anything, a mob appeared and pelted stones at us. Further, they destroyed our vehicles and many of us took shelter in the mosque.”
“We are separated from our families. We tool shelter in the mosque, but we hear that our children were driven away from the house before the mob damaged and looted it. We don’t know where and how they are,” said one elderly man.
What has shocked the minority community is the unprepardness and inefficiency of the Goa police and Congress government. “if the police suspected foul play they should have come prepared. There were hardly 30 or 40 policemen when a mob of more than 1000 policemen attacked us,” said another person.
Congress voters since ages, they swear that they will never vote for the party again, “We were calling each and every Congress party minister for help and not a single person was contactable. We are also human beings, we also have feelings, and we also want to live peacefully. Why are politicians playing with out lives and dreams to fulfill their political ambitions”, said an elderly man. With tears in his eyes, he added, “This is not the Goa I knew and loved. This is not my Goa.”
They rubbished newspaper reports that people from majority community reacted because many of their people came from Bhatkal and Hubli in vehicles with swords and knives. “This is utter lie .If it was true, we should have also attacked the mob rather than taking shelter in the mosque. Why was not a single vehicle with Karnataka registration burnt or destroyed?
All the vehicles that were destroyed belonged to people from our community, who are either Goans or settled here since ages.” And true enough; all the vehicles destroyed and burnt had Goa registration!
I don’ Know, I just don’t know
The woman who wanted to build the Madrasa is too shocked at the backlash.
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Guddemol (Sanvordem)
Fear stared in Samshad Begum Anar Bi’s eyes and chalked her face. She is absolutely confused and too shocked to speak. When after lots of coaxing, she does speak most of what she utters are abrupt sentences, followed by long stretches of silence and stare.
She starts of with, “I built this structure single handedly. I did get financial help from my community members. It was to be a mosque and a madrasa .People could pray and young children could study Arabic.”
Samshad had built the structure on a government land, which comes under the Twenty Point Programme. The structure was renovated recently to start a mosque as well as a Madrasa (a school for imparting religious preachings). But on February 24, the Savordem panchayat issued a notice in which they stated that the structure is illegal and would be demolished within seven days. However, she got a stay order from the Directorate of Panchayats. But when locals learnt about it, they attacked the building at night and demolished the structure.
“It was around midnight, when a mob attacked and destroyed the structure. I don’t know why they attacked. I just don’t know…,” and her voice withered away, as if she was again lost in her world of uncertainty and grief.
This is not the Goa we once knew
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Curchorem/ Sanvordem
Many locals are shocked and in an utter state of disbelief. After all, this is not the Goa they love and value so much. They had always boasted and taken pride over Goa maintaining its communal harmony, despite all odds.
But when the houses of minority community were ransacked and demolished, shops burgled by an angry mob led by BJP and a few Shiv Sainiks, they were reduced to mere spectators watching the incidents from the safety of their houses.
They talk but refuse to be quoted. Said one person “They can do anything. They have turned a small issue into a religious issue and are attacking people and destroying homes. We want to be safe.”
“We are very shocked by the way people have reacted. They have mixed two issues: one of religion and another insider-outsider issue. It is really sad and I feel ashamed,” said another lady.
Meanwhile, an elderly man who observed the incidents of the day went inside shaking his hands, as the mob started pelting stones and attacking police. “This is the darkest and worst day for the Goan society. As few locals are going about creating a mountain out of a molehill, they have destroyed the harmony and peace of the place. I can’t believe this is happening in my Goa,” he added.
Another person, who was part of the mob on Friday, but withdrew on Saturday said, “It has now become a political issue and the politicians are now using us for their political gains.”
GOA WANTS ANSWERS
* THEY SAY: CM Pratapsing Rane tells a delegation of minority leaders who seek appointment with him on Saturday, “I have visited the place in the morning. Everything is normal and peaceful. You meet me on Monday”.
BUT: Mr. CM is burning cars, pelting stones, ransacking petrol pumps and looting sari, footwear shops and small establishments, injured policemen etc. signs of peace or violence?
* THEY SAY: Both the people from majority community and BJP leaders say that the violence occurred because people from minority community brought people armed with swords and knives from Bhatkal and Hubli
BUT: If the people from minority community were really armed, then why did they not retaliate and attack the mob? On the contrary, many rushed back home and others took shelter in the mosque at Curchorem.
* THEY SAY: Further there are allegations that they came in large numbers from Karnataka.
BUT: Not a single vehicle, which was damaged and destroyed, had Karnataka registration. All vehicles belonged to people from minority community in Goa.
* They Say: Leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar said, “The influx of migrants in the state cause social tension and disturb the harmony of the state.”
BUT: The majority of the people whose houses were attacked, shops burnt and burgled are very much Goans. And the few others who had migrated from other parts of country had made Goa their homes and have ration cards. By calling them outsiders, aren’t you violating their fundamental right to live and work here?
* THEY SAY: Police claim that they were extremely short – staffed to control the mob of three thousand plus.
BUT: It is surprising that with Six Dy SP’s and Twelve Police Inspectors at the spot, the police failed to control the mob. But one must admit that the police were tired and hungry. After all, they are on duty from Friday evening and the authorities didn’t even bother to feed them lunch. No wonder, many found it difficult to handle the mob on empty stomachs.
(This article appeared in GT- Weekender, Panjim, March 5, 2006)
The BJP ignites a minor incident and has fuelled hatred that has snowballed into full blown communal carnage in Curchorem. As homes and hearts of the minorities are being torn apart, a hapless and “badly stretched” police watches over the destruction and loot. TEAM GT traveled and worked out of the riot stricken areas of Savordem and Curchorem to get you the real story and separate falsehood from facts.
Curchorem/Sanvordem:
Goa went into a spin as the communal violence in Curchorem and Savordem spun out of control and threatened to engulf the whole state, thankfully here were no deaths, but a complete failure on the intelligence machinery and the BJP’s tacit as well as overt role in fuelling tensions, has scarred Goa’s psyche.
The communal violence that has rocked the state and destroyed the communal harmony and law and order situation in the state could have been averted if the various arms of government had arrived at a consensus. Worse still, even as the government machinery failed, politicians took advantage of the situation, thereby instigating the crowd and worsening the situation.
Reliable sources reveal that while SP (South) was against issuing permission to the minority community to hold a rally because he felt that the situation was threatening to snowball into a major controversy between the minority and majority community. However, the Deputy Magistrate (South) granted permission to hold the rally. Later Deputy Magistrate did withdraw the permission to hold the rally , but by then it was too late and in the unfortunate incident happening since Friday many from the minority community were attacked , their shops destroyed, houses ransacked and vehicles damaged and scorched.
If on Friday, the police with a little force of over 409 personnel failed to handle the mob of 300o plus, then on Saturday with a force led by SP (South). six Dy.SP’s and 12 Police Inspector’s stood as mute spectators as the crowd went on a rampage after being ignited by the BJP leaders.
A controversial senior office bearer of BJP was heard saying “It is high time that Hindus and Christians join hands to kill the Muslims”. Despite all this, no BJP leaders was arrested or warned for igniting the crowd and creating communal tension!
S(H)AT(T)ER DAY
* Demonstrators gather at Sanvordem TISK, 60 arrested for violating Section 144.
* As Chief Minister Rane arrives, gathered people demand release of 60. Rane warns the people and leaves.
* Mob turns violent. Police swings into action, fires in the air. Policemen hurt. Fire services put into service.
* Governor Jamir arrives .Holds talks with BJP leadership led by Manohar Parrikar.
* Those arrested are released by 1.30 pm. Mob continues to loot business establishments and destroy vehicles.
* Fresh violence erupts. PI Gundu Naik’s pistol snatched. PSI Devendra Gad also injured, falls unconscious. His pistol is also taken.
* Mob beats up a constable. He pulls out his service revolver. Some rounds fired by mistake injuring one Manohar Naik and another person. Both admitted to Goa Medical College.
* CISF already posted, three RAF men and CRPF arrived today.
Six Dy.SP s, about Twelve Police Inspectors should have controlled it, but the force was inadequate.
Senior officials of the Goa police admit that some of the damage unleashed on minorities could have been controlled and quelled since there were Six DySPs and Eleven Police Inspector’s who were at the spot. However they admit that the number of men did not add up. The force was woefully short of what was needed to stem the violence.
Though no one is admitting this openly, it is clear that the entire force and the almost non-existent police machinery was caught napping and were unprepared for the situation. The BJP and its affiliates knew only too well that it takes Thirty six hours for Goa to mobilize optimum personal in a situation like this and struck without warning.
The Goa Government has claimed credit for not allowing the violence to get out of hand. In fact Chief Minister Rane actually termed the situation peaceful, since there not a single causality. (As our stories will tell you, this claim is laughable)
Significantly, police officials have completely denied the BJP propaganda that minority gangs had come from Bhatkal and Karwar in Karnataka and had brandished swords and threatened to wipe out the majority population in Sanvordem. DIG Ujjwal Mishra said that both the SP and DM (South Goa) confirmed that “in meeting of the minorities yesterday (Friday) none was armed or looked like an outsider”.
Mishra admitted that the Goa police was “badly stretched” and was in no position to control the sudden but almost premeditated attack on minority shops, establishments.
Asked why the police fiddled in Curchorem while it burnt, Mishra speaking to TEAM GT said “We wanted to save lives. The force was escorting the victims and was not enough to counter attack and arrest the attackers.”
Roadway to Hell
Cocktail of Hate: Shaken and Stirred
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Nearly 50 vehicles destroyed and many burnt, four petrol pumps damaged, shops looted, 20 houses ransacked and later burnt. All owned by people from the minority community and the number is increasing by the hour.
Curchorem/Savordem: The stillborn silence and suspicion look that they give you makes you squirm. If the shameless violence appeared to be greatest mockery of democracy for the cultured, then for the seven hundred plus persons from the minority community here, it had shattered their dreams and vision of communal harmony in Goa.
As democracy’s most forceful articulation , inevitably driven by the most primeval passions- hate, made its way into Curchorem and Savordem from Friday , it has probably silenced the people of the minority community forever. They are scared to speak or react. But once they open up, the scars are evident.
Slowly but with caution they reveal how the nameless, unreasoning and unjustified terror has paralyzed their life forever. Though they speak, they refuse to be quoted for they fear that will be punished by the majority community for speaking their mind.
“We were planning a silent rally to propagate communal harmony and human bonding on Friday. But we never expected things to go out of the hand” said a young person from the minority community.
Recollecting the events of Friday he said, “we canceled our rally by 2.30 pm once we were warned by the Deputy Collector (South) that there was a chance of a mob attack. But by then many people had gathered at Curchorem from different parts of Goa. Before we could think or do anything, a mob appeared and pelted stones at us. Further, they destroyed our vehicles and many of us took shelter in the mosque.”
“We are separated from our families. We tool shelter in the mosque, but we hear that our children were driven away from the house before the mob damaged and looted it. We don’t know where and how they are,” said one elderly man.
What has shocked the minority community is the unprepardness and inefficiency of the Goa police and Congress government. “if the police suspected foul play they should have come prepared. There were hardly 30 or 40 policemen when a mob of more than 1000 policemen attacked us,” said another person.
Congress voters since ages, they swear that they will never vote for the party again, “We were calling each and every Congress party minister for help and not a single person was contactable. We are also human beings, we also have feelings, and we also want to live peacefully. Why are politicians playing with out lives and dreams to fulfill their political ambitions”, said an elderly man. With tears in his eyes, he added, “This is not the Goa I knew and loved. This is not my Goa.”
They rubbished newspaper reports that people from majority community reacted because many of their people came from Bhatkal and Hubli in vehicles with swords and knives. “This is utter lie .If it was true, we should have also attacked the mob rather than taking shelter in the mosque. Why was not a single vehicle with Karnataka registration burnt or destroyed?
All the vehicles that were destroyed belonged to people from our community, who are either Goans or settled here since ages.” And true enough; all the vehicles destroyed and burnt had Goa registration!
I don’ Know, I just don’t know
The woman who wanted to build the Madrasa is too shocked at the backlash.
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Guddemol (Sanvordem)
Fear stared in Samshad Begum Anar Bi’s eyes and chalked her face. She is absolutely confused and too shocked to speak. When after lots of coaxing, she does speak most of what she utters are abrupt sentences, followed by long stretches of silence and stare.
She starts of with, “I built this structure single handedly. I did get financial help from my community members. It was to be a mosque and a madrasa .People could pray and young children could study Arabic.”
Samshad had built the structure on a government land, which comes under the Twenty Point Programme. The structure was renovated recently to start a mosque as well as a Madrasa (a school for imparting religious preachings). But on February 24, the Savordem panchayat issued a notice in which they stated that the structure is illegal and would be demolished within seven days. However, she got a stay order from the Directorate of Panchayats. But when locals learnt about it, they attacked the building at night and demolished the structure.
“It was around midnight, when a mob attacked and destroyed the structure. I don’t know why they attacked. I just don’t know…,” and her voice withered away, as if she was again lost in her world of uncertainty and grief.
This is not the Goa we once knew
Preetu Nair and Lynn Shirodkar
reporters@gomantaktimes.com
Curchorem/ Sanvordem
Many locals are shocked and in an utter state of disbelief. After all, this is not the Goa they love and value so much. They had always boasted and taken pride over Goa maintaining its communal harmony, despite all odds.
But when the houses of minority community were ransacked and demolished, shops burgled by an angry mob led by BJP and a few Shiv Sainiks, they were reduced to mere spectators watching the incidents from the safety of their houses.
They talk but refuse to be quoted. Said one person “They can do anything. They have turned a small issue into a religious issue and are attacking people and destroying homes. We want to be safe.”
“We are very shocked by the way people have reacted. They have mixed two issues: one of religion and another insider-outsider issue. It is really sad and I feel ashamed,” said another lady.
Meanwhile, an elderly man who observed the incidents of the day went inside shaking his hands, as the mob started pelting stones and attacking police. “This is the darkest and worst day for the Goan society. As few locals are going about creating a mountain out of a molehill, they have destroyed the harmony and peace of the place. I can’t believe this is happening in my Goa,” he added.
Another person, who was part of the mob on Friday, but withdrew on Saturday said, “It has now become a political issue and the politicians are now using us for their political gains.”
GOA WANTS ANSWERS
* THEY SAY: CM Pratapsing Rane tells a delegation of minority leaders who seek appointment with him on Saturday, “I have visited the place in the morning. Everything is normal and peaceful. You meet me on Monday”.
BUT: Mr. CM is burning cars, pelting stones, ransacking petrol pumps and looting sari, footwear shops and small establishments, injured policemen etc. signs of peace or violence?
* THEY SAY: Both the people from majority community and BJP leaders say that the violence occurred because people from minority community brought people armed with swords and knives from Bhatkal and Hubli
BUT: If the people from minority community were really armed, then why did they not retaliate and attack the mob? On the contrary, many rushed back home and others took shelter in the mosque at Curchorem.
* THEY SAY: Further there are allegations that they came in large numbers from Karnataka.
BUT: Not a single vehicle, which was damaged and destroyed, had Karnataka registration. All vehicles belonged to people from minority community in Goa.
* They Say: Leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar said, “The influx of migrants in the state cause social tension and disturb the harmony of the state.”
BUT: The majority of the people whose houses were attacked, shops burnt and burgled are very much Goans. And the few others who had migrated from other parts of country had made Goa their homes and have ration cards. By calling them outsiders, aren’t you violating their fundamental right to live and work here?
* THEY SAY: Police claim that they were extremely short – staffed to control the mob of three thousand plus.
BUT: It is surprising that with Six Dy SP’s and Twelve Police Inspectors at the spot, the police failed to control the mob. But one must admit that the police were tired and hungry. After all, they are on duty from Friday evening and the authorities didn’t even bother to feed them lunch. No wonder, many found it difficult to handle the mob on empty stomachs.
HIV+ marriage hits the block at Registrar's office
THE PAPER SCOURGE
BY PREETU NAIR
preetu_nair@ gomantaktimes. com
PANJIM: Marriages are made in heaven but getting the marriage
registered on earth is an arduous task if you say, "We do" and parents
say, "You don't". The ordeal just gets harder if you are HIV positive
and the partner negative.
Ramesh and Reena realised that there are more clouds and less
rainbows in the sky of love soon after their marriage on January 26,
2006 in Vasco.
Rajeev married Reena in a temple in Goa, aware of the fact that she
was afflicted with HIV virus. However, even after ten months of
marriage they are still struggling to get their marriage registered.
The official reason given to them at the office of marriage registrar
was, "You have already married in the temple, so you can't now get
your marriage registered".
It's another matter that the Supreme Court has clearly stated that
all marriages, irrespective of their religion, should be compulsorily
registered.
The unofficial reason according to the couple: They married against
Ramesh's parent's wish. Ramesh reveals that when they were trying to
get the marriage registered, his parents with the help of a talathi
created problems for them.
"My parents are opposed to the marriage because Reena is HIV
positive, a Kannadiga and a widow. However, I love her and am happy
that I married her. Besides we have got all the necessary documents.
But that is not enough to get our marriage registered," said Ramesh, a
local lad.
Reena was tested HIV positive in 2001, when she went for a medical
check-up before going abroad for job. She contracted the virus from
her first husband, who expired in 2003.
"I was just about living when I met Ramesh, who brought a new meaning
to my life," revealed Reena.
"When I proposed to her, she refused. But when I insisted, she
revealed her HIV status and said that she didn't want to marry me
because I may also get infected. However, I was determined and we went
for counselling, wherein we were told about the precautions we need to
take. Finally she said yes," admitted Ramesh.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court in its ruling has very clearly
stated that if a person is suffering from any communicable venereal
disease then it's their moral and legal duty to inform the person with
whom the marriage is proposed that he/she was not physically healthy
and suffering from a disease which was likely to be communicated to
the partner.
"It is the duty of a person living with HIV to inform the other
partner about their status and inform and counsel them about HIV
before marriage. Even after all these, if the partner is willing to
get married and they are major, then they can't be denied a marriage
certificate. I am aware about this case and we will definitely follow
up this matter," said Jaffer Inamdar, HIV/AIDS activist.
When contacted, VG Salkar, State Registrar said, "If all documents
are okay, then the sub-registrar can immediately file for a
declaration. "
Well, till that happens, Ramesh and Reena will be husband and wife in
spirit but not on paper.
(Name of the couple has been changed to maintain confidentiality)
BY PREETU NAIR
preetu_nair@ gomantaktimes. com
PANJIM: Marriages are made in heaven but getting the marriage
registered on earth is an arduous task if you say, "We do" and parents
say, "You don't". The ordeal just gets harder if you are HIV positive
and the partner negative.
Ramesh and Reena realised that there are more clouds and less
rainbows in the sky of love soon after their marriage on January 26,
2006 in Vasco.
Rajeev married Reena in a temple in Goa, aware of the fact that she
was afflicted with HIV virus. However, even after ten months of
marriage they are still struggling to get their marriage registered.
The official reason given to them at the office of marriage registrar
was, "You have already married in the temple, so you can't now get
your marriage registered".
It's another matter that the Supreme Court has clearly stated that
all marriages, irrespective of their religion, should be compulsorily
registered.
The unofficial reason according to the couple: They married against
Ramesh's parent's wish. Ramesh reveals that when they were trying to
get the marriage registered, his parents with the help of a talathi
created problems for them.
"My parents are opposed to the marriage because Reena is HIV
positive, a Kannadiga and a widow. However, I love her and am happy
that I married her. Besides we have got all the necessary documents.
But that is not enough to get our marriage registered," said Ramesh, a
local lad.
Reena was tested HIV positive in 2001, when she went for a medical
check-up before going abroad for job. She contracted the virus from
her first husband, who expired in 2003.
"I was just about living when I met Ramesh, who brought a new meaning
to my life," revealed Reena.
"When I proposed to her, she refused. But when I insisted, she
revealed her HIV status and said that she didn't want to marry me
because I may also get infected. However, I was determined and we went
for counselling, wherein we were told about the precautions we need to
take. Finally she said yes," admitted Ramesh.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court in its ruling has very clearly
stated that if a person is suffering from any communicable venereal
disease then it's their moral and legal duty to inform the person with
whom the marriage is proposed that he/she was not physically healthy
and suffering from a disease which was likely to be communicated to
the partner.
"It is the duty of a person living with HIV to inform the other
partner about their status and inform and counsel them about HIV
before marriage. Even after all these, if the partner is willing to
get married and they are major, then they can't be denied a marriage
certificate. I am aware about this case and we will definitely follow
up this matter," said Jaffer Inamdar, HIV/AIDS activist.
When contacted, VG Salkar, State Registrar said, "If all documents
are okay, then the sub-registrar can immediately file for a
declaration. "
Well, till that happens, Ramesh and Reena will be husband and wife in
spirit but not on paper.
(Name of the couple has been changed to maintain confidentiality)
They are fighting a lone battle-Villagers of Saleli in Goa yearn for support, but there is none coming now.
They are fighting a lone battle-
Villagers of Saleli in Goa yearn for support, but there is none coming now.
PREETU NAIR
preetu.nair@ gmail.com
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition , Goa dated 29 December,2006)
SALELI: When the villagers rose in revolt on December 28, 2005 against their Khase (landlord) and the stone crusher operators, they had a reason to be angry. But now a year later, the attitudes here are complex and results stark.
After the initial hue and cry, for many, the pain of Saleli villagers stayed largely invisible, rarely touching the consciousness. Even the Saleli Anyay Nivaran Kruti Samiti established to give villagers justice and comprising of "popular" human rights activists have failed to support them, leave aside ensuring justice. With the initial euphoria over, the hapless villagers are now fighting a lonely battle. "Now, we are fighting a lonely battle, with very few people to help and support us," said a villager N Gaonkar.
Still theirs is a tale of lives shattered, young men suddenly disappearing and families getting split due to financial problems. Now they find themselves on the crossroads. Living under grave limitations, knowing that the risks that they run are many, the villagers have started to feel the heat. Majority of them, especially men want to take the easy way out. While women like Radhika Gaonkar want to take the less travelled route, filled with unlimited struggle for survival.
Perhaps experience has taught 70-plus Radhika that this is their last chance to save themselves and the village. "If we fail now. We will never be able to raise again," she said. This wisdom comes from the bitter experiences she has had in the past.
The story goes like this. More than 30 years ago when the powerful Khase Krishnarao Rane sold off the kaju (cashew) plantations, on which the poor villagers depended for their livelihood, to the Forest department, they had united to fight against the decision and ensure that they get their land back. But their Khase, who promised them tenancy rights and jobs, divided them. Several years later, they are still trying to get tenancy rights.
"We were illiterate then and trusted our Khase. But he never helped us. Our literate youth should never fall into the divide and rule trap. If we are united, then sooner or later our demands will be met," opined Radhika. She and other women know it is time for them to continue the fight. If they don't, no one ever could.
However, her brave words fail to hide the fear that has gripped the village, which is reeling under the shock of the sudden disappearance of a young man with three children. Besides, since last one year, there have been two suicides and one accidental death in the village. This has left the villagers scared and they believe that the village is under an evil influence. "Such things ought to scare us and with no help in sight, things are only getting worse for us," said Chaya Gawas.
Moreover, they are disillusioned by the system and don't trust it anymore. No wonder when the government officials went to inspect the stone crushing units, the women gathered and demanded, "Before you start the crushers, please throw us in the Mandovi".
What really upsets the villagers most is that the uncertainty continues, as some people with the help of powerful local politicians indulge in divide and rule. And a walk in the village reveals a bigger and shocking reality: they have almost succeeded.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
Villagers of Saleli in Goa yearn for support, but there is none coming now.
PREETU NAIR
preetu.nair@ gmail.com
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition , Goa dated 29 December,2006)
SALELI: When the villagers rose in revolt on December 28, 2005 against their Khase (landlord) and the stone crusher operators, they had a reason to be angry. But now a year later, the attitudes here are complex and results stark.
After the initial hue and cry, for many, the pain of Saleli villagers stayed largely invisible, rarely touching the consciousness. Even the Saleli Anyay Nivaran Kruti Samiti established to give villagers justice and comprising of "popular" human rights activists have failed to support them, leave aside ensuring justice. With the initial euphoria over, the hapless villagers are now fighting a lonely battle. "Now, we are fighting a lonely battle, with very few people to help and support us," said a villager N Gaonkar.
Still theirs is a tale of lives shattered, young men suddenly disappearing and families getting split due to financial problems. Now they find themselves on the crossroads. Living under grave limitations, knowing that the risks that they run are many, the villagers have started to feel the heat. Majority of them, especially men want to take the easy way out. While women like Radhika Gaonkar want to take the less travelled route, filled with unlimited struggle for survival.
Perhaps experience has taught 70-plus Radhika that this is their last chance to save themselves and the village. "If we fail now. We will never be able to raise again," she said. This wisdom comes from the bitter experiences she has had in the past.
The story goes like this. More than 30 years ago when the powerful Khase Krishnarao Rane sold off the kaju (cashew) plantations, on which the poor villagers depended for their livelihood, to the Forest department, they had united to fight against the decision and ensure that they get their land back. But their Khase, who promised them tenancy rights and jobs, divided them. Several years later, they are still trying to get tenancy rights.
"We were illiterate then and trusted our Khase. But he never helped us. Our literate youth should never fall into the divide and rule trap. If we are united, then sooner or later our demands will be met," opined Radhika. She and other women know it is time for them to continue the fight. If they don't, no one ever could.
However, her brave words fail to hide the fear that has gripped the village, which is reeling under the shock of the sudden disappearance of a young man with three children. Besides, since last one year, there have been two suicides and one accidental death in the village. This has left the villagers scared and they believe that the village is under an evil influence. "Such things ought to scare us and with no help in sight, things are only getting worse for us," said Chaya Gawas.
Moreover, they are disillusioned by the system and don't trust it anymore. No wonder when the government officials went to inspect the stone crushing units, the women gathered and demanded, "Before you start the crushers, please throw us in the Mandovi".
What really upsets the villagers most is that the uncertainty continues, as some people with the help of powerful local politicians indulge in divide and rule. And a walk in the village reveals a bigger and shocking reality: they have almost succeeded.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
So you don't to want pre-marriage HIV test done because you want privacy…
So you don't to want pre-marriage HIV test done because you want privacy…
by Preetu Nair
While an unnecessary debate, whether HIV/AIDS test should be mandatory or not raises, we ask the doubting Thomases to talk to these four women who got HIV becasue their husband's married them with the infection. Now they are about to take their wife's life, even after they are dead.
PANJIM: * Arti never knew what HIV/AIDS was until her husband fell seriously ill. Tests revealed that he was HIV positive. She was also advised to go for HIV/AIDS test. This was four years back. In 2002, she lost her husband. Even Arti's elder daughter was found positive. From then life has become an unending struggle: struggle to live, earn and lead a healthy life. Living with HIV/AIDS, Arti is trying hard to ensure that two of her children who were tested HIV negative have a secure future.
* Sheela's was a child marriage. At the age of four, her parents got her married to a person much older to her. At the age of 12, she came to live in Goa. She had five kids. Four years ago her husband died of HIV/AIDS. Later her three kids also fell prey to the dreaded disease and lost their lives. Her only consolation is that two of her younger children were tested negative.
* Everything was perfect for Sarita. She had a caring family; a loving husband and she felt her world was complete when the doctor told her that she was pregnant. They felt blessed and happy. But this happiness was short-lived. Without informing the couple, Sarita's gynaecologist got an HIV/AIDS test and the result was positive. Life changed forever. Since last two years she is a victim of blame game and acute criticism, which increased when her husband was also found to be HIV positive.
* From a lower middle class family, Shabnam's life has been full of thorns. She was forced to drop out of school and work as a daily wage earner. At the age of 17, her parents got her married to a man, who worked as a bus driver. After marriage she used to fall sick often. Life at her in-laws place was a nightmare and she hardly used to be with her husband. After two years, her husband expired and she was blamed for his death. As her health deteriorated, she was asked to do an HIV/AIDS test. She was also found to be positive.
Arti, Sheela, Sarita and Shabnam's experiences in life maybe different, but they share a harsh reality: they all infected the disease from their husband after marriage. Living and struggling with HIV/AIDS, they strongly support Goa government's decision to make HIV/AIDS test mandatory before marriage. After all AIDS affects people primarily when they are most productive and leads to premature death thereby severely affecting the socio-economic structure of whole families, communities and nations.
It must be recalled that the Goa government is planning to make HIV testing a mandatory requirement for couples planning to get married. Couples would be tested to find out their HIV status, and then - depending on the results - decide whether or not to go through with the ceremony. However, a final decision will be taken only after public consensus is reached on the issue.
Even as many raise questions about the social fate of people tested HIV positive, thereby creating a new stigmatised underclass, these HIV positive women believe that it is only mandatory HIV testing that would curb the spread of the disease. Not only will it save young women from falling prey to the disease but also prevent mother-to-child transmission. After all, majority of women infected with HIV/AIDS in Goa are in the age group of 15 to 35.
Before writing off the policy as unethically draconian, check out what these women have to say:
IT'S MY RIGHT:
If right to privacy is a fundamental human right and people living with HIV/AIDS have a right to live without discrimination. Then women's right to safe sexuality and to autonomy in all decisions relating to sexuality also needs to be respected. Living with HIV/AIDS, four of them strongly believe that if right to privacy is a fundamental right embalmed in the Constitution of India, then right to live is an equally important right and no one should be denied that right. They believe, "By and large, most men, however poor can choose when, with whom and with what protection if any, to have sex. Most women cannot. Often men even after knowing their HIV status marry a woman, thereby denying her right to live. Which is a greater right: Right to live or right to privacy?"
RESTRAIN THYSELF:
If you make the test mandatory, people will be more careful and not risk their life as well as the lives of their partner. They will be scared and restrain from leading an unhealthy sexual life for they know that there is a mandatory testing before marriage. This is a shared view. Sarita adds, "It is very difficult for a woman with HIV/AIDS. Besides, stigma and social ostracism there is this ever-growing financial tension and fear of an uncertain future and inevitable death".
IT'S A LIFELONG AFFAIR:
This one is for those who argue that mandatory testing prior to marriage would only give the state a false sense of security and a false belief that the infection is being effectively prevented from spreading. They believe that along with testing government should also make counselling mandatory to prevent any untoward happening in the future. Still better, Arti says, "Testing should be done at regular intervals and there should be timely intervention to ensure that menace of HIV/AIDS is curbed. Besides, testing should be affordable and within the reach of ordinary people. After all everyone wants to live and live a healthy life of dignity and peace." But how would the policy protect women in India, when many of them end up being infected after marriage by unfaithful spouses? "You have to make a beginning," she adds.
NEED OF THE HOUR: The common view: HIV/AIDS destroys families and houses. It not only affects the couple infected with HIV/AIDS but also devastates parents of the girls infected with HIV/AIDS. Sheela says, "HIV/AIDS testing is necessary not just to save a partner but also to save the future generation. So many kids are born with HIV/AIDS because their parents are ignorant about their HIV status. It is painful to see your kids suffer and die of HIV in front of your eyes. We need to protect their innocence and ensure a better, safer life for them."
DO WE HAVE A VOICE?: Women cannot negotiate safe sex because of her low status in society or lack of personal power. "Therefore, men whether knowingly infected or unaware of their HIV status, have a special responsibility of not putting others at risk. Women are in fact more at risk of getting infected because of their increased vulnerability. In addition, their low status within the family and society further heighten their vulnerability to infection," opined Shabnam.
WHY IS THERE OPPOSITION TO MAKING THE TEST MANDATORY BEFORE MARRIAGE?
WINDOW PERIOD: The window period. Window period is one in which even though a person is infected with HIV, she/he would be tested negative, as her/his antibodies are not developed.
FALSE ALARM: False positive results may actually ruin the life of a person not who is not HIV positive and destroy their career and life.
RUNNING AWAY FROM REALITY: Mandatory testing would only drive the disease underground and would be very costly for the state in the long run. Not many persons are aware of HIV, the nature of the disease, the testing methods, the methods of transmission of HIV, etc. Due to the ignorance, there is fear even to get an HIV test done.
NACO SAYS…: It is against the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) policy on testing, which encourages voluntary testing after pre-test counselling as the appropriate public health strategy in dealing with HIV/AIDS and the Union Health Minister has been quoted recently reaffirming this stand. Besides it is contrary to fundamental rights of Indian citizens RUNAWAY MARRIAGE: Further, it would only have the consequence of people going outside the state to marry, where such tests are not required.
ITS CONFIDENTIAL! : The results should be kept confidential. But here you are sharing the results with the prospective bride or groom.
YET TO PASS THE TEST: It has been tried out at other places and failed. The American Civil Liberties Union Report of March 1998 reported that mandatory pre-marital HIV testing was a record of failure. It stated that more than 30 states in the USA considered pre-marital HIV testing. However, all the states except for Illinois and Louisiana rejected the idea. Illinois and Louisiana enacted and enforced mandatory pre-marital testing, but subsequently repealed them.
VOX POP
1. UK Vohra, Health Secretary, Goa
"Government has proposed to make the test mandatory. We are throwing the issue open for public debate. At the moment there are two schools of thought: one for the test and another against it. We will call all the opinion makers and debate whether a consensus can be reached on the issue. We don't want to rake controversies.
2. Dr Denis Broun, Country Director, United Nations AIDS programme
"You can curb the disease only by spreading information, counselling and convincing families to go for HIV test before marriage. The government shouldn't interfere and introduce mandatory testing before marriage."
3. Rosy da Silva, artist
"I would definitely insist on a HIV/AIDS test before marriage. No one wants to fall into the trap. After all a relation is based on trust and truth, so does one person has the right to destroy his/her partner's life. Right to live is a much bigger right than right to privacy."
4. Rohit Phalgaonkar, teacher
"Personally speaking, I would get myself tested and also encourage my partner to get tested. However, it is more of a personal matter and the couple need to reach a consensus on the issue. More than making the test mandatory, the focus should be on spreading awareness about the disease."
IF YOU CAN DO THIS… THEN …
* If you can get tested and produce HIV free certificate when going for a job abroad, why can't you get yourself tested before marriage?
* If people are more worried about stigma and right to privacy, then the government, as a people's representative is worried about large scale spread of pandemic like situation and denial of right to live for many innocent souls.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
by Preetu Nair
While an unnecessary debate, whether HIV/AIDS test should be mandatory or not raises, we ask the doubting Thomases to talk to these four women who got HIV becasue their husband's married them with the infection. Now they are about to take their wife's life, even after they are dead.
PANJIM: * Arti never knew what HIV/AIDS was until her husband fell seriously ill. Tests revealed that he was HIV positive. She was also advised to go for HIV/AIDS test. This was four years back. In 2002, she lost her husband. Even Arti's elder daughter was found positive. From then life has become an unending struggle: struggle to live, earn and lead a healthy life. Living with HIV/AIDS, Arti is trying hard to ensure that two of her children who were tested HIV negative have a secure future.
* Sheela's was a child marriage. At the age of four, her parents got her married to a person much older to her. At the age of 12, she came to live in Goa. She had five kids. Four years ago her husband died of HIV/AIDS. Later her three kids also fell prey to the dreaded disease and lost their lives. Her only consolation is that two of her younger children were tested negative.
* Everything was perfect for Sarita. She had a caring family; a loving husband and she felt her world was complete when the doctor told her that she was pregnant. They felt blessed and happy. But this happiness was short-lived. Without informing the couple, Sarita's gynaecologist got an HIV/AIDS test and the result was positive. Life changed forever. Since last two years she is a victim of blame game and acute criticism, which increased when her husband was also found to be HIV positive.
* From a lower middle class family, Shabnam's life has been full of thorns. She was forced to drop out of school and work as a daily wage earner. At the age of 17, her parents got her married to a man, who worked as a bus driver. After marriage she used to fall sick often. Life at her in-laws place was a nightmare and she hardly used to be with her husband. After two years, her husband expired and she was blamed for his death. As her health deteriorated, she was asked to do an HIV/AIDS test. She was also found to be positive.
Arti, Sheela, Sarita and Shabnam's experiences in life maybe different, but they share a harsh reality: they all infected the disease from their husband after marriage. Living and struggling with HIV/AIDS, they strongly support Goa government's decision to make HIV/AIDS test mandatory before marriage. After all AIDS affects people primarily when they are most productive and leads to premature death thereby severely affecting the socio-economic structure of whole families, communities and nations.
It must be recalled that the Goa government is planning to make HIV testing a mandatory requirement for couples planning to get married. Couples would be tested to find out their HIV status, and then - depending on the results - decide whether or not to go through with the ceremony. However, a final decision will be taken only after public consensus is reached on the issue.
Even as many raise questions about the social fate of people tested HIV positive, thereby creating a new stigmatised underclass, these HIV positive women believe that it is only mandatory HIV testing that would curb the spread of the disease. Not only will it save young women from falling prey to the disease but also prevent mother-to-child transmission. After all, majority of women infected with HIV/AIDS in Goa are in the age group of 15 to 35.
Before writing off the policy as unethically draconian, check out what these women have to say:
IT'S MY RIGHT:
If right to privacy is a fundamental human right and people living with HIV/AIDS have a right to live without discrimination. Then women's right to safe sexuality and to autonomy in all decisions relating to sexuality also needs to be respected. Living with HIV/AIDS, four of them strongly believe that if right to privacy is a fundamental right embalmed in the Constitution of India, then right to live is an equally important right and no one should be denied that right. They believe, "By and large, most men, however poor can choose when, with whom and with what protection if any, to have sex. Most women cannot. Often men even after knowing their HIV status marry a woman, thereby denying her right to live. Which is a greater right: Right to live or right to privacy?"
RESTRAIN THYSELF:
If you make the test mandatory, people will be more careful and not risk their life as well as the lives of their partner. They will be scared and restrain from leading an unhealthy sexual life for they know that there is a mandatory testing before marriage. This is a shared view. Sarita adds, "It is very difficult for a woman with HIV/AIDS. Besides, stigma and social ostracism there is this ever-growing financial tension and fear of an uncertain future and inevitable death".
IT'S A LIFELONG AFFAIR:
This one is for those who argue that mandatory testing prior to marriage would only give the state a false sense of security and a false belief that the infection is being effectively prevented from spreading. They believe that along with testing government should also make counselling mandatory to prevent any untoward happening in the future. Still better, Arti says, "Testing should be done at regular intervals and there should be timely intervention to ensure that menace of HIV/AIDS is curbed. Besides, testing should be affordable and within the reach of ordinary people. After all everyone wants to live and live a healthy life of dignity and peace." But how would the policy protect women in India, when many of them end up being infected after marriage by unfaithful spouses? "You have to make a beginning," she adds.
NEED OF THE HOUR: The common view: HIV/AIDS destroys families and houses. It not only affects the couple infected with HIV/AIDS but also devastates parents of the girls infected with HIV/AIDS. Sheela says, "HIV/AIDS testing is necessary not just to save a partner but also to save the future generation. So many kids are born with HIV/AIDS because their parents are ignorant about their HIV status. It is painful to see your kids suffer and die of HIV in front of your eyes. We need to protect their innocence and ensure a better, safer life for them."
DO WE HAVE A VOICE?: Women cannot negotiate safe sex because of her low status in society or lack of personal power. "Therefore, men whether knowingly infected or unaware of their HIV status, have a special responsibility of not putting others at risk. Women are in fact more at risk of getting infected because of their increased vulnerability. In addition, their low status within the family and society further heighten their vulnerability to infection," opined Shabnam.
WHY IS THERE OPPOSITION TO MAKING THE TEST MANDATORY BEFORE MARRIAGE?
WINDOW PERIOD: The window period. Window period is one in which even though a person is infected with HIV, she/he would be tested negative, as her/his antibodies are not developed.
FALSE ALARM: False positive results may actually ruin the life of a person not who is not HIV positive and destroy their career and life.
RUNNING AWAY FROM REALITY: Mandatory testing would only drive the disease underground and would be very costly for the state in the long run. Not many persons are aware of HIV, the nature of the disease, the testing methods, the methods of transmission of HIV, etc. Due to the ignorance, there is fear even to get an HIV test done.
NACO SAYS…: It is against the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) policy on testing, which encourages voluntary testing after pre-test counselling as the appropriate public health strategy in dealing with HIV/AIDS and the Union Health Minister has been quoted recently reaffirming this stand. Besides it is contrary to fundamental rights of Indian citizens RUNAWAY MARRIAGE: Further, it would only have the consequence of people going outside the state to marry, where such tests are not required.
ITS CONFIDENTIAL! : The results should be kept confidential. But here you are sharing the results with the prospective bride or groom.
YET TO PASS THE TEST: It has been tried out at other places and failed. The American Civil Liberties Union Report of March 1998 reported that mandatory pre-marital HIV testing was a record of failure. It stated that more than 30 states in the USA considered pre-marital HIV testing. However, all the states except for Illinois and Louisiana rejected the idea. Illinois and Louisiana enacted and enforced mandatory pre-marital testing, but subsequently repealed them.
VOX POP
1. UK Vohra, Health Secretary, Goa
"Government has proposed to make the test mandatory. We are throwing the issue open for public debate. At the moment there are two schools of thought: one for the test and another against it. We will call all the opinion makers and debate whether a consensus can be reached on the issue. We don't want to rake controversies.
2. Dr Denis Broun, Country Director, United Nations AIDS programme
"You can curb the disease only by spreading information, counselling and convincing families to go for HIV test before marriage. The government shouldn't interfere and introduce mandatory testing before marriage."
3. Rosy da Silva, artist
"I would definitely insist on a HIV/AIDS test before marriage. No one wants to fall into the trap. After all a relation is based on trust and truth, so does one person has the right to destroy his/her partner's life. Right to live is a much bigger right than right to privacy."
4. Rohit Phalgaonkar, teacher
"Personally speaking, I would get myself tested and also encourage my partner to get tested. However, it is more of a personal matter and the couple need to reach a consensus on the issue. More than making the test mandatory, the focus should be on spreading awareness about the disease."
IF YOU CAN DO THIS… THEN …
* If you can get tested and produce HIV free certificate when going for a job abroad, why can't you get yourself tested before marriage?
* If people are more worried about stigma and right to privacy, then the government, as a people's representative is worried about large scale spread of pandemic like situation and denial of right to live for many innocent souls.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
Is Goa really a paedophiles paradise?
Is Goa really a paedophiles paradise?
PREETU NAIR spoke to Women and Child Minister SUBHASH SHIRODKAR and Children's Rights in Goa president NISHTHA DESAI to know the truth. While Desai believes that there are 'not less than 100' paedophiles operating in Goa, Shirodkar asks where is the data to prove this?
“Tracking paedophiles is not an NGO’s job but of investigating agencies”: Desai.
Interview with Nishta Desai, President , Children’s Rights Goa (CRG), INDIA
Q. In your book See the Evil you state, "there are not less than 'hundreds' of paedophiles operating in Goa in each tourist season". How do you arrive at this figure?
A. It is 'not less than 100'. This estimate was arrived at on the basis of a survey conducted; work in the field, cases reported to us, what community members say etc.
Q. In your recent book Child Sexual Abuse in Goa, you state that many paedophiles still come to Goa. With this knowledge in hand, what are you doing to track down the paedophiles?
A. CRG is primarily involved in prevention of CSA. For this we strive to empower children to protect themselves through our interaction with children. Our campaign against paedophilia and advocacy measures engages the community and the authorities, respectively. Apart from this, when we receive complaints, we verify details of the complaint and inform the police. We have said that when there has been grave suspicion against a travelling sex offender and for various reasons he/she has not been prosecuted, then such persons should be denied visas - as in the cases of Ernie Jean Francois, Allan Dow, John Middleton, Jorg Harry Ringelmann, etc. Tracking paedophiles is not the job of an NGO. We have neither the resources nor the authority to do it. This is the job of the investigating agencies.
Q. How many foreign paedophiles operate in Goa? And how does this "organised and already fairly institutionalised" network work in Goa?
A. I do not have a head count of paedophiles, only an estimate. My book See the Evil will answer this question.
Q. Women and Child Minister Subhash Shirodkar in a recent interview to BBC world service said that the issue of paedophilia is a little hyped and added, "NGOs are not complaining to me. What prevents them, when every week and every month, they meet me?" Have the NGO's working with children failed to report the facts to the Minister in their urge to partner with the state to make child friendly policies?
A. I agree that the issue of paedophilia is hyped and have said so in various interviews, but significantly, media persons have failed to quote me on this. I have also said that this is NOT a Goa-specific problem but a problem that is prevalent in all major tourist destinations, which is also rarely quoted.
With regard to political will, it has to be seen in perspective. There was a time when there was outright denial on the part of the state that tourism related paedophilia in Goa was an issue. Today, it is acknowledged. What is required now is to invoke the provisions in Goa Children's Act, 2003. For this we are working with the government, police, prosecution machinery, medico-legal fraternity and the community. Striving for child friendly policies has consistently been our endeavour. To have effective child protection mechanisms in place, it is essential for NGOs to work in partnership with government.
Q. Why has there been no conviction of paedophiles in the recent past? Besides the failure of the state machinery, doesn't it also show the failure of NGOs working with children?
A. From the last two cases that came before the Children's Court we learnt that there is the need for a witness protection programme to prevent witnesses turning hostile. This could be partly achieved by setting up of a Victims Assistance Unit. Having said this, every agency has a role to play in child protection. For example, when the media has reported cases of offenders operating, NGOs have asked the media to share information so that steps can be taken against the perpetrator, but the media hasn't always cooperated. I think when it comes to child protection we all need to think of how we can be more effective in what we do. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
“It is NGOs duty to ensure that the problem is totally eradicated”: Shirodkar
Interview with Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Minister - Women and Child Department, Government of Goa, INDIA.
Q. Why do you say that the issue of paedophilia is a little hyped up in Goa?
A. Unless and until I see or hear about the cases of paedophilia and get it confirmed, why should I believe it? It is my nature, that I don’t believe anything –good or bad—just by hearsay. Moreover, where is the data to prove the claim? Of course, I have verified with the police department and there are few cases but they are not just cases of paedophilia.
Q. NGOs have been vocal about the problems of Child Sexual Abuse(CSA) to the press. It is surprising that they have never complained to you. Comment.
A. It is been 19 months since I took over as the Women and Child minister. No one has come and reported to me about a child or girl who is being exploited. If the traffickers and trafficked victims are operating in Goa, then they won’t just run away. They would be definitely operating repeatedly at the same spot. If the NGO’s have spotted such things they should come and tell me. I am always open to it. I can depute my people and also inform the police.
Q. Are you scared that if the government takes up the problem of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in a forthright manner, then the state could loose tourist revenue?
A. At what cost? At the cost of our own children! I shall be the last person to consider such an economic or financial statement that if we investigate we would loose tourist revenue.
Q. If you believe that CSA is not at all a problem in the state, then why did you encourage NGO's to have consultations, meetings and workshops with Women and Child department officials?
A. To deal with problems of CSA and other problems of street children and commercial sexual exploitation we promote the NGOs. The problem has to be nipped in the bud to ensure a safe future for our children. This is the reason why we encourage the NGOs. NGOs need to be there. But I wouldn’t like to comment on the workshops and conferences carried out by the NGOs. I leave it to their judicious mind, for it is they who have to define what they want to do and accordingly function: just have workshops and conferences or really work.
Q. How would you define the role of an NGO? Does NGOs involved in prevention of CSA have an important role to play in tracking the abusers?
A. If at all they are an NGO with the principal of eradication of a problem (not just the problem of CSA), then it is their genuine duty to ensure that the problem is uprooted in its totality. Just to track a problem and then leave it to destiny, that’s not the way an NGO should function. What they start they should take it to the finish. It doesn’t matter if they identify one or two cases for it will expose what they call an “organised network which is institutionalized” . If the NGOs investigate properly with the help of investigating authorities then the “organised network which is institutionalized” will be exposed and the message will go across the society that CSA won’t tolerated in Goa.
Q. Do you agree with the manner in which NGO's go about formulating policies to combat CSA and trafficking without proper study?
A. For the first time I am hearing that CSA in Goa is an “organised network which is institutionalized” . This argument is not true. I don’t say that just for the sake of saying, I mean it. We are encouraging policies to combat trafficking of persons to ensure that the problem is nipped in the bud. If we don’t bother about the issue and leave it to destiny then problems may arise. That shouldn’t happen. We want to ensure that Goa becomes a perfect child friendly state.
Q. Has Goa Children’s Act ensured justice to all children who are victims of sexual abuse?
A. No. There is still much to be done. Awareness amongst people and alertness amongst young generation has to be made. For the same we have set up the State Commission for Children. Moreover, Women and Child department will tie up with Education department to spread awareness about rights and duties of children.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
PREETU NAIR spoke to Women and Child Minister SUBHASH SHIRODKAR and Children's Rights in Goa president NISHTHA DESAI to know the truth. While Desai believes that there are 'not less than 100' paedophiles operating in Goa, Shirodkar asks where is the data to prove this?
“Tracking paedophiles is not an NGO’s job but of investigating agencies”: Desai.
Interview with Nishta Desai, President , Children’s Rights Goa (CRG), INDIA
Q. In your book See the Evil you state, "there are not less than 'hundreds' of paedophiles operating in Goa in each tourist season". How do you arrive at this figure?
A. It is 'not less than 100'. This estimate was arrived at on the basis of a survey conducted; work in the field, cases reported to us, what community members say etc.
Q. In your recent book Child Sexual Abuse in Goa, you state that many paedophiles still come to Goa. With this knowledge in hand, what are you doing to track down the paedophiles?
A. CRG is primarily involved in prevention of CSA. For this we strive to empower children to protect themselves through our interaction with children. Our campaign against paedophilia and advocacy measures engages the community and the authorities, respectively. Apart from this, when we receive complaints, we verify details of the complaint and inform the police. We have said that when there has been grave suspicion against a travelling sex offender and for various reasons he/she has not been prosecuted, then such persons should be denied visas - as in the cases of Ernie Jean Francois, Allan Dow, John Middleton, Jorg Harry Ringelmann, etc. Tracking paedophiles is not the job of an NGO. We have neither the resources nor the authority to do it. This is the job of the investigating agencies.
Q. How many foreign paedophiles operate in Goa? And how does this "organised and already fairly institutionalised" network work in Goa?
A. I do not have a head count of paedophiles, only an estimate. My book See the Evil will answer this question.
Q. Women and Child Minister Subhash Shirodkar in a recent interview to BBC world service said that the issue of paedophilia is a little hyped and added, "NGOs are not complaining to me. What prevents them, when every week and every month, they meet me?" Have the NGO's working with children failed to report the facts to the Minister in their urge to partner with the state to make child friendly policies?
A. I agree that the issue of paedophilia is hyped and have said so in various interviews, but significantly, media persons have failed to quote me on this. I have also said that this is NOT a Goa-specific problem but a problem that is prevalent in all major tourist destinations, which is also rarely quoted.
With regard to political will, it has to be seen in perspective. There was a time when there was outright denial on the part of the state that tourism related paedophilia in Goa was an issue. Today, it is acknowledged. What is required now is to invoke the provisions in Goa Children's Act, 2003. For this we are working with the government, police, prosecution machinery, medico-legal fraternity and the community. Striving for child friendly policies has consistently been our endeavour. To have effective child protection mechanisms in place, it is essential for NGOs to work in partnership with government.
Q. Why has there been no conviction of paedophiles in the recent past? Besides the failure of the state machinery, doesn't it also show the failure of NGOs working with children?
A. From the last two cases that came before the Children's Court we learnt that there is the need for a witness protection programme to prevent witnesses turning hostile. This could be partly achieved by setting up of a Victims Assistance Unit. Having said this, every agency has a role to play in child protection. For example, when the media has reported cases of offenders operating, NGOs have asked the media to share information so that steps can be taken against the perpetrator, but the media hasn't always cooperated. I think when it comes to child protection we all need to think of how we can be more effective in what we do. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
“It is NGOs duty to ensure that the problem is totally eradicated”: Shirodkar
Interview with Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Minister - Women and Child Department, Government of Goa, INDIA.
Q. Why do you say that the issue of paedophilia is a little hyped up in Goa?
A. Unless and until I see or hear about the cases of paedophilia and get it confirmed, why should I believe it? It is my nature, that I don’t believe anything –good or bad—just by hearsay. Moreover, where is the data to prove the claim? Of course, I have verified with the police department and there are few cases but they are not just cases of paedophilia.
Q. NGOs have been vocal about the problems of Child Sexual Abuse(CSA) to the press. It is surprising that they have never complained to you. Comment.
A. It is been 19 months since I took over as the Women and Child minister. No one has come and reported to me about a child or girl who is being exploited. If the traffickers and trafficked victims are operating in Goa, then they won’t just run away. They would be definitely operating repeatedly at the same spot. If the NGO’s have spotted such things they should come and tell me. I am always open to it. I can depute my people and also inform the police.
Q. Are you scared that if the government takes up the problem of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in a forthright manner, then the state could loose tourist revenue?
A. At what cost? At the cost of our own children! I shall be the last person to consider such an economic or financial statement that if we investigate we would loose tourist revenue.
Q. If you believe that CSA is not at all a problem in the state, then why did you encourage NGO's to have consultations, meetings and workshops with Women and Child department officials?
A. To deal with problems of CSA and other problems of street children and commercial sexual exploitation we promote the NGOs. The problem has to be nipped in the bud to ensure a safe future for our children. This is the reason why we encourage the NGOs. NGOs need to be there. But I wouldn’t like to comment on the workshops and conferences carried out by the NGOs. I leave it to their judicious mind, for it is they who have to define what they want to do and accordingly function: just have workshops and conferences or really work.
Q. How would you define the role of an NGO? Does NGOs involved in prevention of CSA have an important role to play in tracking the abusers?
A. If at all they are an NGO with the principal of eradication of a problem (not just the problem of CSA), then it is their genuine duty to ensure that the problem is uprooted in its totality. Just to track a problem and then leave it to destiny, that’s not the way an NGO should function. What they start they should take it to the finish. It doesn’t matter if they identify one or two cases for it will expose what they call an “organised network which is institutionalized” . If the NGOs investigate properly with the help of investigating authorities then the “organised network which is institutionalized” will be exposed and the message will go across the society that CSA won’t tolerated in Goa.
Q. Do you agree with the manner in which NGO's go about formulating policies to combat CSA and trafficking without proper study?
A. For the first time I am hearing that CSA in Goa is an “organised network which is institutionalized” . This argument is not true. I don’t say that just for the sake of saying, I mean it. We are encouraging policies to combat trafficking of persons to ensure that the problem is nipped in the bud. If we don’t bother about the issue and leave it to destiny then problems may arise. That shouldn’t happen. We want to ensure that Goa becomes a perfect child friendly state.
Q. Has Goa Children’s Act ensured justice to all children who are victims of sexual abuse?
A. No. There is still much to be done. Awareness amongst people and alertness amongst young generation has to be made. For the same we have set up the State Commission for Children. Moreover, Women and Child department will tie up with Education department to spread awareness about rights and duties of children.
http://goadourada. blogspot. com/
NGO spits fire at Goa State Aids Control Society
NGO spits fire at Goa State Aids Control Society
By Preetu Nair
PANJIM: An NGO, working with people living with HIV/AIDS, has alleged that people living with HIV/ AIDS are feeling discriminated, as very little budget is provided to the drop-in-coping centres (DIC) for people living with HIV/AIDS, even as the money is being wasted in printing “unnecessary” materials.
Demanding the removal of the present Project Director and two Deputy Directors of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), accusing them of corruption, the NGO -- Positive Lives Foundation (PLF- Goa) — in a press conference stated that they would submit their charter of demands to the government soon. “If the government fails to take action within a month, then we would sit on an indefinite hunger strike,” threatened Jaffer Inamdar, Program Manager, PLF.
Incidentally, things went sour between GSACS and PLF, when PLF was allotted only Rs 5 lakh for the year 2007-08, to run their DIC, a centre where people living with HIV/AIDS gets together. A fact not denied by Inamdar. “We need to receive more funds to help people living with HIV/AIDS, who have greater needs. They need to have access to medicines, nutritional food, educational material to understand HIV/AIDS better, economic and moral support as they are fighting a life threatening illness,” said Inamdar.
Besides, they have demanded that the state government should make allocation of funds for a new CD4 count machine at South Goa, issue a discount "Traveling Identity Cards" to all individual without disclosing their identities, ensure free of cost medicines for management of opportunistic infections (OI) to avail at all talukas and ensure women's empowerment program and nutritional and supplement for HIV positive women and children.
Squarely blaming GSACS for its lack of commitment towards people living with HIV/AIDS, Inamdar alleged that there is only Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centre at Goa Medical College which doesn’t have adequate sitting arrangement or drinking water facility. “Doctors in the OPD’s at GMC are rude with a positive person and don’t treat them properly,” added Inamdar.
FUNDS allocated as per NACO norms:Dr Kaur
Speaking to GT, an apparently shocked Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS refuted all charges made by PLF. She stated, “We are doing whatever is possible for people living with HIV/AIDS. We have to spend money as per National AIDS Control Organization’ s (NACO) guidelines. Funds to be allocated component wise, either to NGOs or to DIC, are first allocated by NACO and re-appropriation between components is not permissible as per NACO guidelines”.
She stated that whatever funds have been allocated have been strictly in adherence to the guidelines and instructions issued by NACO. “At the highest level, the policy makers have allocated more funds for prevention of new HIV infections and spread of awareness (that is through IEC related activities). The allocation of funds for care, support and treatment are calculated based on the number of people infected with HIV and living with AIDS and accordingly the figures are disbursed to GSACS for further allocation of funds to the DIC. It is understandable that since the number of people not infected with HIV is much more than those infected, it is logical that the prevention effort and funds put in to ensure that new infections are prevented, would definitely be much more.”
Making it clear that she understands the problems of people living with HIV/AIDS, Dr Kaur said that she was the only Project Director to visit the DIC programme run by PLF and interact with HIV positive persons. “We have always taken up the issue of HIV positive persons and worked to find a solution to their woes,” added Dr Kaur.
Sources at GSACS reveal that as per the annual action plan approved by NACO for the year 2007-08, Goa would get Rs 569.91 lakhs. Of this, Rs 315.09 lakhs would be spent to prevent new infection and only Rs 10.66 lakhs would be spend on care, support and treatment. NACO has allotted Rs 10.66 lakhs to run the DIC, which is a sub-component of care, support and treatment.
“With two NGO’s running DIC in Goa, the money is equally divided between them. The above figure is a ceiling beyond which expenditure shouldn’t be incurred on any activity,” revealed a source at GSACS.
Further, there is no allocation of fund for more ART centres or purchase of CD4 or CD8 machines.
Sources further reveal that the Project Director has already taken up the matter of CD 4 count machine with the Health Minister and a file has already been put up for procurement of machine from the state government funds.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times,Panaji edition, Saturday, November 17,2007)
By Preetu Nair
PANJIM: An NGO, working with people living with HIV/AIDS, has alleged that people living with HIV/ AIDS are feeling discriminated, as very little budget is provided to the drop-in-coping centres (DIC) for people living with HIV/AIDS, even as the money is being wasted in printing “unnecessary” materials.
Demanding the removal of the present Project Director and two Deputy Directors of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), accusing them of corruption, the NGO -- Positive Lives Foundation (PLF- Goa) — in a press conference stated that they would submit their charter of demands to the government soon. “If the government fails to take action within a month, then we would sit on an indefinite hunger strike,” threatened Jaffer Inamdar, Program Manager, PLF.
Incidentally, things went sour between GSACS and PLF, when PLF was allotted only Rs 5 lakh for the year 2007-08, to run their DIC, a centre where people living with HIV/AIDS gets together. A fact not denied by Inamdar. “We need to receive more funds to help people living with HIV/AIDS, who have greater needs. They need to have access to medicines, nutritional food, educational material to understand HIV/AIDS better, economic and moral support as they are fighting a life threatening illness,” said Inamdar.
Besides, they have demanded that the state government should make allocation of funds for a new CD4 count machine at South Goa, issue a discount "Traveling Identity Cards" to all individual without disclosing their identities, ensure free of cost medicines for management of opportunistic infections (OI) to avail at all talukas and ensure women's empowerment program and nutritional and supplement for HIV positive women and children.
Squarely blaming GSACS for its lack of commitment towards people living with HIV/AIDS, Inamdar alleged that there is only Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centre at Goa Medical College which doesn’t have adequate sitting arrangement or drinking water facility. “Doctors in the OPD’s at GMC are rude with a positive person and don’t treat them properly,” added Inamdar.
FUNDS allocated as per NACO norms:Dr Kaur
Speaking to GT, an apparently shocked Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS refuted all charges made by PLF. She stated, “We are doing whatever is possible for people living with HIV/AIDS. We have to spend money as per National AIDS Control Organization’ s (NACO) guidelines. Funds to be allocated component wise, either to NGOs or to DIC, are first allocated by NACO and re-appropriation between components is not permissible as per NACO guidelines”.
She stated that whatever funds have been allocated have been strictly in adherence to the guidelines and instructions issued by NACO. “At the highest level, the policy makers have allocated more funds for prevention of new HIV infections and spread of awareness (that is through IEC related activities). The allocation of funds for care, support and treatment are calculated based on the number of people infected with HIV and living with AIDS and accordingly the figures are disbursed to GSACS for further allocation of funds to the DIC. It is understandable that since the number of people not infected with HIV is much more than those infected, it is logical that the prevention effort and funds put in to ensure that new infections are prevented, would definitely be much more.”
Making it clear that she understands the problems of people living with HIV/AIDS, Dr Kaur said that she was the only Project Director to visit the DIC programme run by PLF and interact with HIV positive persons. “We have always taken up the issue of HIV positive persons and worked to find a solution to their woes,” added Dr Kaur.
Sources at GSACS reveal that as per the annual action plan approved by NACO for the year 2007-08, Goa would get Rs 569.91 lakhs. Of this, Rs 315.09 lakhs would be spent to prevent new infection and only Rs 10.66 lakhs would be spend on care, support and treatment. NACO has allotted Rs 10.66 lakhs to run the DIC, which is a sub-component of care, support and treatment.
“With two NGO’s running DIC in Goa, the money is equally divided between them. The above figure is a ceiling beyond which expenditure shouldn’t be incurred on any activity,” revealed a source at GSACS.
Further, there is no allocation of fund for more ART centres or purchase of CD4 or CD8 machines.
Sources further reveal that the Project Director has already taken up the matter of CD 4 count machine with the Health Minister and a file has already been put up for procurement of machine from the state government funds.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times,Panaji edition, Saturday, November 17,2007)
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
Rane Jr ‘nurses’ his wound after the ‘labour’ pain
Rane Jr ‘nurses’ his wound after the ‘labour’ pain
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: A nurse at Goa Medical College was suspended on Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane’s instruction because she did her duty.
However, as the matter threatened to blow out of proportion, she was reinstated back by the same minister. The nurse, Simran, was on duty in the labour room on Thursday, 27 December,2007 and was busy with a delivery process, when a man who wanted to enter the labour room to be with his better half . But as he was denied entry into the labour room, lest the rest of the expecting mothers feel uncomfortable, he allegedly called up Health Minister Rane and complained against the nurse.
Rane demanded to talk to the nurse and the man handed the mobile to the nurse stating ‘Baba’ as Rane is popularly known to his supporters wants to talk to you. But Sister Simran refused to talk to ‘Baba’ stating everyday they deliver-babas in GMC. This allegedly angered the Health minister who rushed to the hospital and fired the nurse for misbehaving and refusing to attend the phone call. Infuriated, he instructed the GMC Dean, Dr. V.N. Jindal to suspend the nurse.
So, Dr. Jindal issued the nurse’s suspension order stating,” As per the instructions of the Health Minister, you are suspended.” Upset, Simran approached the GGEA (Goa Government Employees Association) stating that she was wrongly suspended. Ganesh Chodankar, Secretary confirmed this.
Chodankar said, “She was not at fault.Simran was just doing her duty and she cannot be suspended for doing her duty in fact , this time the Health Minister is at fault because he cannot directly call a nurse on duty to issue directions. He has to call the Dean and the Dean has to issue directions to the nurses.”
The Association decided to take up her matter with the Dean on Friday afternoon, 28 December,2007. But they did not have to make any efforts , as the Dean on Friday morning issued another note to Simran. This time the note read, “As per the instructions of the Health Minister, the suspension order is revoked.”
Despite several repeated attempts , GT could not contact Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane for his comments. When contacted, Dr Jindal Dean, GMC said , “The matter has been sorted out”.
“To err is human , there was some misunderstandings but it is now sorted out . It is not a major issue,” added Neelima Rane, President , Trained Nurses Association.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008)
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: A nurse at Goa Medical College was suspended on Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane’s instruction because she did her duty.
However, as the matter threatened to blow out of proportion, she was reinstated back by the same minister. The nurse, Simran, was on duty in the labour room on Thursday, 27 December,2007 and was busy with a delivery process, when a man who wanted to enter the labour room to be with his better half . But as he was denied entry into the labour room, lest the rest of the expecting mothers feel uncomfortable, he allegedly called up Health Minister Rane and complained against the nurse.
Rane demanded to talk to the nurse and the man handed the mobile to the nurse stating ‘Baba’ as Rane is popularly known to his supporters wants to talk to you. But Sister Simran refused to talk to ‘Baba’ stating everyday they deliver-babas in GMC. This allegedly angered the Health minister who rushed to the hospital and fired the nurse for misbehaving and refusing to attend the phone call. Infuriated, he instructed the GMC Dean, Dr. V.N. Jindal to suspend the nurse.
So, Dr. Jindal issued the nurse’s suspension order stating,” As per the instructions of the Health Minister, you are suspended.” Upset, Simran approached the GGEA (Goa Government Employees Association) stating that she was wrongly suspended. Ganesh Chodankar, Secretary confirmed this.
Chodankar said, “She was not at fault.Simran was just doing her duty and she cannot be suspended for doing her duty in fact , this time the Health Minister is at fault because he cannot directly call a nurse on duty to issue directions. He has to call the Dean and the Dean has to issue directions to the nurses.”
The Association decided to take up her matter with the Dean on Friday afternoon, 28 December,2007. But they did not have to make any efforts , as the Dean on Friday morning issued another note to Simran. This time the note read, “As per the instructions of the Health Minister, the suspension order is revoked.”
Despite several repeated attempts , GT could not contact Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane for his comments. When contacted, Dr Jindal Dean, GMC said , “The matter has been sorted out”.
“To err is human , there was some misunderstandings but it is now sorted out . It is not a major issue,” added Neelima Rane, President , Trained Nurses Association.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008)
Govt SEZ no, but can they?
Govt SEZ no, but can they?
Legal fraternity foresees obstacles for Digambar ‘sarkar’
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: The state Government may have announced the scrapping of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its “existing form” with immediate effect, but the going for the state may not be smooth before it hits a legal hurdle in a bid to conform to its New Year resolution.
Legal experts opine that the state government cannot decide to scrap especially the ones which have obtained permission and have already started work on developing the infrastructure. But yes, if the infrastructure is not set up or no third party rights granted, the Central government may honour the states views and recommendations.
In other words, the state government may request not to process the applications of the SEZs which have so far not obtained permissions. Meanwhile with regards to the 3 SEZs that have already been granted permissions, the state government can only request the Central government to denotify it.
According to Advocate General Subodh Kantak, “ The state government’s role is only to make recommendation to the Central governement’s Board of Approval to denotify the SEZs . It is not possible for state government to denotify it but it for the Central government to decide”. Experts agree that the government has a right to change it policies but then they cannot leave investors in the lurch and investors would have to be adequately compensated.
Another interesting argument that the lawyers put forth is that if the state government decides to scrap SEZs due to popular public opinion , then they will have to give convincing reasons to the Central government for the same.
Scrapping of SEZs , which have got permission and already started work relying on people’s apprehension may just not be easy, they add.
Nitin Sardessai, who is the counsel for Meditab , which is developing SEZ in Keri , reacting to the media reports that the state government has decided to scrap SEZs in the state said , “The government at its highest can give its recommendations to the Central government that it does not need SEZ in Goa .But this recommendation governs the future of the projects which have not got permissions and the not the ones, which have all permissions like Meditab. In the present SEZ policy , there is no clause to denotify the SEZ which have been granted permission”.
Interestingly, former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane in his letter to Union Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath has said, “The setting up of SEZ is going to benefit the State of Goa economically as well as help in creating huge employment opportunities.” This letter was sent on December 21,2006. Now a year later , the state government would have to definitely give a strong reason to the Central Government explaining why they are baking out.
“Whether to have SEZs or not is a policy decision, in which courts, have no role to play . But if the question of promissory estopel arises, then the court may look into it. Promissory estopel (equitable estopel) applies when any state government or any agency of the state government comes out with a representation /promise and an individual sets up an industry , then they cannot go back on it.
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008 )
Legal fraternity foresees obstacles for Digambar ‘sarkar’
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: The state Government may have announced the scrapping of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its “existing form” with immediate effect, but the going for the state may not be smooth before it hits a legal hurdle in a bid to conform to its New Year resolution.
Legal experts opine that the state government cannot decide to scrap especially the ones which have obtained permission and have already started work on developing the infrastructure. But yes, if the infrastructure is not set up or no third party rights granted, the Central government may honour the states views and recommendations.
In other words, the state government may request not to process the applications of the SEZs which have so far not obtained permissions. Meanwhile with regards to the 3 SEZs that have already been granted permissions, the state government can only request the Central government to denotify it.
According to Advocate General Subodh Kantak, “ The state government’s role is only to make recommendation to the Central governement’s Board of Approval to denotify the SEZs . It is not possible for state government to denotify it but it for the Central government to decide”. Experts agree that the government has a right to change it policies but then they cannot leave investors in the lurch and investors would have to be adequately compensated.
Another interesting argument that the lawyers put forth is that if the state government decides to scrap SEZs due to popular public opinion , then they will have to give convincing reasons to the Central government for the same.
Scrapping of SEZs , which have got permission and already started work relying on people’s apprehension may just not be easy, they add.
Nitin Sardessai, who is the counsel for Meditab , which is developing SEZ in Keri , reacting to the media reports that the state government has decided to scrap SEZs in the state said , “The government at its highest can give its recommendations to the Central government that it does not need SEZ in Goa .But this recommendation governs the future of the projects which have not got permissions and the not the ones, which have all permissions like Meditab. In the present SEZ policy , there is no clause to denotify the SEZ which have been granted permission”.
Interestingly, former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane in his letter to Union Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath has said, “The setting up of SEZ is going to benefit the State of Goa economically as well as help in creating huge employment opportunities.” This letter was sent on December 21,2006. Now a year later , the state government would have to definitely give a strong reason to the Central Government explaining why they are baking out.
“Whether to have SEZs or not is a policy decision, in which courts, have no role to play . But if the question of promissory estopel arises, then the court may look into it. Promissory estopel (equitable estopel) applies when any state government or any agency of the state government comes out with a representation /promise and an individual sets up an industry , then they cannot go back on it.
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008 )
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