log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline FRIDAY AUGUST 2, 2024 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 46 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 5 3 States can make changes within SC, ST quota, rules apex court GOA High Court directs govt to settle pension arrears, gratuity of retd SCIC Fishing ban ends, but fishermen stay put as rough sea plays spoilsport INFO Overlooked habits that make you gain weight 9 SPORTS Kohli, Rohit return as India begins ODI series against Sri Lanka 13 Goa reels under heavy rains; rivers swell, villages flooded Traffic hit, rescue teams swing into action CAUTIONS GOVERNMENTS AGAINST ACTING ON ‘WHIMS’ PTI KEY SUPREME COURT OBSERVATIONS NEW DELHI In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that States are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SC), which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation for the uplift of castes that are socially and educationally more backward among them. The apex court, however, made it clear that States have to make sub-classification on the basis of “quantifiable and demonstrable data” of backwardness and representation in government jobs and not on “whims” and as a matter of “political expediency”. A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, by a majority of 6:1, set aside the apex court’s five-judge bench verdict of 2014 in the EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh case which had held „„The State in exercise of its power under Articles 15 of the Constitution is free to identify different degrees of social backwardness „„Can provide special provisions (such as reservation) to achieve the specific degree of harm identified „„Historical and empirical evidence demonstrates that SCs are a socially heterogeneous class „„Sub-classification of SCs by States is “subject to judicial review, when faced with a constitutional challenge” „„Basis of sub-classification and model which has been followed will have to be justified on basis of empirical data gathered by the State that no sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) can be allowed as they are a homogeneous class in themselves. “The State in exercise of its power under Articles 15 (non-discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth) and 16 (equality of opportunity in public employment) of the Constitution is free to identify the different degrees of social backwardness and provide special provisions (such as reservation) to achieve the specific degree of harm identified,” held the CJI in his 140-page judgement. “Historical and empirical evidence demonstrates that the SCs are a socially heterogeneous class. Thus, the state in exercise of the power under Mixed reactions from Goa leaders PANAJI: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling empowering States to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes categories for quota allocations has evoked mixed reactions among Goa’s reserved leaders. Minister for Tribal Welfare Govind Gaude is not quite impressed stating the implementation will be difficult for a small State like Goa. “It would be difficult to make sub-classifications. Implementation might be possible but it will create a division between the reserved categories itself. This will adversely disturb the social economy given Goa’s small size and population compared to bigger states,” he said speaking to The Goan.  >> See pg 5 Articles 15(4) and 16(4) can further classify the SCs if (a) there is a rational principle for differentiation; and (b) the rational principle has a nexus with the purpose of sub-classification,” the CJI held. The six judgements, running into 565 pages, were penned on the contentious issue by the CJI, who wrote for himself and Justice Manoj Misra, and Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Satish Chandra Mishra and Justice Bela M Trivedi. Except for Justice Trivedi, the other five judges concurred with the findings of CJI. Justice Chandrachud said the sub-classification of SCs by States is “subject to judicial review, when faced with a constitutional challenge”. River water that flooded a road in Kanolkar Vaddo, Nanoda on Thursday. Narayan Pissurlenkar THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Having recorded the highest rainfall in July in the last 124 years, Goa experienced heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with strong winds on the first day of August. The India Meteorology Department (IMD) Goa issued a Red Alert due to the severe weather conditions prompting several schools to shut early. The Education Department issued directions to schools INDIA GETS ITS 3rd Dengue outbreak escalates, OLYMPIC BRONZE North Goa most affected LET THE POWER OF GOLD FULFILL YOUR NEEDS! MAHABANK GOLD LOAN 155 cases till June; heavy rainfall key cause THE GOAN I NETWORK Repayment Tenure Upto 24 Months Attractive Interest Rate No Prepayment Charges www.bankofmaharashtra.in * T&C Apply SCAN TO APPLY Finance upto ₹100 lakh Follow us @mahabank page 6 As young, affluent Indians seek driving pleasure, BMW leaves Mercedes & Audi in the rearview REVIEW: Citroen C3 Aircross automatic: A mix of comfort and performance ASSEMBLY COVERAGE ‘Floating solar plants’ to harness 197MW at four dam reservoirs: Dhavlikar Wayanad landslides: Goa is ready for any eventuality, says minister Next HPCC meeting to decide on the long pending Sonsodo waste plant Rane admits doctor shortage in State, emphasizes need to hire out-of-state specialists Govt to build footbridge connecting Mayem, Aldona if land becomes available (See pg 2) IN SHORT >> Decomposed human leg found at Morjim PERNEM: A human leg in highly decomposed state was found on Morjim beach at Gaude Waddo on Thursday. According to reports, the decomposed leg was washed ashore at Morjim beach. Pernem DySP Police Jivba Dalvi said the leg is that of an adult and Mandrem police is investigating the incident. Shooter Swapnil Kusale helped India claim its first ever Olympic bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event and the third medal after Manu Bhaker’s bronze in women’s 10m air pistol and Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s men’s 10m air pistol final. HEARTBREAK Anjum Moudgil and Sift Kaur Samra failed to qualify for the final of the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. MIXED LUCK IN BADMINTON Lakshya stayed on course for a maiden Olympic medal but Satwik and Chirag’s dreams came crashing down after a heartbreaking three-game loss in the men’s doubles quarterfinals. Sindhu also exits. FIRST LOSS FOR HOCKEY TEAM NIKHAT EXITS twoIt was a tearful end to Chasing a second successive time world champion Nikhat t as medal, the Indian hockey Zareen’s Olympic debu0-5 team suffered its first loss of she was out-punched e the Olympic Games, going by China’’s Wu Yu in th down 1-2 to defending champiwomen’s 50kg divions Belgium after letting slip a sion. one goal lead in a pool match. >> Reports on pg 12 PANAJI The State has reported 177 cases of dengue in the first half of this year with heavy rains contributing to the increase. The North district recorded the highest 155 cases while the South reported 22 cases. With the North district at risk of dengue cases, Mapusa reported a maximum of 29 cases followed by Colvale with 22 Saligao with 18, and 15 cases each in Pernem and Siolim. No cases were reported in Chinchinim, Quepem, Dharbandora, Navelim, Sanguem, Bali and Marcaim as of June. State Programme Officer/ Health Officer Dr Kalpana Mahatma attributed the rise in cases to the surplus rainfall this year. She revealed that 60 cases were recorded in June, averaging two cases per day. “Our field officers are conducting house-to-house surveys to identify potential breeding sites with the assistance of village panchayats Coastal areas, slums dengue hotspots PANAJI: While the number of dengue cases in Goa may not be alarming, several suspected cases have emerged particularly in coastal areas and slums. Official sources have informed The Goan that at the Candolim Primary Health Centre, suspected cases are primarily reported from Candolim, Calangute and Nerul whereas the Siolim PHC has seen cases from Guirim, PDA Colony and Pilerne. The Panaji Urban Health Centre has recorded suspected cases predominantly from St Inez and Patto, while Chimbel PHC has reported a significant number of cases from Taleigao and Indiranagar, a slum area. In Mapusa health centre, the majority of suspected dengue cases are reported from the slum area of Karaswada, and Corlim while there are fewer cases reported from the South with Margao UHC reporting cases from the slum area of Moti Dongor. The Cortalim PHC has reported more suspected cases from Jhari, Birla; and IDC Verna where many non-Goan workers are employed and lodged in small shanties. At the Vasco health centre, Vadem and New Vadem have reported an increase in suspected dengue cases. and municipal bodies. We are also distributing leaflets and pamphlets, and are urging residents to avoid accumulating water and to keep their surroundings clean,” she said. Health Minister Vishwajit >Continued on P5 Nearly 100 unsafe buildings on Govt to launch study on edge amidst demolition drama surge in kidney disease Structures based in Panaji, Mapusa, Mormugao THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Despite nearly 100 unsafe buildings across the Corporation of the City of Panaji and the municipal councils of Mapusa and Mormugao posing a serious risk to people, only four structures including two in Vasco have been demolished. As per records submitted by the Department of Urban Development in the Assembly, Panaji -- where several dangerous structures are at risk of collapsing -- has 23 unsafe buildings identified. However, only one building, the National Theatre, was issued a ON SHAKY GROUND „„Panaji has 23 unsafe buildings identified but, only one -- National Theatre -- was issued a demolition order „„In Mapusa, 34 structures have been identified as unsafe and notices have been to all occupants „„Several unsafe buildings in Mormugao also continue to stand tall demolition order. The owner received a fresh demolition order on May 13, which remains under a status quo granted by the Secretary for Urban Development Appellate Authority. Four other structures -Savitri Vishwa Building, Sushila Building (rear side), footbridge at Miramar and La Marina II at La Marina Co-op Housing Society -- are under review. The CCP assured that notices will be issued under section 272 of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002; as against its earlier claim that the district collector issued a demolition order for the footbridge. For the unsafe market building including the Fish >Continued on P5 Minister assures more dialysis centres THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Health Minister Vishwajit Rane assured the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday that a comprehensive study will be commissioned through a national agency to investigate the alarming number of kidney cases in Canacona. Rane also pledged to increase the number of dialysis centers, especially in remote areas of the State. “I will speak to the Secretary of Health, Government of India. A team from the State will be sent to Delhi in this regard after the assembly session,” Rane said, responding to concerns raised by Cur- torim MLA Aleixo Lourenco over the rise in kidney cases. Lourenco highlighted the steady increase in patients suffering from kidney failures and questioned the government’s steps to provide adequate facilities for these patients. He noted that patients often have to book dialysis sessions in advance and inquired whether new dialysis centers would be opened and if the cost of dialysis would be reduced. Rane assured that all medicines are provided free of cost in government hospitals and confirmed plans to open more >Continued on P5 leaving early to ensure safe return of its students.  The State has already received a surplus seasonal rainfall of 55.1 percent. On Thursday, Goa recorded 135 mm of rainfall leading to flooding in several low-lying areas, including Bicholim. The continuous rainfall resulted in water levels in the Mhadei, Valvanti, and Ragada rivers to rise, submerging several roads and minor bridges in Bicholim and Saquelim. >Continued on P5 ON PAGE 3 Flooding in Kasarvarne, Chandel due to water flowing from Mopa airport Swollen rivers paralyse normal life in Sanguem Houses collapse in Ambelim, old Market Now, govt has power to take over abandoned land; Bill to validate TCP acts brought in THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa legislative assembly on Thursday passed The Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Bill, 2024, providing to give the government powers to take over possession and ownership of land belonging to people who have left behind no heirs or abandoned lands where ownership is not clear. The State government also introduced a bill in the Goa legislative assembly which seeks to give finality to all permissions granted by the Chief Town Planner in respect to development of land in the planning areas of Candolim-Calangute and Arpora-Parra-Verla Before The Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Bill could be passed, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant agreed to make two changes in the law which was pressed for by the Opposition. The provision in the law which mandated the >Continued on P5