log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2024 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA >> pg 6 Goan nurse finds recognition on international healthcare mapping IN SHORT >> Job scam: Pooja gets bail, rearrested PANAJI: Prime accused in the cash-for-jobs scam, Pooja Naik, was arrested by Bicholim Police shortly after being granted bail by Ponda JMFC. Initially arrested by Mardol police six days earlier on charges of cheating individuals by promising government jobs, Naik secured bail on Tuesday. Bicholim Police took custody of Naik in connection with another cheating case, and police sources indicate she may soon face further arrests for similar cases. >> See pg 3 3 Russians rescued from drowning PANAJI: Three Russians, including a mother-daughter duo, were rescued by lifesavers from drowning off Morjim beach on Tuesday. The mother and her eight-year-old daughter were swimming in the sea, when they drifted deeper into the water. All 3 were rescued by lifesavers. Two bodies found floating in river PANJIA: Dead body of an unidentified man was found floating in the Mandovi river at Betim on Tuesday. Incidentally, another body of an unidentified man was found floating in Mandovi river Tuesday afternoon and was recovered by Panaji costal police staff. Woman run over by train at Dabolim PANAJI: An unidentified woman, approximately 45 to 50 years old, was run over by a passenger train between Dabolim and Vasco Railway Stations, as reported by the Deputy Station Master at Vasco Railway Station (SWR). She was dressed in a red sari and appears to have been struck while crossing the tracks. WEATHER >> Max: 33 C Min: 22.5 C Humidity: 95% TIDES Low: High: 03:22 15:47 09:16 22:20 VOLUME X, NO. 133 Instagram.com/thegoanonline Goa’s Choris on track to secure GI status n GOVT BEGINS PROCESS n ASSOCIATION ON CARDS THE GOAN I NETWORK SPICY TREAT: THE ROAD AHEAD Rodri wins Ballon d’Or 2024  PG14 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 Producers Association will help to standarize the process of sausage making and prepare a plan of action for branding the meat product with GI tag, upon receipt of it. Hence, the meeting of all Choris producers across the State is scheduled on November 6 to discuss the formation of producers association and elect a managing committee. “The Association has to move a formal proposal to the State for GI tag, which the State will recommend to the GI Registry,” official said. The study by the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) shows that some samples of Goan sausages can last without refrigeration longer than regular meats. Till date, Goa has got GI tag for total ten items including Mancurad mango, Bebinca, Agassaim brinjal, cashew nut, seven-sided okra,  Moira Banana, Harmal Chillies, Feni, Khola Chillies and Khajem. Mapusa police under fire as victims allege indifference Calls for action intensify against Bhutani project GBA demands revocation of permissions THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has demanded immediate revocation of all clearances and licenses issued to the controversial Bhutani Infra project at Sancoale. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, GBA convenor Sabina Martins has sought Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s intervention to ensure that permissions are revoked and justice is delivered to the locals, who are protesting against the project. Martins said that the Bhutani project at Sancoale exposes the complete breakdown of governance with respect to irregular land conversions and bypassing of building regulations. “Collusion of departments, apathy, ignorance and corruption are threatening villages with mega project clearances,” she said. She pointed out that the project does not have a re- GBA’S TAKE „„Collusion of departments, apathy, ignorance and corruption threatening villages with mega project clearances „„Project does not have required EC, no hill cutting permissions, there is random zone change, no requisite road access „„MPDA must recall technical clearance granted while panchayat should revoke other licenses MPDA must recall the technical clearance granted while the panchayat should revoke other licenses issued. “We demand that the Chief Minister should stop being a mute spectator and step in to listen to the people,” she said. Last week, a significant gathering took place in Sancoale, where elected representatives, political leaders, and local residents united in a show of solidarity for former Sarpanch Premanand Naik. Naik has been on a hunger strike to protest against a controversial project that has sparked widespread concern among the community. Among those present were Cortalim MLA Anton Vas , AAP MLA Cruz Silva, former Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, Sancoale opposition Panch Tulshidas Naik and others who unanimously demanded all permissions issued by concerned authorities for the project be immediately revoked. Son arrested for stealing ` 4L from mother’s cupboard PANAJI The Goa government has initiated a process to get its popular meat product -- Sausages aka choris -- Geographical Indication (GI) status. The Department of Science and Technology is appointed as the Nodal Department to undertake  GI  registrations, for various Goan items/produce such as agricultural, handicrafts, food items and handloom. The Goa State Council for Science and Technology works as facilitator for the said work. The nodal is presently working to get a GI tag for Goan sausages. However, in the absence of Choris producers association, the proposal cannot be moved forward. As such, as a step in that direction, it has initiated a procedure to bring  all the stake- „„Constituting a Choris Producers Association to help standarize process of sausage making „„It can also prepare a plan of action for branding the meat product with GI tag „„Meeting of all Choris producers across the State is scheduled on November 6 to discuss the formation of producers association and elect a managing committee „„The Association has to move a formal proposal to the State for GI tag, which the State will recommend to the GI Registry MORE ITEMS ON LIST „„State has also prepared a list including Fish Curry, Mix Pav Bhaji, Coconut Feni, Khatkhate (Mix Vegetable Stew), Bangdyachi Uddamethi (mackerel curry), Kunbi saree, Korgut rice for GI tag holders on a single platform by proposing a Goa Choris Producers Association. According to the government, constituting a Choris Claim cops adopting accusatory approach THE GOAN I NETWORK plainants themselves. “We approached the police as victims of fraud but were treated as if we were the accused,” remarked Maria Priscilla D’Souza, with her co-complainant Sabrina Dias adding that DySP Chodankar appeared unwilling to listen to their side of the story, and his demeanour suggested >Continued on P8 >Continued on P8 MAPUSA While the Goa Police assert their commitment to delivering effective, efficient and timely policing services to citizens, the Mapusa Police seem indifferent to these guiding principles. „„Maria Priscilla D’Souza, Sabrina Dias, and Vineeta D’Souza file formal complaint accusing two individuals of illegally transferring family-owned lands „„Complainants say, police were unhelpful and, at times, dismissive of their grievances „„They allege DySP Chodankar not only dismissed their concerns but seemed aligned with the accused SIOLIM LAND FRAUD CASE ON THE FLIP SIDE… In a troubling encounter at the Mapusa police station, three women complainants alleging land fraud claimed they faced an unresponsive and discouraging response from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sandesh Chodankar, raising questions about the Mapusa Police’s commitment to addressing fraud cases effectively. More than two months back, Maria Priscilla D’Souza, Sabrina Dias, and Vineeta D’Souza had filed a formal complaint accusing two individuals, including a person named Reggie Fernandes, of „„DySP Sandesh Chodankar says the complainants are not cooperating „„We have asked them in writing to produce their ownership documents which they refuse to do adding that the other party has produced documents claiming his right illegally transferring family-owned lands into the suspects’ names. According to the complainants, the police were unhelpful and, at times, dismissive of their grievances. The complainants allege that DySP Chodankar not only dismissed their concerns but seemed aligned with the accused, adopting an accusatory approach towards the com- THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA In a startling case of family theft, the Mapusa Police arrested a 39-year-old man, Priyesh Vaigankar, for allegedly stealing Rs 4 lakh from his mother’s cupboard in Khorlim-Mapusa. The incident came to light after Priya Vaigankar filed a complaint on October 25, reporting that the money, which she had earned through hard work, was taken by her son during a brief window between 11.45 pm and 12.30 pm. According to police reports, Priya discovered the cash missing shortly after it had been stored in the family home. Upon questioning her son, Priyesh reportedly denied any involvement in the theft, prompting her to approach the police. The Mapusa Police registered an offence under Section 305 of the BNS against Priyesh following Priya’s complaint. In the course of the investigation, police managed to VOICES OF CONCERN quired Environmental Clearance, no hill cutting permissions, there is random zone change, no requisite road access etc, Martins said that the government needs to revoke all clearances given to the ill-conceived project immediately on grounds of non-compliance, missing or misrepresented information and other illegalities. She said that FINAL COUNTDOWN: An artist gives final touches to the face of the demon king at Sucorro on Tuesday. Narkasur effigies will go up in flames on the eve of Diwali.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Police get fiat to monitor noise levels in Panaji during Narkasur festivities THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued instructions to the Panaji police to actively monitor noise levels across various parts of the capital city during Diwali festivities, specifically on the night of October 30, known as Narkasur night. Traditionally, this night involves effigy burning and cel- ebratory events that can lead to heightened noise levels, particularly in areas such as Kamat Arcade and St. Inez, which are known for their vibrant Diwali celebrations. The GHRC has mandated that noise levels should remain within permissible limits set by the District Magistrate of North Goa. In addition to sound monitoring, the police have been directed to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with legal guidelines and to manage any law and order challenges that may arise due to the festivities. The Commission’s order emphasizes the need for a balance between celebration and compliance with public health and safety standards, recognizing the importance of reducing noise pollution to protect residents’ rights and maintain public order. Spotlight on ‘Lakhpati didis’, Dhanteras: Gold prices fail to dampen festive cheer Goa eyes 11K by March-end THE GOAN I NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa government has set a target of having at least 11,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the State by the end of the current financial year, under the Central government’s Lakhpati Didi Scheme. A Lakhpati Didi is a member of a self-help group (SHG) who earns an annual household income of more than Rs 1 lakh. Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency Deepali Naik said that the government has set a goal to create 11,000 Lakhpati Didis by the end of March 2025. BOOSTER DOSE „„Govt to provide all possible support to women entrepreneurs to become Lakhpati Didis „„Under Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission, 3,804 SHGs have been formed, covering 48,306 members „„A Lakhpati Didi is a member of SHG who earns an annual household income of more than Rs 1 lakh She said that all possible support is provided to women entrepreneurs to become Lakhpati Didis. Naik also said that under the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission, 3,804 self-help groups (SHGs) have been formed, covering 48,306 members. “The SHGs are supported with Rs 19.52 crore from the community investment fund (CIF) released through village organisations (VOs) and revolving fund of Rs 8.28 crore. Naik said 184 village organisations have received startup funds of Rs 137.49 lakh, and 791 SHGs have availed bank loans amounting to Rs 3,646.96 lakh. >Continued on P8 PANAJI s the festive season in Goa kicked off with Dhanteras, gold prices have seen a notable surge. The price of 24k gold futures has increased by 0.3%, or Rs 238, reaching Rs 78,804 per 10 grams. This rise is part of a broader trend, with prices nearly 30% higher compared to last year’s Dhanteras, highlighting the growing significance of gold that Goans buy during the festive season. Dhanteras, which marks the start of Diwali, is traditionally viewed as an auspicious day for purchasing gold and silver. Devotees honour Dhanvantari, the divine A JEWELS OF TRADITION: A representative in a jewelry store displays gold on the auspicious day of Dhanteras on Tuesday.  Narayan Pissurlenkar healer, who emerged from the ocean bearing the nectar of immortality and an Ayurvedic text, symbolizing health and well-being. Gold has historically been a strong investment, and the current prices show significant gains, despite a slight 0.04% dip yesterday that brought rates to Rs 78,536. This annual tradition of buying gold runs deep in Indian culture, with households viewing it as a secure investment. For instance, anyone who invested in gold on Dhanteras two years ago would see returns of approximately 56.8%. This festive season, jewelry stores are bustling, and retailers are offering special deals. A representative from PN Gadgil store in Panaji shared, “for Dhanteras, we are checking the purity of customers’ old gold without any deduction in weight or rate; the purity is simply multiplied by today’s 24-carat rate, allowing customers to maximize their gold’s value.” The store is also offering a 15% discount on making charges for new purchases. Another jeweler in Panaji described the vibrant atmosphere, saying, “These past three days have been incredibly busy, with over 2,000 customers so far, and on Dhanteras alone, we saw around 3,000 visitors. Remarkably, nearly 90% of them made a purchase.” With festive excitement in full swing, many stores were open until midnight to welcome shoppers. As one store employee noted, “It’s inspiring to see people so enthusiastic about buying gold on this special day, and we’re thrilled to serve them.” Despite rise in gold prices, the festive spirit is undeterred, as Dhanteras once again brings people together to celebrate prosperity and tradition.