Panaji: November 17, 2019 … Minister for Tribal Welfare, Shri Govind Gaude inaugurated one day Scheme Awareness Programme for Scheduled Tribes people organized by the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation Ltd. at Bhati village Panchayat hall Tiswadi recently in the presence of Chairman NGPDA, Shri Francisco Silveira.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Gaude said that education is the foundation of the society and a must for the all-round development of the society.  Everyone should take education, he said and called upon the Scheduled Tribes people to avail the benefit of the schemes which are formulated and are implemented for their welfare.

Speaking further, Shri Gaude urged the officers to follow proper procedure and avoid delay on the level of officers. About 23 different schemes are in force for different purposes like housing, education, cultural, social, etc. and urged everyone to take benefit of the schemes.  No person from ST community should lag behind in education for want of money. Whatever has been achieved by ST community today is at the cost of their struggle and sacrifice. The Government is committed to make their welfare and development, he remarked.

MLA & Chairman of NGPDA, Shri Francis Silveira said that the schemes implemented by the Government has an objective to lift the people the community and urged the people to avail the benefit of the schemes and in the betterment of their standard. He thanked the Minister for his endeavour to work for the all-round development of   Schedule Tribe people in the state and suggested the Minister to simplify the procedures for schemes.

The Chairman GSSTFDCL, Shri Durgadas Gawade in his welcome address called upon the ST youth not to rely only on Government jobs but instead avail benefit of schemes for self employment and become master of their own. Any issue with regards to the procedure of the scheme would be resolved, he pointed.

Sarpanch, V.P. Agasaim Shri Xavier Gracias; Sarpanch ,V.P. Goa Velha, Smt. Ruth Vaz; Sarpanch V.P. Batim, Shri Alvar Vaz; Sarpanch, V.P. Siridao, Shri Camilo Marquis; Sarpanch, V.P. Curca Bambolim Telaulim, Smt. Verodiana D’Souza; Sarpanch, V.P. Neura, Smt Usha Sawant  Naik; Sarpanch, V.P Azoshi Mandur, Smt Nilima Naik;  President ST Association, Shri Joseph Vaz and officials of Tribal welfare Corporation were among those who attended the function..

Shri Shirish Lawande compered the function while Shri Nitin Sawant, Supdt., ST Corporation proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: November 16, 2019 …. Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant exhorting upon the journalists to verify facts, as responsible citizens before reporting and putting it in public domain pointed that it takes time and years to build image and reputation.  He also urged them to follow norms of journalist while reporting sensitive cases.

Addressing the gathering at the National Press Day function organized by the Department of Information and Publicity in association with the Editors, Guild, GUJ, PJAG, SJAG, EMJAG and SGJA in the city today Dr. Sawant sought the support of the print and electronic media to make the image of the government in attracting investment and undertaking development in the State. A balanced view has to be put across the people taking into account the larger interest of the State, he added.

Speaking further, the Chief Minster expressing his desire to give additional responsibilities to the DIP not just at the national but international level said that the department will soon shoulder total responsibilities to propagate the ideas, policies and programmes in all sectors, modalities for which is being worked out.

Extending his wishes to the brethren in the journalist fraternity on the National Press Day, Dr, Sawant said that the approach and connect with DIP is changing.  It has been making on efforts to redress and sort out difficulties faced by the journalists.

Director, Information and Publicity, Smt Meghana Shetgaonkar welcoming the gathering said that the media plays a important role to bridge the gap between media and the people.  She also listed the various schemes implemented by the Department for the welfare of the journalists.

Secretary, Information & Publicity, Shri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Editors of different print and electronic media, senior journalists and other journalist attended the function.

The Panel discussion on ‘Reporting Interpretation: A Journey,’ had the participation of Editor, Times of India, Shri Rajesh Menon;  Shri Ashley Do Rosario, Sr. Journalists, Smt. Pamela D’Mello and Executive Editor, Goan Varta, Shri Kishor Naik Gaonkar.  The discussion was moderated by Editor, Prudent Shri Pramod Acharya.

The panelists deliberating and sharing their views and thoughts on the ‘Reporting Interpretation: A Journey’ felt that interpretation is the pinnacle of journalism underscored the need to understand the subject matter before passing out to the people.

Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant participating in the panel discussion stressed the need to check and verify the matter before putting it forth to the general public to ensure that the right perspective is placed before them.

Senior Journalists Shri Alister Miranda, Shri Mahesh Divekar and Shri Ganadeep Sheldekar were felicitated for their meritorious contribution in the field of journalism.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on veteran journalist, Shri Lambert Mascarenhas for his contribution to the field of journalism.

The Best Editor Award on National integration and communal harmony was conferred on Shri Paresh Prabhu in the State Journalist Awards given by the Department of Information and Publicity. The recipient of awards in other category being sports category Reporting – Shri. Marcus Mergulhao; Best Photographer – Shri Rajtilak Naik; best reporting on Art and Culture, Shri Kashiram Mahambrey; Best Reporting with special reference to Women and Children/ Social – Ms. Gauree Malkarnekar; Best Reporting in Public Health and Hygiene – Shri Rohan Shrivastava and for Rural Reporting – Ms. Nibedita Sen.

Prizes were presented to winners in the Photo Contest titled ‘Explore New Touristic Spots in Goa’ under the scheme ‘The Goa State Photo Contest and Exhibition’, organised by the Department of Information and Publicity. The first, second and third place went to Shri Rajtilak Naik, Shri Upendra Naik and Shri Ganesh S. Shetkar respectively while the consolation prizes were awarded to Shri Manish S. Chopdekar (First), Shri Vaibhav D. Bhagat (Second), Ms. Sneha Lotlikar (Third), Shri Sagun Gawade (Fourth) and Bharati Naik (Fifth).

Under the Photo Contest titled  ‘Rare Photographs of Ex-Chief Minister, late Manohar Parrikar’ under the scheme ‘The Goa State Photo Contest and Exhibition’, the first, second and third prize was awarded to Shri Rajtilak Naik,  Shri Ganesh S. Shetkar and Shri Kailas L. Naik, respectively. Consolation prizes were given to Shri Sagun Gawade (First), Shri Prasad Shirodkar (Second) , Shri Atish A. Naik (Third), Shri Amey B. Naik (Fourth) and Shri Upendra Naik (Fifth Prize).

The judges for the photo contests were Shri Silvestre Estibeiro, Shri Wilfred Goes and Shri Prasad Pankar.

Prizes were also given to the winners of the State Level Quiz competition organised by Department of Information and Publicity at Institute Menezes Braganza to commemorate the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on the topic ‘The Journey of Mahatma Gandhi: from Mohandas to Mahatma. Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar bagged the first prize. Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sankhali and Fr. Agnel College, Pilar were awarded second and third place, respectively, Rosary College for Women, Navelim and St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa were given consolation prizes.

Smt.Vasudha Vinay Gaonkar wife of late Vinay Gaonkar, who worked as a journalist with Tarun Bharat was also handed over the sanction order Rs. 5 lakhs under The Ex-Gratia Compassionate Assistance Scheme.

Editor, Navprabha, Shri Paresh Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks while Information Assistant, DIP, Shri Shyam Gaonkar compered the function.

Panaji- November 15th, 2019 ::: Minister for Industries, Health, Trade and Commerce, Shri Vishwajit Rane emphasising that Digitalization of industries is a must to attract investment in the State said digitalization of industrial record will bring transparency in the functioning. Necessary directions are issued to digitalize the records of industrial sector latest by 30^th January 2020 and Geotagging of the plot which are available with GIDC, he added.

Shri Rane was speaking as a chief guest at the 18^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) function of Verna Industrial Association (VIA) at Fern Kesarval Hotel and Spa at Verna today. Minister for Power, Shri Nilesh Cabral and Chairman for Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) Shri Glenn Ticlo were the Guest of honour.

Also present on the occasion were President of Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), Shri Nitin Kunckolikar; President of VIA, Shri Damodar Kochkar and General secretary of VIA, Shri Rajesh Prabhu amoung other members of VIA.

Further speaking Shri Rane opined that it is important to have common industrial policy which encompasses both, industrial policy and investment promotion policy to take industrial sector ahead in the State. Simplification of procedure will help the investor to take the right decision in fastest way, he pointed.

Shri Rane also mentioned about the formation of task force to identify the issues related to industries and Industrial area to analyse and provide land to the right kind of industry suitable for Goa. Land scarcity, is a major problem, he said and added that the allotment of plot to right industry after seeing their financial position, past experience etc will help boost industrial sector in Goa.

Shri Rane further said that once Chief Minister approves any policy or approve allotment of land to any industry, it should be allotted within 21 days from the date of approval to that particular industry failing which the MD of IDC have to give explanation to Board. We function in a very transparent manner and everything will be digitalized soon. he concludes.

Minister for Power, Shri Nilesh Cabral assured to provide uninterrupted 24 hours power supply to Industrial sector in coming days. He informed that his ministry is in process of taking over all the street lights not only of Industrial sector but all over Goa to ensure proper maintenance and functioning. This will be done after following proper procedure and amendment in some Acts such as Panchayat etc., he remarked.

Shri Glenn Ticlo also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier Shri Kochkar welcomed the Guest while Vice President of Astra Metal System Private Limited Shri Pradeep Da’Costa proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, November 14, 2019 …The Goa State will participate in the 39^th edition of India International Trade Fair to be held at Iconic Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from November 14 to November 27, 2019.

Every year the Goa State is participating in this Annual Mega Trade Fair for which the Department of Information and Publicity is the Nodal Agency. It co-ordinates with other participating Departments such as Department of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Department of Tourism, Department of Handicrafts, Textile and Coir, GTDC, GIDC, GHRSSIDC and Investment Promotion Board. The theme of IITF for this year is “Ease of  Doing  Business.”

The Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board is participating in IITF for the first time primarily to showcase the services and facilities offered to the investors.

          The participation in such International Trade Fair aims at showcasing Goa’s Developmental Achievements in varied sectors besides to attract – industrial investment and boost tourism sector in Goa.  It  also  helps  to  project  rich  Goan  cuisine with courteous hospitality of Goan people and Project Goa’s  rich Cultural Traditions to the outer world in right perspective.

          As part of the activities to be conducted at the Goa Pavilion there will be interaction with business visitors initially for five days, coupled with daily folk performances by the Goan artists till conclusion of the event on November 27, 2019.

Panaji November 14, 2019:::Goa’s promising Rally Driver Vaibhav Marathe, Chess star Bhakti Kulkarni, upcoming swimmer Shrungi Bandekar and special sportsman Suvet lotlikar were declared as winners of Geno sports awards 2018-19`

Vaibhav is selected in Best Sportsperson and Bhakti in Sportswomen. Shrungi is best emerging player.

Geno Pharmaceuticals Chairman and MD Shri Dilip Salgaocar declared awardees at press conference held on tuesday 12th November at hotel Manoshanti. This is an annual event organised by Goa Sports Journalists Association (SJAG) in association with Geno Pharmacuticals pvt. limited.

Geno Pharmacuticals Executive Director Dr. Sagar Salgaocar, SJAG President Mahesh Gaonkar and SJAG organisng secretary Glenn costa were also present dais.
speaking on this occasion Mr. Dilip Salgaocar briefed about Geno’s role in encouraging budding and upcoming sportspersons financially and technically in the state and expressed his keenness in continuing it in greater extent in upcoming years.

He also expressed need to increase number of excellence sports awardees being honored by state government.
FC Goa developmental teams Coach Cliifford Miranda was chosen for best coach award. Best team award was declared to Goa Boxing team for excellent performance. Best college in sports (women) was declared to St. Xaviers College Mapusa while Best college in sports (men) was declared to Goa Medical College Bambolim.

For contribution in field of sports photo journalism Senior Photo Journalist Nandesh Kambli was declared awardee. best electronic sports journalist award was declared to Tulsidas Chari of Prudent and First Print Media Sports journalist award was declared to Marcus Merghulao of TOI.

Best Rural College
To encourage sportspersons in rural parts of state from this year Special award for Rural College was introduced. Govt. College Quepem will be the first beneficiary of this award.

First Special awardee
Best Special sportsperson award is declared to Powerlifter Suvet Satish Lotlikar for excellent performance in special olympics held in Abu Dhabi.

Panaji ::: November 14, 2019 ….The 66^th All India Co-operative Week will be organized by the Department of Co-operation from November 14 to 20, 2019 starting from today.

The programme will be inaugurated at Sahakar Bhavan, Curti, Ponda by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for Co-operation, Shri Govind Gaude  at 9.30 a.m. Smt. Kamakshi Pai, General Manager of NABARD, Panaji Goa, will deliver a key note address on Innovation through Rural Co-operatives on the occasion.

To commemorate the Cooperative Week, Co-operation Department has organised week long programmes in all talukas. On November 15, 2019 a talk on ‘Enabling Legislation for Co-operatives’ will be held at Sahakar Sankul, 6^th floor, Patto, Panaji. On November 16, 2019 a talk on ‘Re-orienting Training and Education Through Success Stories’ is organised at Fomento Amphitheater, Gomant Vidhya Niketan, 2^nd floor, Margao. On November 17, 2019 a talk on  ‘Strengthening Co-operation Among Co-operatives’ will be held at Tulsiram Hall, Morod, Mapusa. On November 18, 2019 a talk on ‘New Initiatives of Government Through Co-operatives’ is organised at Quepem Municipal Hall, Quepem and on November 19, 2019 a talk on ‘Co-operatives for Youth, Women and Weaker Sections’ will be held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali.

On November 20, 2019 the concluding programme is organised at Sahakar Bhavan, Curti, Ponda and a talk on ‘Financial inclusions, Technology Adoption and digitization through co-operatives’ will be delivered to mark the occasion.

Panaji::: November 13, 2019…The taluka level Children Painting/Drawing Competition of Kala Academy will be held on November 26, 2019 from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. at various schools/centres.

The entry forms in the prescribed format, along with the rules/regulations of the competition will be available at the various taluka centres/schools and at Kala Academy, Campal from November 13, 2019.  The same can be submitted at the centres or at Kala Academy before November 20, 2019.

The Taluka centres for the competition are Mustifund High School, Cujira-Bambolim (Tiswadi), Deepvihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco(Mormugao), G.S. Amonkar Vidyamandir, Mapusa (Bardez), Dada Vaidya High School, Curti, (Ponda), Bhagwati High School, Pernem (Pernem), Shree Shantadurga High School, Bicholim (Bicholim), Hanuman Vidyalaya, Valpoi (Sattari), Gomantak Vidyalaya, Pilyem, (Dharbandoda), New Educational Institute, Curchorem (Quepem), St. Teresa of Jesus High School, Chaudi, (Canacona), Union High School, Sanguem (Sanguem) and Mahila & Nutan English High School, Margao (Salcete).

The  competition will  be organized  in four categories ‘A’ Category – Primary level (1^st to 4^th Std.), ‘B’ Category – Middle School level (5^th to 7^th Std.),  ‘C’ Category – High School level (8^th to 10^th Std.) and ‘D’ Category – Higher Secondary level (11^th and 12^th Std.).

Participants will be provided only an A4 size off white cartridge drawing paper while they must arrange for their own painting material. The duration of the competition will be one and half hour. 

Kala Academy has appealed to the students, parents and schools/institutions to take note of the schedule of the competition and report to the respective venue latest by 2.30 p.m. on the day of the competition.

Panaji. November 12, 2019 …. Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant said that the Government is taking utmost care of students who intends to pursue higher studies in India and abroadand exhorted then to acquire knowledge to further their prospects.

The Chief Minister was speaking in a Vedanta Utkarsha scholarship award distribution ceremony and felicitation of meritorious students, organized by Vedanta Limited at Gram Panchayat Hall, Amona in Sankhali recently.

Present on the occasion were Shri Kashinath Mhato, Sarpanch Amona; Smt. Mayuri Gawas, Sarpanch, Navelim; Shri Navanath Vhatte, Director VAB, Vedanta; Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, COO VAB Vedanta; Shri Govind Naik, Headmaster,  Amona and Smt. Utkarsha Naik, Headmistress, Navelim.

Addressing the function Chief Minister said, the Goa Scholar Scheme  extends financial support to the scholars based on merit. He said the objective of the scheme is to give financial support to the deserving students. Besides the Goa Scholar Scheme, there are plenty of other schemes for the benefits of the students and urged them to avail the benefits of all Government schemes.

Panaji: November 11,2019 … The Government has formulated investment friendly policies with the intention  to encourage investment in industrial sector. The recent Vibrant Goa Summit is an example where in the Government had signed MOUs with  seventeen countries of the world stated by the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant

Dr. Sawant was speaking after the inauguration the Indo French Investment Conclave held at Candolim recently organized by Indo- French Chamber of Commerce & Industries in collaboration with CCI France-Inde on the theme ‘Goa is best Investment Destination’. The purpose of the conference is to look at investment in the field of green marinas, health, medical equipment, waste management besides others.

   Dr Sawant reiterating the Government  committment to attract investment in the State said that the initiatives to develop better infrastructure, Smart city development, Construction of Mopa International Airport, 30 days clearance from IPB, setting-up of IT Hub, Effective Startup and Industrial policy and quick response from regulators  and the Government in this direction. He assured that the French MNCs will realise that they have come to a favourable investment destination, a place where doing business will be mutually benefited. He appreciated the interest of the French Consulate and Indo French Chamber of Commerce & Industry for organizing the conference in Goa.

The Union Mnister of State for Defence and AYUSH, Shri Shripad Naik said that France is one of the pioneers in the aerospace and defence sector where as  India is prioirity market. The Indo French Chamber of Commerce & Industries is amongst India’s most active bilateral business chambers whose 600 members comprise French and Indian companies from various sectors across India and France. The conference with a strong focus on Aerospace and Defence  to promote Goa as an important Hub in Aerospace and Defence is indeed a great initiative he remarked.

The Consul General of France in India Ms Sonia Barbry said that the main objective of the conclave is to encourage interaction between business communities and Government Institutions to increase bilateral business opportunities of investment in Goa. She expressed happiness on the keen interest shown by the leading French and Indian companies for their mutual investment in Goa.

Shri Lalit Saraswat, Chairman CII Goa State; Shri Ravin Mirchandani, Chairman, Ador Powertron Ltd.; Shri Manu Bishnoi, Director, Technique Solaire; Shri Delano Furtado, Senior Partner Trilegal; Shri Ugo Vincent, Managing Director, CMA CGM; Jean Michael Casse, Chief Operating Officer; Shri Frederic Prevost Allard, Operation Director OMEX and representatives of various Indian and French companies attended the conference.

Shri Sumeet Anand, President IFCCI welcomed the guests. Ms. Payal Kanwar, Secretary General IFCCI proposed the vote of thanks.