Information on mining plans for mining leases operating in Goa approved by the Regional Controller of Mines will now be freely available to the public as per recent decision (7th June 2010) of the Central Information Commission (CIC).
Earlier the Regional Controller had been routinely rejecting applications for mining plans in respect of individual mining leases on the grounds that the commercial interest of the lessees might be compromised if information in these plans ended up in the hands of rivals. Thus several applications for copies of mining plans in Goa had been rejected by the Regional Controller on the grounds that these could not be disclosed under Sections 11 (1), 8 (1) (d) and 8(1) (j) of the RTI Act.
Several appeals were filed before the CIC against such orders. On 5th February this year, the CIC sought assistance from the Ministry of Mines to settle the matter. The necessary clarifications were provided to the Information Commission by the Ministry of Mines in March 2010. The Ministry of Mines held that the following parts of the mining plan of any mining lease could be disclosed by Public Information Officers under the Right to Information Act:
a. The general information, location and accessibility of the mine as given by the mine operator in chapter 1 and chapter 2 of the mining plan.
b. Information about mine drainage, mineral rejects and disposal of wastes and other information provided in Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 9 of part A of the mining plan.
c. The Environment Management Plan provided in Chapter 11 of Part B of the mining plan.
The CIC endorsed the stand of the Ministry of Mines in a two page order passed on 7th June which has now been posted on the Ministry of Mines website.
The Ministry of Mines has been advised by the Information Commissioner to have all its public authorities put up the various discloseable parts of the mining plans on their respective websites so that citizens do not have to file repeated RTI queries in the matter. Time of two months has been given to carry out this decision.
In the meanwhile the Goa Foundation recommends that all those who filed applications under RTI for information about mining plans should now file fresh applications for the information permitted by the CIC. The information that can be disclosed would cover most information about the mine, its approved dump management plan and environment management plan.
The applicant should also request for the relevant maps which are annexed to these chapters. The Goa Foundation is willing to assist any person in this process.
Dr. Claude Alvares
Showing posts with label RTI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RTI. Show all posts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Questions and Answers with Goa Police via Motes Antao's RTI
Motesh Antao filed RTI application on 14/8/2009 with the Office of Superintendent of Police, South Goa. Goa Police attached to Quepem Police Station called him to collect the requested information on September 25, 2009 and instead arrested him on some 10 month old case for blocking road to the mining site registered against him due to complaint by the Manager at Hiralal Khodidas iron ore mine at Colamb, Sanguem operated by Fomento mining company. Motesh was later released on bail the same day evening.
Office of the Superintendent of Police, South Goa District, Margao via their letter dated 10/09/2009 and Office of Director General of Police, PHQ, Panaji served him replies. In Public Interest we reproduce the Questions asked and answers received them from Police Authorities are marked in Green. The questions that police replied as information 'not available', are marked in Yellow.
Police basically gave all the information asked for except about movable and immovable assets held and about police officials business ties with mining industry. Its not available on records!
1. Give me the following below mentioned details of then P.I. of Quepem Shri Santosh Dessai , present working as P.I. of Margao town P.S.
(a) In which year Santosh Dessai has joined the police service?
Shri Santosh Dessai joined the Police Department in the year 1991.
(b) At the time of joining what was his designation?
He joined the Department as Police Sub-Inspector.
(c) The list of assets files by him at the time of joining the service?
Not available on records.
(d) Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
Since the time of joining service, the details of his posting at Quepem Police Station is as under:-
From 05.04.2001 to 12.12.2002,
From 08.05.2008 to 18.02.2009
From 26.05.2009 to 15.07.2009
(e) Give me his present service address?
His present service address is Margao Town Police Station.
(f) Give me his present residential address?
His present residential address is H.No. 690, Buinsa, Cuncolim, Salcete, Goa.
(g) Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
Not available on records.
(h) Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovables which are disposed off by them?
Not available on records.
(i) At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
As per the records of O.S. DGP's office information pertaining Departmental Enquiry is Nil.
(j) During his posting as P.I. of Quepem Police station how many charge sheet he has filed against the anti-mining agitators?
NIL.
(k) Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give me their details?
Not available on records.
2. Give me the following below mentioned details of ASI of Quepem Police station Shri Prakash K.Gaonkar
(a) In which year Prakash A. Gaonkar has joined the police service?
01/09/1976.
(b) At the time of joining what was his designation?
Police Constable.
(c) The list of assets files by his at the time of joining the service?
Not Available.
(d) Since the time of joining in the police department how many times he has been posted at Quepem?
Three.
(e) Give me his present service address?
Quepem Police Station.
(f) Give me his present residential address?
H.No. 1/3, Konkem, Pirla, Quepem.
(g) Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
Not Available.
(h) Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
Not Available.
(i) At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
NIL.
(j) During his posting as ASI of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
One.
(k) Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
Not Available.
3. Give me the following below mentioned details of HC of Quepem Police station Shri Arvind Nagekar Buckle No.3100.
(a) In which year H.C. Arvind Nagekar has joined the police service?
15/07/1981
(b) At the time of joining what was his designation?
Police Constable
(c) The list of assets files by him at the time of joining the service?
Not Available
(d) Since the time of joining in the police department how many times he has been posted at Quepem?
Three.
(e) Give me his present service address?
Quepem Police Station
(f) Give me his present residential address?
Montepio Quarter, Sanguem.
(g) Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
Not Available.
(h) Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
Not Available.
(i) At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
NIL.
(j) During his posting as H.C. of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
One.
(k) Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
Not Available.
4. Give me the details of police officials who are working at Quepem police station for more then three years?
1. Shri P.V. Desai, A.S.I.
2. HC-3398, R.N. Bhosle.
3. HC-3136, S.S. Talekar.
4. HC-2923, C.L. Rane.
5. LHC-3741, A.A.Gaonkar.
6. LHC-3800, Y.B.Velip.
7. PC-5441, V.R.Naik.
8. PC-5557, G.S.Gaonkar.
9. PC-5703, M.J.Velip.
10. PC-5790, S.A. Gawas.
11. PC-5924, N.N. Gaonkar.
12. PC-6123, U.S. Desai.
13. PC-6127, O.A. Fernandes.
14. PC-4443, R.S. Sangodkar.
15. PC-6238, P.U. Sawant.
16. PC-4250, M.S.N. Desai.
17. PC-4121, S.A. Gosavi.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Motes Antao’s RTI letter that led to Goa Police loose its equanimity
From,
Shri Motes Antao,
r/o. Chudeamol, Colomba,
Sanguem-Goa.
Date: 14/8/2009.
To,
The Public Information Officer,
Office of Superintendent of Police( south)
Margao Goa.
Sub: Application under section 6 of Right to Information Act 2005.
Sir,
Be please to issue me the following information under Right to Information Act 2005.
1. Give me the following below mentioned details of then P.I. of Quepem Shri Santosh Dessai , present working as P.I. of Margao town P.S.
· In which year Santosh Dessai has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by his at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovables which are disposed of by them?
· At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as P.I. of Quepem Police station how many charge sheet he has filed against the anti-mining agitators?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give me their details?
2. Give me the following below mentioned details of ASI of Quepem Police station Shri Prakash K.Gaonkar
· In which year Prakash A. Gaonkar has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by his at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as ASI of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
3. Give me the following below mentioned details of HC of Quepem Police station Shri Arvind Nagekar Buckle No.3100.
· In which year H.C. Arvind Nagekar has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by him at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
· At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as H.C. of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
4. Give me the details of police officials who are working at Quepem police station for more then three years?
The court fee of Rs.10/- is hereto annexed.
Kindly do the needful and obliged.
Yours Truly,
Sd/-
Motes Antao
Shri Motes Antao,
r/o. Chudeamol, Colomba,
Sanguem-Goa.
Date: 14/8/2009.
To,
The Public Information Officer,
Office of Superintendent of Police( south)
Margao Goa.
Sub: Application under section 6 of Right to Information Act 2005.
Sir,
Be please to issue me the following information under Right to Information Act 2005.
1. Give me the following below mentioned details of then P.I. of Quepem Shri Santosh Dessai , present working as P.I. of Margao town P.S.
· In which year Santosh Dessai has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by his at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovables which are disposed of by them?
· At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as P.I. of Quepem Police station how many charge sheet he has filed against the anti-mining agitators?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give me their details?
2. Give me the following below mentioned details of ASI of Quepem Police station Shri Prakash K.Gaonkar
· In which year Prakash A. Gaonkar has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by his at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as ASI of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
3. Give me the following below mentioned details of HC of Quepem Police station Shri Arvind Nagekar Buckle No.3100.
· In which year H.C. Arvind Nagekar has joined the police service?
· At the time of joining what was his designation?
· The list of assets files by him at the time of joining the service?
· Since the time of joining in the police department how many time he has been posted at Quepem?
· Give me his present service address?
· Give me his present residential address?
· Give me his detail list of movable assets held by him and his family members including the movables disposed of by them?
· Give me the detail list of Immovable assets held by him and his family members including survey number, name of the property, the village in which they are situated, including those immovable which are disposed of by them?
· At any time departmental inquiry has been order against him? If yes then give me the details?
· During his posting as H.C. of Quepem Police station in how many cases filed against the anti-minig agitators he is the investigating officer?
· Whether he or his family members owns any mining truck/tipper truck ? If yes give, me their details?
4. Give me the details of police officials who are working at Quepem police station for more then three years?
The court fee of Rs.10/- is hereto annexed.
Kindly do the needful and obliged.
Yours Truly,
Sd/-
Motes Antao
GOAMAP says police should apologise
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 26
The Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) on Saturday demanded that the police should tender an apology for arresting an anti-mining activist by calling him to the police station under a false pretext.
Motesh Antao of Colamb was arrested in connection with a complaint lodged in November 2008 by an official of a mining company under sections 143, 341, 506 read with 149 of IPC on Friday. Antao said he had gone to pick up some RTI information for which he had made a letter to South Goa Superintendent of Police on August 14.
GOAMAP in a press release signed by its convenor Sebastian Rodrigues stated in case Goa Police failed to tender an apology the organization would be constrained to initiate appropriate constitutional recourse in a befitting manner.
He said in case of Motesh he was arrested by the Quepem police under some criminal case registered against a group of Colomb villagers for blocking mining transportation of the Fomento mining company that was operating the Hiralal Khodidas mining lease.
GOMAP said the Quepem police owed a written apology to Motesh for threatening him for filing an RTI application thus thwarting citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.
It stated that the police should give the apology copies to all the print and electronic media in the State by September 27 midnight.
Herald Sunday September 27, 2009 Panaji
PANJIM, SEPT 26
The Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) on Saturday demanded that the police should tender an apology for arresting an anti-mining activist by calling him to the police station under a false pretext.
Motesh Antao of Colamb was arrested in connection with a complaint lodged in November 2008 by an official of a mining company under sections 143, 341, 506 read with 149 of IPC on Friday. Antao said he had gone to pick up some RTI information for which he had made a letter to South Goa Superintendent of Police on August 14.
GOAMAP in a press release signed by its convenor Sebastian Rodrigues stated in case Goa Police failed to tender an apology the organization would be constrained to initiate appropriate constitutional recourse in a befitting manner.
He said in case of Motesh he was arrested by the Quepem police under some criminal case registered against a group of Colomb villagers for blocking mining transportation of the Fomento mining company that was operating the Hiralal Khodidas mining lease.
GOMAP said the Quepem police owed a written apology to Motesh for threatening him for filing an RTI application thus thwarting citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.
It stated that the police should give the apology copies to all the print and electronic media in the State by September 27 midnight.
Herald Sunday September 27, 2009 Panaji
Saturday, September 26, 2009
He was summoned to collect letter, but ended up being arrested
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
QUEPEM, SEPT 25
The Right to Information application filed by an anti-mining activist from Colomba-Quepem seeking information from the Quepem police reportedly took an unusual turn when he was arrested on Friday.Speaking to Herald, Motes Antao said he had filed a RTI application on August 14 before the South Goa Superintendent of police, seeking details regarding PI Santosh Dessai, ASI Prakash Dessai and HC Arvind Nagekar of Quepem police.
“On Thursday evening, Police Constable Vinod came to my house to deliver the letter issued by the South Goa SP and DGP, asking me collect the RTI information,” said Antao.Antao could not be contacted and since family members did not accept the letter, PC Vinod left a message at Antao’s residence to collect the letter from the police station on Friday morning.“On Friday at about 8.45 am, I went to the Quepem police station and collected the letter issued by the SP South and DIG.
“As I was leaving the police station, ASI Prakash Dessai arrested me in connection with a complaint dated November 28, 2008, filed by an official of a mining company and I was booked under Sections 143, 341, 506 r/w Section 149 of IPC,” stated Antao.
“The mining company is trying to take revenge since I applied for detailed information under the RTI. ASI Prakash Dessai is also the investigation officer in the complaint dated November 28, 2008,” alleged Antao. Antao was later released by the Sanguem JMFC on a bond of Rs 2,000.
When contacted, Police Inspector Nilesh Rane, who is hold additional charge of the Quepem police station, denied allegations that the Quepem police had lured him into the police station by asking him to collect the RTI application, only to arrest him there.
When asked to comment on the delay in arresting Antao for nearly a year, PI Rane said he did not have the necessary details to comment in the matter.
Herald, September 26, 2009 Panaji
QUEPEM, SEPT 25
The Right to Information application filed by an anti-mining activist from Colomba-Quepem seeking information from the Quepem police reportedly took an unusual turn when he was arrested on Friday.Speaking to Herald, Motes Antao said he had filed a RTI application on August 14 before the South Goa Superintendent of police, seeking details regarding PI Santosh Dessai, ASI Prakash Dessai and HC Arvind Nagekar of Quepem police.
“On Thursday evening, Police Constable Vinod came to my house to deliver the letter issued by the South Goa SP and DGP, asking me collect the RTI information,” said Antao.Antao could not be contacted and since family members did not accept the letter, PC Vinod left a message at Antao’s residence to collect the letter from the police station on Friday morning.“On Friday at about 8.45 am, I went to the Quepem police station and collected the letter issued by the SP South and DIG.
“As I was leaving the police station, ASI Prakash Dessai arrested me in connection with a complaint dated November 28, 2008, filed by an official of a mining company and I was booked under Sections 143, 341, 506 r/w Section 149 of IPC,” stated Antao.
“The mining company is trying to take revenge since I applied for detailed information under the RTI. ASI Prakash Dessai is also the investigation officer in the complaint dated November 28, 2008,” alleged Antao. Antao was later released by the Sanguem JMFC on a bond of Rs 2,000.
When contacted, Police Inspector Nilesh Rane, who is hold additional charge of the Quepem police station, denied allegations that the Quepem police had lured him into the police station by asking him to collect the RTI application, only to arrest him there.
When asked to comment on the delay in arresting Antao for nearly a year, PI Rane said he did not have the necessary details to comment in the matter.
Herald, September 26, 2009 Panaji
GOAMAP urges written apology from Goa Police for threatening RTI applicant
Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) takes serious note about repeated police harassments of people protesting against mining in the State of Goa. Latest instance is of Motesh Antao of Colamb, Sanguem where in he was called at Quepem Police Station on 25th September 2009 to collect written replies to his application under Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI).
However instead of furnishing him with the relevant information in polite manner he was threatened for filing RTI application and arrested under some criminal case registered against group of Colamb villagers for blocking mining transportation of the Fomento mining company – operating Hiralal Khodidas mining lease against the overwhelming protests from the local villagers - in Colamb on November 28, 2008 in a land belonging to Forest department.
GOAMAP requests the Goa Police authorities at Quepem Police Station, Quepem to issue written apology to Motesh Antao for threatening him for filing an RTI application – thereby causing grave injury to the practice of democracy and citizens fundamental right to freedom of Speech and Expression guaranteed under Constitution of India - with copies to all the print and electronic media in Goa by the mid-night of September 27, 2009.
In case Goa Police fails to tender apology then GOAMAP shall be constrained to initiate appropriate constitutional recourse in a befitting manner.
However instead of furnishing him with the relevant information in polite manner he was threatened for filing RTI application and arrested under some criminal case registered against group of Colamb villagers for blocking mining transportation of the Fomento mining company – operating Hiralal Khodidas mining lease against the overwhelming protests from the local villagers - in Colamb on November 28, 2008 in a land belonging to Forest department.
GOAMAP requests the Goa Police authorities at Quepem Police Station, Quepem to issue written apology to Motesh Antao for threatening him for filing an RTI application – thereby causing grave injury to the practice of democracy and citizens fundamental right to freedom of Speech and Expression guaranteed under Constitution of India - with copies to all the print and electronic media in Goa by the mid-night of September 27, 2009.
In case Goa Police fails to tender apology then GOAMAP shall be constrained to initiate appropriate constitutional recourse in a befitting manner.
Colamb RTI applicant Motes Antao released
The right to information application filed by anti-mining activist Motes Antao of Colomba Quepem against the police officials of Quepem police station cost him police custody on September 25, 2009 causing one more landmark in the ongoing movement against Goa's nefarious mining industry.
Motes Antao informed that by application dated 14/8/2009 filed under RTI before S.P. South he had asked for detail personal information of P.I. Santosh Dessai, ASI Prakash Dessai and H.C. Arvind Nagekar of Quepem police station.
On Thursday evening PC Vinod of Quepem Police station approached residence of Motes Antao at Colomba to deliver the letter issued by the SP South and the DGP, calling upon Antao to collect the information asked by him under RTI .Motes could be contacted and as family member did not accept the letter, said PC Vinod Kept a message at the residence of Motes to collect the letter on Friday morning, informed Motes Antao.
Motes Antao further informed that Friday morning at around 8.45 am he appeared at the Quepem police station and collected the letter issued by the SP south and the DIG and after collecting the letters he was coming out of the police station at which time he was stopped by ASI Prakash Dessai and arrested him under the garb of a complaint of 28/11/2008 filed by one Shri C.S.Patil Asst. Personal Manager of Hiralal Khodidas Mine - operated by Fomento mining company in Motes' village of Colomba in Sanguem against him - and booked him under section 143, 341, 506 r/w. section 149 of IPC.
In reply to the bail application by Motes Antao before JMFC Sanguem the Quepem police stated that that he was absconding and was avoiding arrest , however in April 2009 the Quepem police arrested him on the garb of another offence. "How can the police says that I was absconding , why the police had not arrested me in April 2009 in respect of this case too, in which they had arrested me today?" Motes Questioned.
"The present arrest of mine is to take a grudge for applying detail information under RTI as ASI Prakash Dessai is also the investigation officer in the cr.No.82/08 dated 28/11/2008 informed" said Motes Antao.
Said Motes Antao is released by the JMFC Sanguem on the surety of Rs.2000/- late evening of September 25, 2009.
Meanwhile Rama Velip stated that as new mining season is starting the Quepem police are trying to trap the anti-mining activist by registering false complaints and falsely arresting them.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Motesh Antao of Colamb under arrest at Quepem Police Station
Colamb villager Motesh Antao has been arrested at Quepem Police Station today morning at 9.15 am. he was called to the police station to collect information he had sought detail information of three police officials - PI Santosh Desai, PSI Prakash Desai and HC Arvind Nagekar- under Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI).
According to the sources Motesh was threatened at the police station for filing application under RTI and then under the garb of some previous - yet to be known cases - was detained and arrest proceedings initiated against him. It is not yet known as what are the contends of his RTI letters that jittered police officials to such an extend to behave in this uncalled for, vengeful manner.
According to police officials at Quepem police station Motesh Antao has been arrested under sections 143, 341 and 506 read with 149 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Date of offence is not yet known. You may call up Qupem Police Station at its land line: 0832-2662253 and find out the latest on this matter.
Motesh Antao called up from the custody of Police at around 10.10 am and informed that he has been taken for medical check up. His call came from land line: 0832-2662253. Just as he was giving details of his arrests his phone line got cut after background voice of accompanying police officer that you have to inform only that you are arrested and nothing more.
What is tragic in this whole episode still unfolding is that the citizen is called at the police station to collect information sought under RTI and then threatened and arrest effected on previous cases. This is indeed a very very sad day for democracy in India. We need to mourn the death soon and help democracy resurrect again. Motesh Antao is a torch bearer that all the freedom loving people of the world ought to be proud of for people of Colamb are indeed continuously extending boundaries of democracy, boundaries of freedom via their practice. Goa is proud of this village in Colamb.
Sebastian Rodrigues
According to the sources Motesh was threatened at the police station for filing application under RTI and then under the garb of some previous - yet to be known cases - was detained and arrest proceedings initiated against him. It is not yet known as what are the contends of his RTI letters that jittered police officials to such an extend to behave in this uncalled for, vengeful manner.
According to police officials at Quepem police station Motesh Antao has been arrested under sections 143, 341 and 506 read with 149 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Date of offence is not yet known. You may call up Qupem Police Station at its land line: 0832-2662253 and find out the latest on this matter.
Motesh Antao called up from the custody of Police at around 10.10 am and informed that he has been taken for medical check up. His call came from land line: 0832-2662253. Just as he was giving details of his arrests his phone line got cut after background voice of accompanying police officer that you have to inform only that you are arrested and nothing more.
What is tragic in this whole episode still unfolding is that the citizen is called at the police station to collect information sought under RTI and then threatened and arrest effected on previous cases. This is indeed a very very sad day for democracy in India. We need to mourn the death soon and help democracy resurrect again. Motesh Antao is a torch bearer that all the freedom loving people of the world ought to be proud of for people of Colamb are indeed continuously extending boundaries of democracy, boundaries of freedom via their practice. Goa is proud of this village in Colamb.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Thursday, September 24, 2009
These school students have mining dust for company
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 23
The 12 students of Sonshi Government Primary School in Sattari have nothing, but mining dust for company during their school hours. There is no playground of or any open space in front of the school. No sooner the students step out of their classrooms they are catapulted into the thick of mining activities.
Convenor GOAMAP Senastian Rodrigues in a presentation held in the city on Wednesday highlighted how five mining companies surrounding the school have violated environmental and all possible laws there are.
Rodrigues said the presentation was prepared by one Advocate Krishnendu Mukherjee from Kolkata who has been in Goa for some time. He had done a study on the school tow months back during the monsoons, he mentioned.
The study shows mining overburden has been dumped upto 10 metres from the steps of the school. There has been no running water in the school ever since Sesa Goa beneficiation plant started operating next to the school somewhere in 2003.
The mining companies surrounding the school are involved in heavy encroachment as the original area, 650 square metres, in which the institution was housed has depleted over the years.
Rodrigues said the Department of Education failed to give any proper response to RTI request concerning educational standards at the school and the Goa State Pollution Control Board didn’t carry any tests on air, water or noise pollution surrounding the institution.
During the rainy season one can find polluted rain water near the school because of the mining in its surrounding.
Sonshi Government Primary School was set up in 1964. It has a sole teacher for the last eight years who has been trying hard to get transfer but the same has been refused.
When questioned if the school could be amalgamated with another government institution, Ramesh Gauns said the next school was at the distance of 9-10 kilometers. There are many reasons why this school can’t be amalgamated with another school, he added.
Gauns said there are several such schools that are affected due to mining.
Rodrigues said their aim was to add one more dimension to their campaign by exposing how mining was damaging school infrastructure. “We will do a study and come out with details of schools affected by mining,” he stated.
Herald, September 24, 2009, Panaji
PANJIM, SEPT 23
The 12 students of Sonshi Government Primary School in Sattari have nothing, but mining dust for company during their school hours. There is no playground of or any open space in front of the school. No sooner the students step out of their classrooms they are catapulted into the thick of mining activities.
Convenor GOAMAP Senastian Rodrigues in a presentation held in the city on Wednesday highlighted how five mining companies surrounding the school have violated environmental and all possible laws there are.
Rodrigues said the presentation was prepared by one Advocate Krishnendu Mukherjee from Kolkata who has been in Goa for some time. He had done a study on the school tow months back during the monsoons, he mentioned.
The study shows mining overburden has been dumped upto 10 metres from the steps of the school. There has been no running water in the school ever since Sesa Goa beneficiation plant started operating next to the school somewhere in 2003.
The mining companies surrounding the school are involved in heavy encroachment as the original area, 650 square metres, in which the institution was housed has depleted over the years.
Rodrigues said the Department of Education failed to give any proper response to RTI request concerning educational standards at the school and the Goa State Pollution Control Board didn’t carry any tests on air, water or noise pollution surrounding the institution.
During the rainy season one can find polluted rain water near the school because of the mining in its surrounding.
Sonshi Government Primary School was set up in 1964. It has a sole teacher for the last eight years who has been trying hard to get transfer but the same has been refused.
When questioned if the school could be amalgamated with another government institution, Ramesh Gauns said the next school was at the distance of 9-10 kilometers. There are many reasons why this school can’t be amalgamated with another school, he added.
Gauns said there are several such schools that are affected due to mining.
Rodrigues said their aim was to add one more dimension to their campaign by exposing how mining was damaging school infrastructure. “We will do a study and come out with details of schools affected by mining,” he stated.
Herald, September 24, 2009, Panaji
Mining causes concern to Sattari schools
BY A STAFF REPORTER
Panjim: It is a common knowledge that mining activities being undertaken in the hinterlands of the state affect the flora and fauna but a study by a human rights activist Adv Krishnendu Mukherjee has now brought a startling reality to the fore, schools in the Sattari taluka are also badly affected by the mines resulting in a decrease in a the attendance of the students studying there.
Adv Mukherjee conducted a research of the Sonshi school, Sattari in the last twon months that was presented by anti-mining activist Seby Rodrigues at institute Piedade recently. In the research, it was stated that this school is surrounded by five mines, including Sesa Goa.
This Marathi-medium government primary school has one teacher for just 12 students whose attendance is on decline due to the mining activity, says the study that also points out to further hardships being faced by the school during the monsoons.
During the monsoons, the polluted rainwater from the mines flows near the school. So also the mining rejects are being dumped within 10 metres from the school steps. Besides, the school lacks running water facility due to the presence of a beneficiation plant of Sesa Goa that is operational from 2003 in this area, states Mukherjee, who further claims that the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has not done any test on the air and water around the school.
He also alleges that “this is a violation of the student’s right to education, besides other environmental violations concerning air, water and noise pollution as well as encroachment of the government land by Sesa Goa.”
A teacher-cum-activist Ramesh Gawas also pointed out that “this school was started in the year1964 much before the mining activities commenced there. At that time, the area was 600 sq metres but now it is nearly 250 sq metres.” Gawas added “there is no play ground for the students.” He further lamented that this is the state of all the schools functioning in the mining areas and that the low admission rate in these schools could be attributed to the ongoing mining activities and their hazards.
Gomantak Times, September 24, 2009, Panaji
Panjim: It is a common knowledge that mining activities being undertaken in the hinterlands of the state affect the flora and fauna but a study by a human rights activist Adv Krishnendu Mukherjee has now brought a startling reality to the fore, schools in the Sattari taluka are also badly affected by the mines resulting in a decrease in a the attendance of the students studying there.
Adv Mukherjee conducted a research of the Sonshi school, Sattari in the last twon months that was presented by anti-mining activist Seby Rodrigues at institute Piedade recently. In the research, it was stated that this school is surrounded by five mines, including Sesa Goa.
This Marathi-medium government primary school has one teacher for just 12 students whose attendance is on decline due to the mining activity, says the study that also points out to further hardships being faced by the school during the monsoons.
During the monsoons, the polluted rainwater from the mines flows near the school. So also the mining rejects are being dumped within 10 metres from the school steps. Besides, the school lacks running water facility due to the presence of a beneficiation plant of Sesa Goa that is operational from 2003 in this area, states Mukherjee, who further claims that the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has not done any test on the air and water around the school.
He also alleges that “this is a violation of the student’s right to education, besides other environmental violations concerning air, water and noise pollution as well as encroachment of the government land by Sesa Goa.”
A teacher-cum-activist Ramesh Gawas also pointed out that “this school was started in the year1964 much before the mining activities commenced there. At that time, the area was 600 sq metres but now it is nearly 250 sq metres.” Gawas added “there is no play ground for the students.” He further lamented that this is the state of all the schools functioning in the mining areas and that the low admission rate in these schools could be attributed to the ongoing mining activities and their hazards.
Gomantak Times, September 24, 2009, Panaji
Mining Affects edu in rural areas: Study
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: For the 12 students of the government primary school at Sonshi in Sattari taluka, the first wondrous years of learning are a test of endurance in a school located amid the noise of mining machinery, the dust of mines and the sight of red earth all around.
“The view from this school is not of green fields and birds. The children here grow up seeing only red mining dust,” said anti-mining activist Seby Rodrigues. Through a slide presentation to the media, Rodrigues portrayed how mining has adversely affected the primary school in Sonshi. However, he added that the Sonshi is only one example of how mining has affected the primary education of young children in many parts of Goa. The study was conducted by Krishnendu Mukherjee, a lawyer and environmentalist.
The school had about 600 square metres of land around it when it started in 1964. Subsequently, four mines came up around the school with a fifth mining company setting up its beneficiation plant in front of the school. “Now the school has only about 250 square metres left. Clearly there is an encroachment by the mining companies. There is mining overburden dumped up to 10 meters from the steps of the school,” said Rodrigues.
The study shows how during the monsoons, polluted rainwater runs close to the school. At other times of the year, the children have to bear the elevated noise and dust levels within the school caused by heavy machinery and trucks. The study expresses fears that the mining slurry may contain arsenic and cause contamination due to polluted waters. According to the study, the Goa state pollution control board has not conducted any tests on air, water or noise pollution surrounding the school.
Mukherjee said that one aim of the study is to establish whether there are violations by the mining companies and also by the education department. ‘Mining should improve the local economy. But here we have a case where children are adversely affected by it. Our study is ongoing and we are waiting for evidence of violations. On the face of it, this seems to be the case. We will give our findings to the government and the mining companies,” Mukherjee said.
His research began in April 2008, but information has been hard to obtain. The education department “failed to give any proper responses” under RTI. Also, the lone teacher at the school is reluctant to say anything for fear of losing his job. And may be his life. After the teacher spoke to the researcher, a guard was posted outside the school for few days. The teacher has requested for a transfer several times. All his requests have been denied.
Has the number of students at Sonshi school decreased? Mukherjee said he is awaiting this information which he has applied for under RTI from the education department. But apparently, the children of Sonshi do not have much of a choice. The next government primary school is in Sanquelim, 10 kilometers away.
Times of India, September 24, 2009, Panaji
Panaji: For the 12 students of the government primary school at Sonshi in Sattari taluka, the first wondrous years of learning are a test of endurance in a school located amid the noise of mining machinery, the dust of mines and the sight of red earth all around.
“The view from this school is not of green fields and birds. The children here grow up seeing only red mining dust,” said anti-mining activist Seby Rodrigues. Through a slide presentation to the media, Rodrigues portrayed how mining has adversely affected the primary school in Sonshi. However, he added that the Sonshi is only one example of how mining has affected the primary education of young children in many parts of Goa. The study was conducted by Krishnendu Mukherjee, a lawyer and environmentalist.
The school had about 600 square metres of land around it when it started in 1964. Subsequently, four mines came up around the school with a fifth mining company setting up its beneficiation plant in front of the school. “Now the school has only about 250 square metres left. Clearly there is an encroachment by the mining companies. There is mining overburden dumped up to 10 meters from the steps of the school,” said Rodrigues.
The study shows how during the monsoons, polluted rainwater runs close to the school. At other times of the year, the children have to bear the elevated noise and dust levels within the school caused by heavy machinery and trucks. The study expresses fears that the mining slurry may contain arsenic and cause contamination due to polluted waters. According to the study, the Goa state pollution control board has not conducted any tests on air, water or noise pollution surrounding the school.
Mukherjee said that one aim of the study is to establish whether there are violations by the mining companies and also by the education department. ‘Mining should improve the local economy. But here we have a case where children are adversely affected by it. Our study is ongoing and we are waiting for evidence of violations. On the face of it, this seems to be the case. We will give our findings to the government and the mining companies,” Mukherjee said.
His research began in April 2008, but information has been hard to obtain. The education department “failed to give any proper responses” under RTI. Also, the lone teacher at the school is reluctant to say anything for fear of losing his job. And may be his life. After the teacher spoke to the researcher, a guard was posted outside the school for few days. The teacher has requested for a transfer several times. All his requests have been denied.
Has the number of students at Sonshi school decreased? Mukherjee said he is awaiting this information which he has applied for under RTI from the education department. But apparently, the children of Sonshi do not have much of a choice. The next government primary school is in Sanquelim, 10 kilometers away.
Times of India, September 24, 2009, Panaji
Monday, September 22, 2008
Goa Education department releases mafia on RTI applicant Durgadas Gaonkar
RTI applicant Durgandas Gaonkar is faced with mafia threats released by Goa's education department. Durgadas Gaonkar is a president of Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) and this is his first letter under Right to Information Act that was devised to bring about transparency in the governance process and to checkmate rising corruption in the Government functioning.
Durgadas first filed application under RTI as the president of GAKUVED but the education department rejected the application on the ground that President of any Organisation is not legally entitled to file the application. Then he filed again as individual but was rejected on the ground that it is not caring Court stamp fees.
Then on Saturday September 19 a four wheeler Maruti car landed near his house in Dhulapi with man and a woman in it doing various inquiries on Durgadas and his family as well as his profession.
Then on September 20 at around 7.15 pm a man walked into Durgadas's Panjim venue and threaten Durgadas to withraw his RTI application in education department within next 5 days. Durgadas refused to do so. Then Durgadas was warned of dire consequences if he does not withraw the application. Durgadas fearlessly told him to do whatever he wants to do immidiately.
Durgadas' hang out place - Goa Store - opposite Cafe Bhonsle was visited by 3 member mafia team on morning of September 22, 2008 but Durgadas was not there. This visit was meant to instill fear in Durgadas.
In the meanwhile GAKUVED team that is spread all over the State of Goa has taken strong note of the mafia released by the Goa State Education department and demanded to know as to how mafia got the information of the RTI letters with the Ministry. There is clearly nefarious nexus between the Education department and Mafia in order to cover up the deep rooted corruption and irregularities.
GAKUVED has launched the campaign to defend the right to defend freedom of speech and expression and condemns Goa State Education Ministry for their mafia links.
The campaign that will unfold in the days to come includes requesting citizens to fight mafia assault on freedom of speech and expression in the form of pressure tactics on Durgadas Gaonkar making large number of applications to the State Education Ministry as it pricks mafia in their uncomfortable zone. We need to rescue constitution of India from Goa's hoodlums that are threatening ordinary citizen's right to expression.
Please go throught the letter below that attracted mafia attack and file as many RTI as possible. Please include your own dates on the applications in your names. Citizens of India from all over India are requested to file this RTI in your names.
Come let's join hands to defeat mafia in Goa!
From:
Durgadas G. Gaonkar,
381, "HARI SMRITI"
Dhulapi, Corlim, Ihas - Goa.
Date: 15-09-2008
To,
The Public Information Officer,
Asst. Director of Education (Planning),
Directorate of Education,
Panaji - Goa.
Sub: Request for Information under Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir,
This is to request you to furnish the following information under Right to Information Act, 2005.
1) Certified copy letter No.DV/HSS72/08-09 dated 03-06-2008
2) Certified copy of letter No.DE/HSS/PLG/294/pt. V(2)/474
3) Certified copy of the Minutes of Departmental Selection Committee selecting Mrs. Sebastiana Dias as Tr. Grade-I
4) Certified copy of Proforma I, II, III, IV & V sent vide letter No.D.V.H.S.S./118/08-09 dated 24-06-08.
The necessary fees as required shall be paid. Kindly do the needful at the earliest convenience.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Durgadas Gaonkar)
Durgadas first filed application under RTI as the president of GAKUVED but the education department rejected the application on the ground that President of any Organisation is not legally entitled to file the application. Then he filed again as individual but was rejected on the ground that it is not caring Court stamp fees.
Then on Saturday September 19 a four wheeler Maruti car landed near his house in Dhulapi with man and a woman in it doing various inquiries on Durgadas and his family as well as his profession.
Then on September 20 at around 7.15 pm a man walked into Durgadas's Panjim venue and threaten Durgadas to withraw his RTI application in education department within next 5 days. Durgadas refused to do so. Then Durgadas was warned of dire consequences if he does not withraw the application. Durgadas fearlessly told him to do whatever he wants to do immidiately.
Durgadas' hang out place - Goa Store - opposite Cafe Bhonsle was visited by 3 member mafia team on morning of September 22, 2008 but Durgadas was not there. This visit was meant to instill fear in Durgadas.
In the meanwhile GAKUVED team that is spread all over the State of Goa has taken strong note of the mafia released by the Goa State Education department and demanded to know as to how mafia got the information of the RTI letters with the Ministry. There is clearly nefarious nexus between the Education department and Mafia in order to cover up the deep rooted corruption and irregularities.
GAKUVED has launched the campaign to defend the right to defend freedom of speech and expression and condemns Goa State Education Ministry for their mafia links.
The campaign that will unfold in the days to come includes requesting citizens to fight mafia assault on freedom of speech and expression in the form of pressure tactics on Durgadas Gaonkar making large number of applications to the State Education Ministry as it pricks mafia in their uncomfortable zone. We need to rescue constitution of India from Goa's hoodlums that are threatening ordinary citizen's right to expression.
Please go throught the letter below that attracted mafia attack and file as many RTI as possible. Please include your own dates on the applications in your names. Citizens of India from all over India are requested to file this RTI in your names.
Come let's join hands to defeat mafia in Goa!
From:
Durgadas G. Gaonkar,
381, "HARI SMRITI"
Dhulapi, Corlim, Ihas - Goa.
Date: 15-09-2008
To,
The Public Information Officer,
Asst. Director of Education (Planning),
Directorate of Education,
Panaji - Goa.
Sub: Request for Information under Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir,
This is to request you to furnish the following information under Right to Information Act, 2005.
1) Certified copy letter No.DV/HSS72/08-09 dated 03-06-2008
2) Certified copy of letter No.DE/HSS/PLG/294/pt. V(2)/474
3) Certified copy of the Minutes of Departmental Selection Committee selecting Mrs. Sebastiana Dias as Tr. Grade-I
4) Certified copy of Proforma I, II, III, IV & V sent vide letter No.D.V.H.S.S./118/08-09 dated 24-06-08.
The necessary fees as required shall be paid. Kindly do the needful at the earliest convenience.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Durgadas Gaonkar)
Sebastian Rodrigues
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