Picture-Postcard Poverty

Goa has neglect behind scenic face, says new book. Domestic violence is is "fairly common" in Goa. One-third of Goa's women suffer from anemia, and one-fourth are under-nourished. The Tillari project was taken up in 1986, and is incomplete.

These facts emerge from a new book on Goa which argues that critical issues of concern are often overlooked in our State. Called 'Picture-Postcard Poverty', the book takes a look at what it calls the "unheard voices, forgotten issues from rural Goa".

Released recently during the 25th anniversary of the Gandhian non-governmental organisation, Peaceful Society in Madkai (Ponda), this book is co-authored by journalist Frederick Noronha and social campaigner Kumar Kalanand Mani.

In 12 chapters, it focuses on issues of rural displacement, poor health that still harms many in Goa, the impact of alcoholism, and casteism in Goa. It also touches on the impact of mining, mismanagement of Goa's huge water potential, the promise and perils of panchayati raj here, concerns of rural and poor women, and the reality that hides behind Goa's claims to be one of India's best States.

In its 130 pages (price Rs 150), the book takes a close look at the reality emerging from official figures themselves.

It narrates stories of huge sums wasted on large irrigation projects, hospitals built and lying under-utilised, the mysterious loss of assets of Hospicio and Asilo hospitals after their takeover by the government, and other wastes which Goa can little afford even as her people face the pressures.

"Goa is often subsumed in media-driven cliches of being a beach-sun-and-fun place. The dominant image we are left with is of a State on permanent holiday, urbanised and inhabited by a Westernised middle-class," says the book.

More about the book via cyberspace at goa1556books.notlong.com Broadways (18th June Rd, Sant Inez) is the distributor for the book, also available at OIBS (Mapusa), Literati (Calangute), and other outlets. It is published by the Saligao-based Goa1556.