from daijiworld's special correspondent Ares

Committee to study causes of closure of schools

Panaji : Concerned over closure of vernacular medium primary schools, Goa government on Thursday formed a nine-member committee to study the causes and the situation that prompted the closure of such schools.

"It has been observed that over a decade the vernacular medium schools were gradually closing down. Various reasons are being cited and the government is very much concerned about such closures," Education Minister Luizinho Faleiro stated.

"Retrospecting the image of Goa in the field of education at the national level, it is very much essential to stop the school closure," Faleiro said while announcing the formation of nine-member committee headed by educationist Madhav Kamat.

The committee comprises Educationist Datta Damodar Naik, Gurudas Sawal (President, Gomantak Marathi Academy), Ramesh Gawas (educationist), Prashant Naik (educationist), K T Kavlekar (President, Goa Rajya Prathmik Shikshak Sangh), Purnanand Char (President, Konkani Bhasha Mandal), John M A Fernandes (President, All Goa Parent Teachers' Association) and Michael D'souza (member secretary).

Faleiro said that committee's task would be to find out causes and the situation which prompted the closure of such schools.

"The Committee, after identifying the reasons of closure would suggest steps to prevent the declining enrolment in the vernacular medium primary schools," he said.

Study of power requirement

Panaji: The Goa government has entrusted the Power Grid Corporation with the task of estimating the state's power requirement for the next 12 years.

"We will plan setting up power generating plants in the state only after getting Power Grid Corporation's  report," state Power Secretary U K Vohra said.

"Power Grid Corporation will submit its report within three months," Vohra said.

The government is also exploring the possibility of establishing hydel and thermal power plants  in the state to generate electricity.

"Currently we draw power from southern and western grid," he said adding "our requirement is 370 mw during peak hours and we fall short by almost 60 mw." Goa is also looking at generating hydel power by constructing small dams along the Mahadeyi river basin, he said.

"The National Hydel Power Corporation had conducted studies  and expressed possibility for 11 mini-projects. But considering that in some parts, a large area would be inundated if dams are constructed, we will go for only five such projects," he added.

The state expects to generate around 45 mw power from the hydel projects, he added.

The government is also thinking of setting up coal based power plants of 250 mw in two districts.

"Coal would be imported and have just two per cent ash content, which would make the plants," Vohra said.

Portugal fans downcast over favourite's elimination

Panaji: It was a dull mood in Goa, last night after their favourite Portuguese team lost against France in FIFA world cup.
Football fans, most of them donning Portugal jersy held celebrations and beat drums  all evening prior to the match but were heartbroken early this morning after  Portugal's exit from the World Cup .

Goa is a former Portuguese colony which was liberated in the year 1961.

"Adeus (goodbye) Portugal.. We never expected you to lose... But everything is fair in a game... We accept the defeat," commeted a depressed fan, who watched the match at a roadside restaurant  with hundreds of others in north Goa.
Calangute-Candolim-Baga belt was abuzz with activities last evening which culminated into fans gathering near big screens to witness the semi-finals.

"Don't ask me what went wrong.. Everything was wrong.. Portugal should not have lost.. Now for me at least, World Cup is over", said 24-year-old Mateus Fernandes at Candolim, who has been keenly watching the match.
Meanwhile, Inox multiplex at Panaji would be showing the finals live on July 9. "With our state-of-art exhibition and acoustic equipment, we are able to create an experience that is closest to the real thing", said Shrikant Hazare, Vice President, Marketing, Inox Leisure  Limited.

World Cup finals on giant screen

Panaji: Watch the FIFA World Cup 2006 finals on the largest screen in town!

As the FIFA World Cup excitement reaches fever pitch, INOX, is all set to take you right onto the playing field.  The FIFA 2006 World Cup finals will come alive in INOX on the July 9, 11.30 pm onwards, through a LIVE feed from ESPN. Football fans can grab their tickets at the Box Office. Limited seats available, call 2420999.
 
Indulge yourself in the 'stadium' effect with INOX's world class projection and acoustic systems, guaranteed, non-stop sporting action, live from ESPN.   Enjoy a luxury viewing experience with comfortable seating, high levels of hygiene and friendly service.

Shrikant Hazare, Vice President - Marketing, INOX Leisure Ltd. said, "In our endeavor to provide patrons with interesting entertainment options, INOX brings the World Cup FIFA 2006 finals to fans.   With our state-of-the-art exhibition and acoustic equipment, we are able to create an experience that is closest to the real thing!"

As fans across the city weigh their options, INOX promises to be the destination of choice for the final countdown.