Tuesday 16 September 2008

IN SLIGHTER VEIN: THE GOA STATE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN AND A COMPROMISING POSITION

After being the first to bring the Herald sexual harassment issue to the fore, it's only fair that we inform the readers of this blog, about the decision taken at the Goa State Commission for Women vis a vis this case. The GSCW has told the media that a compromise/settlement has been worked out. That the Herald Publications Pvt Ltd general manager N Manjunath has apologized to the commission in writing and he is willing to take the victim back into employment in the same position she worked in earlier, provided the management agreed. The GSCW chairperson Pramod Salgaonkar has also claimed that she has received a favourable response from the Herald management on that front. We are thrilled. We are so damn excited. We told ourselves that we had to ‘thank’ all the players involved in this controversy individually. This post is an endeavor in that direction.

VOTE OF THANKS

N Manjunath: It is thanks to N Manjunath that we finally got to learn that Sexual
Harassment At Work Place (SHAWP) actually exists. Damn…. all this while, we thought that like the mythical casting couch in Bollywood, SHAWP never occurred. But Manjunath mixed the script up. The poor chap virtually played martyr as the sexual aggressor, in order to expose this SHAWP evil to the rest of the media fraternity. Why, he has even admitted to doing it on record to the GSCW in the written apology he has submitted before them. He also told the Commission that he considered the victim his daughter. What!!! Does Manju actually have a daughter? If he does, then Child Rights Goa (CRG) should try and interview Manju’s family for a ‘sanity check’.
Should not be too difficult because Nishtha Dessai who runs CRG is Herald editor Ashwin Tombat’s wife. We’ll come to that later. So thank you Manju. But man… do make sure you do not shift the next receptionist you hire, back into your cabin. You’ve convinced us that SHAWP does exist, but don’t play martyr again please. One hand in your pockets, the other on the lips... Er... your lips.

Michael Pereira: Being Herald managing director Raul Fernandes’ PA is a tough job. But contrary to popular perception, Michael isn’t Raul right hand, instead he’s the MD left hand, which cleans up every conceivable mess for Raul. Why is Michael being featured in this Vote of Thanks?
Michael shared the scene of crime with the
person who was accused of sexual harassment i.e. general manager N Manjunath. Michael shared the cabin where the instances of sexual harassment actually occurred. Michael was also the guy who informed the GSCW in capacity as Herald's ‘Operations manager’ about Manjunath's unavailability, even when Manjunath was in town but was avoiding the GSCW hearing. We thank Michael for his role in 'managing' this scandal. Thank you Michael for not joining your colleague in this sexual harassment saga, especially when it happened in your own shared cabin. But now we know something we always suspected Mikey… naughty you... Boy, you love to watch, don’t you?

Ashwin To
mbat:
The once firebrand editor has metamorphosed into a stale, half smoked parrot chaap beedi, in his new avatar as Herald editor. But then in doing so, Ashwin lived up to the reputation, which Herald's editors have had, since the newspaper's inception. Great going Ashwin, you are really filling up a model Herald editor’s boots, pretty much quick. We have a small suggestion though. Ashwin should not rest on his past glory now. After publishing an authoritative book on menstrual cycles, Ashwin should also pen down his thoughts on selective amnesia. When the Arun Sinha allegedly molested his minor maid, one of those who made the most amount of hue and cry about it, was Ashwin’s wife Nishtha and now there’s absolute silence! Ashwin should certainly try and unravel the mysteries of selective amnesia in his next book.
Damn… damn… damn… we were completely off the point up there. The victim in this case was not a minor. She was couple of y
ears above the cut off age, we think. Damn there’s no reason why Nishta or Ashwin should have been even interested in this case, now that the basic facts are clearer. Conviction to a cause, is secondary to nuances of age.

Raul Fernandes: Where would the Herald be, if it weren’t for its owner Raul Fernandes. While answering this one, some would have insisted in saying that the Herald would have been much better paper, better managed, better ethical standards, better leadership, etc… but we certainly don’t think so. You need a guy like Raul to ‘manage’ such controversies. See how he managed this one? Everything’s back to square one. And no one’s hurt… except for some kid who was fondled in the same cabin, which Raul himself used to occupy much earlier. And that kid too has been promised a job back again. That’s great isn’t it? Raul, my man… you are the one for the occasion. In fact so kicked are we about Raul that we want to propose his name for King Momo, this coming Carnival. Raul ought to be made the Goa equivalent of the King of Good Times. Someone tell his mother that…

Dr Pramod Salgaokar: The unfettered Pramod Salgaokar aptly proved why she is at the helm of affairs at the GSCW for such a long time. Her legendary ability to compromise, came to the fore not a moment too soon, in the Herald SHAWP incident. Wasn’t that a touch of class? In one stroke… the lady dispensed justice in one single god-damned stroke. Here was a girl who complained that she was SHAWP and there was the accused general manager N Manjunath who was consistently avoiding GSCW hearings. And what does Pramod do? She makes him sign an apology. And what is an apology? Admission of guilt! That means Manjunath has admitted before her that he ‘did’ sexually harass the victim in the workplace. And then, she even managed to ensure ‘positive feedback’ from the Herald management vis a vis getting the girl a job back. Damn are we kicked? You guys should open your eyes a bit before you read between the lines. Those of you who think that there was a deal done here, are so, so wrong.
What Pramod has done is simplify the process of justice dispensation. Say for example, tomorrow X rapes Y. The legal system would ensure that Y would get justice in a minimum of say, what 3 years. The amount of time you whittle from a judicial process using Pramod’s formula is not at all funny.
Here’s a revised scenario. X rapes Y. Z steps in as a mediator. Z ensures that X apologises for raping Y. And apologise in writing, mind you. Z also makes X promise that he would give Y a monthly stipend and worse comes to worse, marry Y. You don’t need to involve the police or anyone. Compromise. Compromise Pramod… What a mantra you have taught us. Someone ought to tell Indira Jaisingh about this development, she’d come running down to Goa again to conduct a seminar all over again.

33 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

my dear victim please do'nt take any job offers given by the herald management as stated here they are very efficient in handeling situations and raul is pro at this.this only shows you needed a job desperately because history repeates itself then how will you handle the situation then.king of good times and a manipulator is not the word for him.his mum chooses not to believe why should we tell her?to make ourselves liars

16 September 2008 at 22:46  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

penpricks watch out there's something special that's on the way king of good times has been nailed by the governmentin other issue..you can't be smart at all times,raul you can fool little babes but not the intelligenta.please check penpricks i am sure of it

16 September 2008 at 22:56  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

why should'nt we give michael gloves to wash somebody's mess.you watchout ,mind your langauge and moves.victim the only thing i can tell you is that they have fooled you and are happily getting away with it.take the apology letter and sue them for the amount they were claming from you.b......s.you have some sense in you please stop working for them.just do'nt take the offer.they have done a lot of backing biting .eye for a eye that's what is needed.you need money and a job looks like.all the best get fooled

17 September 2008 at 08:26  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is how institutions are used by the rich and the mighty.The poor has to ultimately pay for being poor and powerless

17 September 2008 at 09:20  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't think Herald Management will take back this Girl who has accused their General Manager Manjunath since already they have published advertisement for Receptionist post in Herald Paper dt. 17th Sept. 2008. Again another girl will join Herald as Receptionist and again this cycle will be repeted. No Goan will seriously take such issue until their own blood womenfolk are the victims. Even GSWC also will not act strongly since the Victim girl is neither relative of its President or Other Members nor she is relative of any CongressLeader.
Its shame to all Goans. If such thing has happened inany other State including in Karnataka from where Herald General Manager Mr Manjunath hails, by this time Mr Manjunath would have been in Hospital and his house would have been burned. Its shame to all of us since we are not opposing such activities.

17 September 2008 at 11:21  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Reader,
if somebody want to rape anyone can rape and then contact Herald management to resolve the matter. Mr. M and Mr. NM have become expert to handle such situation. Mr. M have forgotten that he also has one daughter. And it is said the 'Everyone have to pay for his DIDs'
and even NM. you maith be felling but God is there to panish you people sorry not people Dogs.

b

(comment edited --PP)

17 September 2008 at 12:16  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I do not mind you railing at the others, PP, but please spare the Goa Commission for Women and Dr Pramod. This is the best she could do given the legal status of the Commission.

Where the victim is concerned, it may not be safe for her to go back into the same office, and perhaps, the same insecurity, all over again. But take it from me, it will be sweet justice for her to walk into the place if she can go there with her head held high and a picture of supreme self-confidence.

Yes, in India, the victim is always pilloried when an incident like this occurs. However, it is time we give her the kudos and appreciate her courage in bringing this to the fore! Do not discourage her, readers, rather- give her all the support she needs to return to The Herald once again.

17 September 2008 at 13:13  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

why she needs to go back to a company which din't protect her.if she has education,charisma and the charm she can earn aliving anywhere apart from this godfoesaken company.this shows how desperate the victim is for a job she wants to join back even at the cost of her safety

17 September 2008 at 16:59  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations PP for nailing the culprit; hope the news appears in mainstream press, or has it already?

17 September 2008 at 18:57  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is such a 'settlement' legal? What is the GSCW, a pimp that sanctifies molestation?

What does the victim feel about this? She has been shortchanged, was she pressurised into accepting such a deal? We must support her in getting justice -- what is currently being offered is a travesty.

17 September 2008 at 20:01  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thank you penpricks for the snap shorts.michael looks starved.manjunath like mound of tar.tombat looks lost with these hench men and top it all raul looks sumo wrestler .b......s

17 September 2008 at 20:22  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi PP,
Run a story on our great Hejucation minister Babush Monstarate de Taleban and how to pass SSC and FYBA in one stroke.

17 September 2008 at 23:41  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read Julio's anti-Churchill pro-Luizinho items on GT? Don't they smell fishy??
Readers please comment as I have no bias to Julio, a senior scribe-turned-politico.
Once GUJ leader, too.

18 September 2008 at 17:48  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is for the reader who wants this story in the media-print or online. Sorry to disappoint you, but it will never happen!

Every media house in this country has its skeletons to hide..do not expect them to point a finger to others in the same boat. This is not the US, or any country in Europe. Even a filthy conversation there can get the cops to move against you!

18 September 2008 at 18:30  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

victim what's your plight.where are you?please update us on your course of action.there seems to be silence on your part.penpricks please let us know the present situation.hatsoff to you for the photographs they need to be humiliated .job at the herald ask them to take a hike

19 September 2008 at 16:37  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PP, Please make your stand clear.
Do you or do you not support compromise ?

Do you think there should be a compromise in the Shirish Naik, Margaret Alva, Dayanand Narvekar alleged (oh yeah) cash for jobs scam? Pramod supposedly played a part in trying to reach a 'compromise' solution?

BTW, Pramod does not have any power to pronounce any person innocent or guilty. If some reader disagrees on the above point, then please state the name of the act,rules and section(s) under which she has such authority/power.(Please be specific in quoting the act, rules etc. and not vague!)

23 September 2008 at 23:49  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A WAKEUP CAAAALLLLL FOR THE PRICKS (no Gender)!!!!!!!!!!!
When is the next post comingg???
Hope you have not been castrated?!

25 September 2008 at 22:46  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, just saw the blog today!
Why did you leave out HCN editor Nisser Dias???
Is he that innocent??
Had he no role to play in this sad saga? Surely the experienced journo has more of a say then Tombat since he heads this channel?
Though the HERALD staff pretend the incident never happened, TOI appear to have blindly ignored the story. So much for their high ideals! Huh, Preetu Nair, once a strong votary of women's rights and dignity.
How low can one stoop when one is paid the right amount! Were you not to quit this paper, wonder what changed your mind???

25 September 2008 at 23:32  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Pricks,
Really it is very much disgushing and also sad that inspite of admitting that Mr. M General Manager, is involved in Sexual herassment of his Reception Staff, he is left free. There is no teath for Goa Women Commission. If this is so, such Commission should be scrapped.
This was a good opportunity to funish Mr. M, GM, since he has admitted in writing that he is involved in Sexual Harrassment. Mr. GM, is habitual in Sexual Herassment of his staffs. He has earlier did same in BIG BOX unit at Verna Ind. Estate with his staff Ms. Mamata, Costing Dept., Ms. Vaishali Kudalkar, Collection Dept and Ms. Sushama Sawant, A/c Dept. All three femals were forced to resign. Mr. M GM, is such a terror i.e. he is animal and such animal should be teach a lesson. Can pricks gether more information of Mr. M since he has successfully avoided paying Income Tax since 2006 inspite of having fat salary of Rs. 75000/- per month plus Rent free Accommodation of Rs. 15000/- per month + Petrol charge &Tel Bill/Mobile reimbursed. --
comment edited -- PP

27 September 2008 at 14:16  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

penpricks please note having a good time is a tradition at the herald.they do not know to respect women for them they are instruements for sex per se.from the m.d to all the senior staff.women flok please be on your guard because complaining later do'esnt work when vitamin m works.R is aterrible man ,wicked and can do anything for money pleasure.i exactly know what he did to my friend .greedy son of a b...h. penpricks its me sweety from ponda
(comment edited -- PP)

29 September 2008 at 12:08  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To anonymous 29september 12:08- You are no sweety from ponda you are the one who sucks to PEOPLE in POWER from Herald, for your own selfish gain.
Have you derived the benefit already. Chameleon that is what you are, when is your next colour change.
Reply man....

4 October 2008 at 21:18  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

to anonymous oct4 21:18 what will you do to me if i am the same person? if you have guts in you please face me coz i am not a coward like you just to write something without my name.sucks people in power they are not even worth looking at.i have not derived any benefit if i get any i'll pass it across to you.because you look greedy here.change colours what for i don't need to lick their arse i am self employed.

6 October 2008 at 23:11  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Pricks,
Why are you publishing unrelated comments like 4th October and 6th October. We have seriously think about punishing Mr. Manjunath, General Manager ,Herald as he has admitted involving in Sextual Harassement in Herald. Also one of your anonymous contributor informed that he was also involved in Sextual Harassement of 3 girls in BIG BOX. NOW WHAT ACTION SHALL WE HAVE TO TAKE ON MR. MANJUNATH, GM HERALD? please decide on this failing which more and more Goan girls will become victoms of Mr. manjunath, GM Herald. Also inform the Income Tax Dept to find his IT Return of 2006-07 and 2007-08 so that the tax evader shall be brought to Book and penallised.

7 October 2008 at 16:28  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yes anonymous16;28 penpricks speaks about everything except manjunath.please find out who the three ladies are, raul look into this matter .we know you support this rubbish but if you don't speak about it please leave it to me.i will speak to the income tax department and get in touch with the bank where he has procured a loan of two crores .when the i.t department from delhi handles them.that will be the day of punishment for their sins.all the best thank you for the input

7 October 2008 at 21:48  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

penpricks you have fooled yourself.i say this because some commit possible blunders and take shelter on foreign shores. please find a means to tell all associates as to what type of international channels they operate.and what's happening there.then what will they run from? themselves.liars

14 October 2008 at 23:36  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HERALD IS STILL THE BEST NEWSPAPER IN GOA AND ALL ITS EMPLOYEES ARE VERY VERY VERY HAPPY except for anon 14 October 2008 23:36 who was sacked along with the pricks for being lazy on duty.
Raul has the best of staff if you QUIT so please GET LOST NOW!!
Join other papers and you will know the difference.

17 October 2008 at 22:45  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous 17oct 22;45 yes best staff who molest women and commit spelling mistakes.we know a lot about herald and management.just stop bragging.do you know english? have you seen the mistakes they commit.raul was my batch mate and i don't think he completed 12th standard well. what abiut you ? are you his arse licker?

18 October 2008 at 22:07  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous17 oct 22; 45 happy with what in office or b...i certainly know the quality of the paper.ink rurns down on your hands.hell of a lot of spelling mistakes.you all are very very happy because the boss is away always or the way its functioning.salary being credited on the 7th .whom are you trying to fool?are you sleeping?please wake up.i know mr r fernandes very well .you don't have to tell me may be others.from where are you.? one of the henchmen is it?if not nobody will say so

19 October 2008 at 08:27  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous 22;45 you are dreaming.calling yourself the best.herald the best paper with colour running in to ones hand and check the quality of news print used.and what about the spelling mistakes?.what about the treatment of women at work?just reply man

19 October 2008 at 18:12  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey anon 19 October 2008 18:12

Why so pissed off maaan? Cool down, THe HERALD IS STILL THE BEST IN GOA! Do work in other papers to know the difference. There are spelling, grammer, headline, etc. mistakes made in NT and GT also. It happens in all newspaper organisations when you work under pressure and deadlines.
If you are an incompetent nincoomp employed by Raul who has no loyaty to Herald, why do you not quit?
HERALD IS A FAMILY RUN PAPER THAT DOES NOT CURB ONES INDIVIDUALITY OR CREATIVITY! Many journos who have worked in Herald have flourished overseas in Singapore, Gulf, etc. Else ask your seniors, the only exception being Choppy who is now in limbo.
He was a Raul-baiter till the boss got tired of his excuses.
Women are better treated at Herald than anywhere else, ask Julian?
What happen to your employees union, ask them to fight for your rights. If you feel that the salaries should come before the 7th or gherao the accounts dept. or Personnel assistant?
And do inform the pricks, who are to shut down soon. As "Mission Accomplished!"

22 October 2008 at 14:59  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey anon 19 October 2008 18:12

So quit HERALD, why are you waiting? Join GT now the best newspaper in TOWN!

22 October 2008 at 21:46  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

join NT is even better or TOI. disciplinarians exists in these and also in herald so stop the slanging match

23 October 2008 at 23:57  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

please i am no way connected with the herald or earn their peddly sum,for that matter people working for the road-side hawkers also shine elsewhere,in singapore,dubai.its not the effort of the paper but ones self.and one thing herald is famous for free services.and i can very well imagine women's plight there.with a womanizer like the boss

24 October 2008 at 00:24  

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