Panaji: December 06, 2019 ….Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently launched DIKSHA, a digital service inspired program. The program is made by the efforts of teachers in many states to enhance and elevate school education in the country. The service which is a brainchild of MHRD and NCTE was launched at the official residence of Chief Minister in Altinho in the presence of Secretary Education, Smt. Nila Mohanan IAS, Director Ms. Vandana Rao IAS, Dy Director (Academic) Shri. Shailesh Zingade, SCERT Director Shri. Nagraj Honnekari were present for the same.

DIKSHA has introduced Energized (QR code imposed) textbooks which will allow for contribution and access to curated digital content for every chapter of the school textbook. There will be interactive audio-visual content, assessments and illustration aligned to school syllabus to make learning interesting and effective for state board students and teachers.

Students, parents and teachers can follow the instructions that will be provided in the textbook to download the mobile application to scan the QR code and access the state-of-the art content syllabus from the android smart phones.

For the academic year (2019-20), the QR codes will be imposed on two classes 5^th class EVS and 6^th class Mathematics in English Medium.

         Goa is also the first state to launch the first DIKSHA Content Creation Competition which was held in March 2019. The winners of the competitions were felicitated by the Chief Minister on the occasion.

      Teachers Smt. Trupti Umesh Mandrekar, Smt. Sulakshna V. Gadekar and Smt. Angela Monteiro were awarded 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively for creating valuable content for EVS in 5^th class.

      Teachers Smt. Sulakshna V. Gadekar, Smt. Maria Manisha D’Silva and Smt. Mafel Manscarenhas were awarded 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively for creating valuable content for Mathematics 6^th class. Along with the winners, the State DIKSHA Content Review Committee members were awarded Certificates for appreciation by the Chief Minister.

Panaji: December 05, 2019 … The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Goa, is organizing the Start-Up India Global Venture Capital Summit-2019, a special curated event for Fund Managers and Limited Partners of top Global Venture Capital Firms on December 6 and 7, 2019 at Cidade de Goa Resort, Panaji.

The event envisages showcasing the diversity – width depth and scale of the Indian Market opportunity and the cutting-edge innovation originating in India.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on December 7, 2019 will attend the event along with many Global Venture capital Fund Mangers from over 15 countries and reputable corporate.

Panaji: December 04, 2019 …. A training programme for Cook-Cum-Helpers under the Mid Day Meal Scheme for the State of Goa covering North Education Zone, Central Education Zone and South Education Zone held recently.

The purpose of the training programme was to train the Cook-Cum-Helpers and the Self Help Groups, Mahila Mandals, P.T.A on Food Handling, Serving, Personal hygiene, Use of Local Seasonal Vegetables, Kitchen Gardening and Nutritious cooking practices.

 Nutrition experts Ms. Varsha Bhide and Ms. Manasi Kudchakar were the resource persons for the training programme.

Ms. Varsha Bhide spoke on personal hygiene and different aspects of hygiene and food safety and food handling. Ms. Manasi Kudchadkar spoke on importance of nutritious cooking practices, use of local seasonal vegetables and kitchen gardening. Shri Vijendra Naik provided technical expertise during the training programme.

Set of aprons, head gears and hand gloves were distributed to the participants.
Assistant Director of Education Mrs. Maria Rose Grace D’Souza welcomed the participants and spoke on the importance of health and hygiene. Vocational Education Officer Shri Jaywant Naik explained the importance of quality of Mid Day Meals and proposed the vote of thanks.

The function concluded with Prize distribution by the A.D.E.I’s at the taluka level dealing with mid -day meal scheme.

Panaji, December 03, 2019 …Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in the presence of Panchayat Minister, Shri Mauvin Godinho; MLA and Chairman, Goa Housing Board, Shri Subhash Shirodkar inaugurated the new building of Village Panchayat Panchwadi in Shiroda Assembly constituency, constructed under Upgradation of Infrastructure in Rural areas under Deendayal Panchayat Raj Infrastructure Development (Golden Jubilee) Scheme 2013, recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sawant said, with the visionary leadership of Ex-CM late Manohar Parrikar all round development of the State started in the year 2012. The major projects standing tall in the State today and some of which are nearing completion is the vision of late Parrikar. Shri Parrikar laid due emphasis to develop the infrastructure of rural areas along with the cities, he added. The infrastructure being undertaken in the field of Government education in the State is much much higher compared to other States, he said.

Dr. Sawant urging the people, mainly youths, to focus on revival of the traditional business of agriculture and farming said that the rural economy of the State can only increase with agriculture and farming. Government is ready to provide all the necessary support and technical know-how. One just needs to take one step forward and show interest in this field, he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated the Government commitment to make all out efforts to make every Goan self sustainable and stand on their own feet. Panchayats should take the requiste initiative to give a fillip to the agriculturists. Farmers should ensure to add value to their local produce apart from looking at proper upgradation and marketing techniques to earn higher returns, Shri Sawant remarked.

Shri Sawant applauded the efforts of MLA Shirodkar for his contribution in the field of education for the last 5 decades to educate the students and make them capable to face the challenges in this competitive world.

Shri Shirodkar lauded Governments vision for all round development of the State. He said keeping in mind the basic needs of the people – electricity, road and water 12 crores of electricity works in the Shiroda constituency are sanctioned apart from augmentation of water supply system, he said.

Zilla Panchayat Member, Shri Jaideep Shirodkar and panch member Shri Cristev Costa spoke on the occasion. Sarpanch, Anthony D’costa welcomed while panch member, Shri Vishant Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Deputy Sarpanch, Mrs Crista Fernandes; BDO, Shri Milindra Velip, panch members and Ex sarpanchas were also present on the occasion. Students of the Panchashil High School presented welcome song.

The ground plus two panchayat building consists of 6 shops on the ground floor to mop in additional revenue to the panchayat. The first floor consists of the Panchayat office, gymnasium, library, store room and pantry. Separate seating areas are provided for sarpanch with conference room. Second floor has a hall with a capacity of 300 persons. Two green rooms on either side of the stage are provided with attached toilets along with separate toilets for ladies and gents on all floors.

Panaji, December 02, 2019 ….Government is tirelessly working on the basis of “Sarvoday and Antyody” for overall development and development of the last citizen of the State said Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar. The State is marching towards progress by keeping aside differences and taking everyone into confidence, he said.

Shri Kavlekar was speaking after inaugurating the Pension Week organised by the Office of the Commissioner, Labour and Employment at ESI Hospital, Margao. Pension Week is celebrated across the nation from November 30th to December 6, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM) and  Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan – Dhan Yojana (PM-LVMY) Scheme.

Speaking further Shri Kavlekar appealed to the people to take the benefit of PM- SYM and PM-LVMY schemes. Both the schemes will provide relief after the age of 60. Savings is the need to secure ones future Kavlekar said.

 There are various schemes of the Union and State Government to support the people. Beneficiaries should publicize these schemes with their word of mouth among their community and society at large he urged and added this will long way to ensure that maximum people avail benefits of these schemes. Everyone should work together for the betterment of society, Shri Kavlekar ended.

Opposition Leader, Shri Digambar Kamat applauded the efforts of the Union Government for starting both the pension schemes. Labour Department needs to work hard to reach out to the eligible people as these schemes are in the larger interest of the people.

Head of ESI Hospital, Margao, Dr Vishwajeet Faldessai was present on the occasion. Deputy Labour Commissioner, Shri Satish Vaghurmekar welcomed while Assistant Labour Commissioniner, Shri Vaman Bhatikar proposed vote of thanks.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan – Dhan Yojana is a pension scheme for unorganized workers while Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan – Dhan Yojana or National Pension Scheme is for traders and self employed persons. Beneficiary should contribute Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 every month depending on their age for both the schemes. After the age of 60 years subscriber will get an assured monthly pension of Rs. 3000. To enroll or for any information one can contact nearest Common Service Centre.

Panaji ::: 01st, December, 2019 …Minister for AYUSH (IC) Shri. Shripad Naik recently inaugurated ‘Pension Week’, organised by Office of the Commissioner, Labour and Employment, Goa to create awareness and Enrolment for Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana(PM-SYMDY) and Pradhan Mantri Vyapari Maan Dhan Yojana(PM-VMDY) at Sahakar Bhavan, Patto.

Dy. Director of ESIC Shri. N.M. Ojha, Collector, North Smt. R. Menaka, IAS, Secretary Revenue, Shri. Sanjay Kumar, IAS and Commissioner of Labour and Employement Shri. Vikas S.N. Gaunekar were present on the occasion.

While addressing the gathering the Minister urged people to avail benefits of the schemes and gain pension facility during old age. These two schemes will help a person to be financially independent during his old age,” the Minister said.

Earlier,  Shri. N.M. Ojha briefed about the schemes. Smt. R. Menaka also spoke on the occasion.

Unorganised workers like domestic helpers, landless labourers, agricultural and construction workers and similar other occupations whose monthly income is Rs. 15,000/ per month or less and belong to the entry age group of 18-40 years can avail the benefits of PM-SYMDY scheme while PMLVMDY is for small traders and retailers. Self-employed individuals, retail traders, restaurant and small hotel owners, commission agents, rice mill owners and other small traders are eligible for the scheme. People who would like to enrol can contact the Office of Commissioner, Labour and Employment.

Shri. Prakash Marathe compered the function while Shri. Gaunekar proposed the vote of thanks.

In another function at Miramar, Shri. Shripad Naik inaugurated the Arogya Mela organised by AASUCHAM in association with Ministry of AYUSH. The three day program which is set up at the grounds of Youth Hostel in Miramar will be open for all and will provide free health check-up, advice and medicine.

Stressing on the importance of Indian pathies for better health, the Minister stated that it’s important that we must preserve Indian traditional medicine as it does not have any side effects nor expensive. It helps us to be one with nature and cures a disease from its roots. The Minister further informed that the AYUSH ministry is planning to open a hospital in every district of India.

Secretary Health Shri. Nila Mohanan IAS, AYUSH Dy Director Dr. Datta Bhat, ASSOCHAM representatives Smt. Perminder Kaur and Shri. Kauvar were present on the occasion.

Panaji: November 30, 2019 …Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in the presence of Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Babul Supriyo, PWD Minister, Shri Deepak Prabhu Pauskar; Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral and MLA, Canacona, Shri Isidore Fernandes recently inaugurated the Canacona Bypass on National Highway (NH 66) today.  The By-pass has been named after the Ex Defence Minister and Ex CM of the State Shri Manohar Parrikar as ‘Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass’.

This bypass is on the National Highway 66 from KM 68/00 (CH 00/00) to KM 85/740 (CH 7/740)  on P.M. Section in the State of Goa and built at a cost of Rs. 294 crores including civil cost of Rs. 227 cores. The work of the Bypass includes 3 bridges namely Talpona, Galgibag and Mashem at a length of 1.5 kms and has 6 underpass for local transport. The total length of the road is 6.21 kms.

While speaking on the occasion Chief Minister, Dr Sawant said, the bypass was the dream of the Ex CM Manohar Parrikar which has been realized today. The present major infrastructure projects which are nearing completion were planned by the visionary leader, late Shri Parrikar he said. Mopa Airport, Patradevi – Karaswada – Bambolim Road, Zuari Bridge, Anmod Highway, Khadepar bridge and other projects which are on the verge of completion were the dream projects of Shri Parrikar, he added.

Canacona Bypass will not only save the travelling time but will save lives as the accident prone zones will be near to zero percent he said. Canacona Constituency has many resources like beaches and forest area which should be judiciously used to generate income for the local people. He said Forest and Beaches are the God gifts. Government is working for the welfare of every person of the society he said. Care will be taken to ensure that people who reside in the Eco sensitive zone and buffer zone are not affected or suffer, he pointed.

Upgraded facilities will be given to Canacona Primary Health Centre. The trauma centre will be upgraded. All issues will be solved in next two years. Government is contemplating of acquiring some land on both sides of the bypass road to provide suitable to market the local produce to the people affected by this Bypass, he said.

Shri Babul Supriyo assured that Union government will always support the development of Goa and Goans. He said State, Government is working in the right direction for achieving their set goals. As Forest Minister he is working to provide basic amenities to the people residing in Forest area. I am honoured to be part of this scenic bypass project inauguration, he added.

Shri Dipak Pauskar said union government has provided funds to the tune of around Rs.15,000 crores to various infrastructure projects likes bridges and roads presently being undertaken in the State. All round development is going on with the support of union government. He said, major projects which are going on will be completed by December 2020. While the other works which are in pipeline will be completed by December 2022.

Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral said Electricity Department is working for the underground cabling of 11 KV and 33 KV power system in the State. Goa is attracting state in the country and also in the world. He said development is taking place with due care protecting the nature and the natural beauty. Development is for the people of state and Government should not be blamed if one does not support development and infrastructure project.

Dy. Speaker, Shri Isidore Fernandes said the dream of Canacona people have come true with this bypass.

Chief Engineer, National Highway, Shri Umesh Kulkarni welcomed while Chairperson, Canacona Municipal Council, Smt Nitu Dessai proposed the vote of thanks. Zilla Panchayat Member, Smt Pushpa Ayya, Ex Minister, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Councilors, Sarpanchas and Panchas were present on the occasion.

Panaji, November 29, 2019  …Nutan Vachanalaya from Bhailipeth Bicholim has won the Best Library Award 2018-19 awarded by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Patto Panaji. The Award consist of a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- and a certificate.

Panaji: November 28, 2019 ….Sustainable development  is not possible without sacrifice and  people have to support  the infrastructural projects to accelerate development said Minister for Science & Environment, Shri Michael Lobo  while maintaining that we have to preserve our khajan lands, forest lands and others lands.

Shri Lobo was speaking after inaugurating exhibition ‘Goychi Sanskrutay’ organized by Our Lady of Merces High School, Merces in collaboration with Directorate of Art & Culture today. The exhibition depicts Goa’s rich and glorious culture and scientific innovations were showcased in the exhibition.

Shri Lobo said that Goa has rich culture and has its own identity. Goa has witnessed a sizeable change and has undergone transformation but at the same time has maintained and preserved our identity. Complimenting the students for organizing the exhibition under the guidance of their teachers urged the youth to learn more about our rich culture.

The Minister pointed that we are duty bound towards garbage management to keep our Goa clean and green.

The Head Master Shri John Fernandes said that exhibition intends to showcase our rich and varied culture. Living in harmony for centuries is the strength of Goa. The exhibition has an objective to exhibit our Goan way of life culture and tradition besides providing platform to the student to show case their talent and further enhance their expertise he added.

The Minister evinced keen interest while going around the exhibition stalls. Members of PTA, Staff of the school and others attended the school.

 Fr. Britto, Manager of School welcomed the guests.

Panaji, November 27, 2019 …The Skill/ Written test for the Post of Junior Stenographer in the Directorate of Social Welfare will be held on November 27, 2019 at 10 am at the Government Polytechnic, Altinho, Panaji, Goa.

Candidates have to be present at the venue half an hour before scheduled time, with a valid Photo Identity Proof in original.  Intimation letters have been sent to all the eligible candidates. If intimation is not received, the candidates may contact Directorate of Social Welfare   during office  hours in person  or on telephone nos. 2232257 and 2223784 .