Xit-Koddi - Jan-Feb 2017

Goan Elections

Corruption, garbage disposal, medium of instruction (MOI), drugs, environmental threats and several other issues are of major concern to Goans. We keep blaming successive governments for their failure to deliver on their promises. Here comes election time. The NRIs may not have voting rights but we can surely play our role in these elections. Let us all make it a point to remind our families and friends back home in Goa that it is their responsibility as citizens to VOTE. Let us inspire them to vote because this is the strongest weapon in our hands, with the help of which we can solve our problems. 

We do not favour any political party or individuals. It is up to the individuals to decide for whom they want to vote. But, before casting their vote, they must think about the past performance of the particular party or candidates, and their agenda for the future. A responsible VOTE will help us build a better future for Goa and Goans.

Yours Truly

= GR Crasto

NRIs to Exchange Old Currency: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed an extension for NRIs & Indians who were abroad between Nov 6 to December 30, 2016, to exchange by depositing Rs. 500/1000 notes. Indians will have up to March 31, 2017, and NRIs up to June 30, 2017. As per rules announced, NRIs and Indians will have to show the rupee notes and get a stamped declaration from the customs at the point of entry into India. The exchange facility will be available through RBI offices in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Nagpur. 

PIO To OCI Card: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the 14th Pravasi Bahratiya Divas in Bangaluru, said that the Centre had extended the deadline for applying for the conversion of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards till June 30 without any penalty. This is the third time the date for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards has been extended since March 31, 2016. The PIO card was valid for travel, work, and residence in India for a period of 15 years. The OCI card, implemented in 2005, carries more benefits than the PIO card, and is valid for the holder’s lifetime. 

Goan Dies in Road Accident: Sripad Prasad Bandodkar from Betalbatim, Goa, died in an accident in Bahrain on 

January 13. He was on his BMW bike when a SUV hit him. He was thrown into the air, fell and fractured his hip bone, arms and caused internal injury as well. He was taken to BDF hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 28. A memorial service arranged by his family friends was held at the Father’s House AG Church, Umm Al Hassam, on January 17, and later his body was flown to Goa for final rites. Sripad, who was born and brought up in Bahrain, was the son of long-time residents, Jai Prakash and Swarupa Preethi Bandodkar. He did his schooling at the Asian and Indian School and completed his graduation through Global Institute He was employed with First Motors Hyundai Bahrain as Retail Sales Executive. Our condolences to his family and prayers for his soul to rest in peace. 

CD By ex-Resident: Ex-resident of Bahrain, Reginald De

Curtorim, has released his first Konkani audio CD ‘Upkar Naslelim' in Goa. The CD features, besides Reginald, other popular singers like Rosario De Banaulim, Menino Mario, Comedian Selvy and Antonetta De Maina. Muzik Doktorz has provided music for this CD. Reginald was a regular singer at Konkani programs in Bahrain during his short employment here. His CD is available at all leading music stores in Goa. 

Peter Fernandes (Muscat): Learnt from your last issue that a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking voting rights for NRIs. Can you update us on the outcome of this petition. (Editor’s Note: The Supreme Court has asked the government to detail the steps taken by it to amend the Representation of People Act to give Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) the status of “special voters”. )

Brief On Elections In Goa 

A total 250 candidates are in fray for the upcoming Goa Assembly elections. The BJP has fielded its candidates for 36 seats and is also supporting Independent nominees in two constituencies. The Congress is contesting on 37 seats, NCP on 16 and the MGP-GSM-Shiv Sena alliance has fielded 26 candidates. There are two candidates from United Goans party, three from Goa Suraj Party and four from Goa Vikas party. The Aam Aadmi Party has fielded the maximum candidates - in 39 constituencies. A total of 11.08 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise at 1,649 polling stations on February 4.

       Sacred Heart Church - Manama - Bahrain

The Family Day 2017  of Sacred Heart Church Manama, with the theme “We are one in the Spirit, one in the Lord,” with Games, Food Stalls and a variety of entertainment programmes will be held in the church compound on Friday, February from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a cultural parade by the various communities of the parish. There will also be a free medical camp hosted by the Middle East Hospital starting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  'Goan Cuisine' food stall will cater with a variety of dishes under Konkani Community.