log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME IX, NO.343 3 2 Safety of workers comes under Centre’s scanner Police voice inability to monitor quarries in South Goa GOA Smart City work on war footing as HC’s May 31 deadline nears COMMISSIONER BEGINS PROBE INTO COMPLIANCE BY CONTRACTOR, REPORT IN A WEEK; PWD UNDER SCRUTINY THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The horrific accident at the Verna industrial estate, which killed four labourers on the spot and grievously injured four others, has drawn the attention of the Central government as the Office of Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) has launched an inquiry to determine whether the contractors complied with safety measures for its workers. VERNA IDC ACCIDENT The role of ‘principal employer’ – Public Works Department has also come under scrutiny with the State Labour Commissioner seeking action under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970. “Our inspector is conducting an inquiry into the accident. Information on the safety measures will be collected, and a report will be prepared for submission to the Central government,” Regional Labour Commissioner IN SHORT >> Delhi temperature hits all-time high of 52.9 degrees C NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded an all-time high temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.22 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday as extreme heat conditions gripped the north and western parts of India, causing students to faint in schools and drinking water taps to dry up. A heat wave alert has been in place for large parts of India. The temperature in Mungeshpur, a densely packed corner of Delhi, crossed the 50 C mark, the weather office said.  >> See pg 7 Police to probe into Assagao club MAPUSA: Acting on a representation submitted by Somnath Sawant, President of the Assagao-Badem Citizen’s Action Committee (ABCAC), Deputy Collector Uday Prabhu Dessai has directed the Anjuna Police to investigate allegations against a bar and restaurant suspected of planning to operate as a fullfledged nightclub in Assagao.  >> See pg 3 Ex-Sancoale panch held for assault  >> See pg 5 OVER 72 HOURS, BUT BLOOD TEST REPORT OF DRIVER STILL AWAITED PANAJI: More than 72 hours after the fatal accident at Verna IDC, the Health Department is examining the blood samples of Bharat Govekar – bus driver responsible for the accident – to determine his alcohol level. The Verna police are awaiting the report, followed by further action even as the accused is currently in custody. Meanwhile, a team has left for another State to trace the main contractor, who is currently absconding. “The blood samples of the driver were collected by the doctors at the district hospital and sent for examination. The report will provide clarity on the issue,” the officer said, confirming that the driver indeed smelt of alcohol at the time of the accident. “We need concrete evidence to prosecute him in court, and this report is crucial,” he added. (Central) Harikesh Bahadur said, speaking to The Goan. Since the Commissioner has received a request from the State government, a copy of this report will be shared with the Chief Minister’s Office. The inquiry will be expedited, given the gravity of the situation, and the report is likely to be completed within a week. The Office of the Commissioner of Labour & Employment (Goa) has simultaneous- ly initiated its inquiry and sent a notice to the firm responsible for the project at Verna. “Workmen employed by you/ your department had died as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment. I hereby require you …to submit to this Court within 30 days…” reads the notice issued by Labour Commissioner Levinson Martins to Chief Engineer (PWD-NH R&B) and Ponda-based contractor M/s Kudroli Builders & Plans to make alcohol checks mandatory on industry drivers Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO How to use baking soda to treat acne? >Continued on P5 India starts training in New York ahead of T20 World Cup Authorities fail to act despite numerous complaints THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Morjim Beach, renowned as a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles, is facing significant noise pollution from the restaurants and clubs along the Morjim-Mandrem coastline. An online advertising campaign of event to be held at antiSOCIAL club in Morjim. Despite a temporary reduction in noise during the off-season, loud music remains a persistent issue, particularly during peak tourist times. Local complaints to the police and district authorities have largely resulted in either short-lived relief or no response at all. Local pointed out that the most notorious offender, a club ironically named ‘antiSOCIAL’ is located within 100 metres of the high tide line at Gawde-vaddo, Morjim. Citizens charged that the club is consistently holding musical events and playing loud music, ignoring the concerns of both locals and environmental advocates. “Everyone knows that Morjim beach is demarcated as the turtle nesting site and music cannot be played here. But this particular club keeps blasting music day and night,” said Pravinsingh Shetgaonkar, a concerned resident. Despite numerous complaints to the police and the deputy collector, there has been no effective action taken. Shetgaonkar highlighted that a major part of the problem is the lack of widespread community involvement in lodging complaints. “Just a couple of us pursue such issues,” he added. Neuriti Shirodkar, another resident and a member of the High Court appointed noise pollution monitoring committee, echoed Shetgaonkar’s frustration. “Whenever we get calls from the residents we inform the designated authorities about the infringement but sadly there is no response from the officials. We are helpless. I think these committees Mystery shrouds disbursal of ` 2.68 cr in single phase CLINTON D’SOUZA THE GOAN I PANAJI A new controversy has erupted over the Rs 2.68 crore spent on a baseball ground at Campal in Panaji for the 37th National Games, which remains undeveloped. Questions are being raised about how such a large amount was sanctioned and disbursed without any visible progress on the ground. According to former treasurer of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), Gurudutta Bhakta, the process of fund release involves multiple layers of approval. Typically, the funds are released by the finance department and then sent to the Directorate of Sports before reaching the SAG. From there, the money is given to the contractor or the intended recipient. Bhakta explained that funds for any project are usually released in phases as the work progresses. Howev- Ground exists, repurposed for other disciplines during Nat Games: Gaude PANAJI: Sports Minister Govind Gaude has stated that the ground, originally intended for baseball, was repurposed for other sports after baseball was dropped from the 37th National Games. “First of all, the ground already existed. The baseball discipline was included in the 36th National Games scheduled in Goa, which led to work being undertaken by SAG. However, the Games were then shifted to Gujarat. During the 37th National Games, baseball was dropped due to a federation issue at the national level. Despite this, the ground was used for seven other disciplines and is now known as ‘Campal Village Sports City,” he said, denying the works were not carried out during his tenure. He added that Dugouts were installed in 2021 and later moved to Cujira, while the tank remains at the site. Moreover, the ground was used for an Ayurveda expo recently, along with other major events. er, in this case, it is unclear why such a large amount was released in a single phase. Bhakta further highlight- BLENDING CULTURES & FLAVOURS Book your table to experience this culinary crossroad. ed that any amount above Rs 50,000 requires the approval >Continued on P5 CHEF PASANG SHERPA CHEF ANIL RAWAT Foreign languages, Hindi get raw deal under new edu policy, sparks concerns THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI he blueprint devised by the State Council for Education, Research and Training (SCERT) for implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) which the State government has already announced will happen in Class IX this year has tweaked the three language formula, which many academicians and school faculty members feel will eliminate foreign languages from the school system and make it possible for students to also drop Hindi. While retaining the T should be dissolved,” Shirodkar said. Adding to the frustration, Shetgaonkar pointed out that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has BASEBALL GROUND FIASCO EX-SAG OFFICIAL SAYS RELEASE OF FUNDS ABOVE `50,000 INVOLVES MULTI-LEVEL APPROVAL NEP: THE SCERT BLUEPRINT „„While retaining the three-language formula for high school, only the first language (R1) will be compulsorily English „„For Second Language (R2), students will have a choice to pick any one from Hindi, Konkani or Marathi three-language formula for high school (Class IX to XII), only the first language (R1) will be compulsorily English. For Second Language (R2), students will have a choice „„Also for third language (R3), students will be permitted to pick from Hindi, Konkani and Marathi, if not pitched for R2 „„Another feature is the elimination of foreign languages from the choices for third language (R3) to pick any one from Hindi, Konkani or Marathi, says the document released earlier this month by SCERT. Also for third language (R3), students will be permitted to pick from Hindi, Konkani and Marathi, if not pitched for R2, or from any native Indian language currently offered by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. “Technically therefore, the scheme allows students to drop Hindi entirely from their 10 curricular subjects, if they pick either Konkani or Marathi as their second language (R2) and one of these or any other Indian language listed among those offered by the Goa Board as their third language (R3) choice, possibly Sanskrit,” a principal of a leading >Continued on P5 12 Streams of loud music threaten paradise of Morjim coastline PANAJI: Amid a heightened crackdown on traffic violations following the Verna IDC mishap, the Traffic Department is likely to write to the IDC Chairman to direct companies to ensure mandatory purchase of alcometers and random checks on their drivers.   >> See pg 3 Infrastructures Pvt Ltd. In a separate communication to the RLC (Central), Martins has requested to examine the matter for necessary action against the PWD and the contract under the Labour Act, Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 and The Buildings and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the 9 SPORTS *T & C Apply >Continued on P5