Panaji: October 29, 2019 … The Directorate of Social Welfare has invited applications from Goan Social Workers for awarding Best Social Worker awards to 12 social workers, one each from every taluka irrespective of gender.  The best social worker will be felicitated with cash award of Rs. 25,000/- certificate, shawl and Shrifal.

Prescribed applications forms are available at the counter  of the Directorate of Social Welfare, Panaji free of cost  Applications in prescribed format duly filled in all respect and accompanied with photo copies of the documents attested by Gazette officer or self attested in soft copy CD and hard copy should reach Directorate  of  Social Welfare  on or before  November 22, 2019.  State Award will be presented on December 19, 2019 by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day.

For more details you may contact Director/ Asstt. Director of the office at 0832-2232257 during office hours.

Panaji::: October 28, 2019 … …Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant today reviewed the expenditure of various departments as on September 30, 2019. The Chief Minister informed that Overall percentage of expenditure is about 32%, Revenue Expenditure is about 38% and Capital Expenditure is 20%.  Total expenditure as on September 30, 2019 is Rs. 6612 Crores.

The expenditure corresponding to same period during previous year is about 32%.
The Chief Minister reviewed major 48 departments which comprises of about 86% of the total outlay.

The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to review the expenditure periodically so that atleast 70% of expenditure is incurred before December 2019. He further informed all the HoDs to utilize funds received from the Central  Government optimally and submit UCs periodically. He also instructed the HoDs to expertise resource mobilisation.

Panaji : October 27, 2019 ……Minister for Art and Culture Shri. Govind Gaude along with Padmabhushan  Laximan Pai released a book of photo introduction by late Vandana Seth  incorporating personalities of 200 famous Goans who have contributed towards betterment of State coming from varied realm of arts, culture, theatre, sports, literature, films, singing, music, medicine etc.

The function was organized by friends circle of Vandana Seth and Sahit Prakashan held at Sanskruti Bhavan Patto Panaji yesterday.

The book contains photo introduction  of famous 200 personalities of Goa and their respective field of work they belong. The book is an initiative to acknowledge the tireless efforts made by those personalities to bring laurels to the State at national and international level.

On the occasion Minister Shri. Govind Gaude said that it was commendable effort to publish book as such  that showcased these famous Goans in front  of Goan community at large.  The book also pays tribute and honor to those goan who have made huge contribution towards state and society.

The book would be inspiration for young generation to work much harder and get success in their respective fields Minister added.

Publisher of the book Shri. Kishor Arjun informed that, the book is unfinished project of renowned jounalist late Vandana Seth, who had compiled Goan personalities. Unfortunately this project came to halt after she died in an accident. Thereafter Friends circle of Vandana Seth came forward to publish this book as tribute to her. Since the book contains only photographs of people, this  could be  beginning of new book comprising more numbers of Goan personalities with details.These personalitirs were chosen during 60 days time period till May 31, 2015 conidering popularity, transpatency, google coverage, face book, Achievement,Media covetage, rwitter, performances, books, television, news and more.

Historian Shri. Prajal Sakhardande, who wrote foreword for the book in his speech said that the book will aid students and people of Goa in knowing about these 200 famous personalities  and stand informed of their respective field.

Personalities who found the place in the book are Late Manohar Parrikar, Dayanand Bandodkar, Kishori Amonkar, Hema Sardessai, Ragunath Mhashelkar, Varsha Usgaonkar, Shri Shripad Naik, Shri Pratapsingh Rane, Vasantrao Dempo, Srinivas Dempo, Dilip Sardessai, Dattaraj Salgaoncar, Shivanand Sagaonkar/ Natasha Palha, Shadab Jakati,  Mario Miranda, Dayanand Narvekar, Lorna Cordeiro, Damodar Naik, Vijay Sardessai, Ashalata Wabgaonkar, Rajdeep Sardessai, Mathany Saldanha, Ivana Furtado, Subhash Velingkar, Bruno Coutinho, V. M. Salgaonkar,  Lata Mangueshkar, Asha Bhosle,  Eduardo Faleiro, Shri Digambar Kamat, PrinceJacob, John D’Silva and others.

Those present at the function Padmabhushan Laximan Pai, Shri Dilip Salgaoncar,  Dr. Pramod Salgaoncar, Cricketer Swapnil Asnodkar,  Footballer Bhramanand Sancoalkar, Information Officer, Department of Information and Publicity Shri. John Aguiar, Dy. Superintendent of Police Shri. Mahesh Gaonkar, Senior Jounalist Shri. Subhash Naik, Cricketar Shri. Ambe Parvatkar, Retired Superintendent of Police Shri. Allan D`Sa , Ex-Mayor of Panaji Shri. Surendra Furtado, Writer and Actress Smt. Jyoti Kunkaliekar, Swapnil Asnodkar, Yash Fadte were felicitated and presented mementos on the occasion by Minister Shri. Govind Gaude.

Smt. Siddhi Upadhye compered the programme. Smt. Jyoti Kunkalienkar proposed vote of thanks.

Panaji :October 27, 2019 ….A three member expert team consisting of Captain KP Jayakumar, Nautical Advisor, Government of India, Captain Mohit Behl, Nautical Surveyor, DG Shipping and Bodh Raj, Engineer and Ship Surveyor, Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai alongwith MPT and State Officials are assessing the situation to plan remedial actions  in view of NU SHI Vessel Nalini containing about 2,000 Tonne of Naphtha 50 tonnes of Heavy Oil and 19 Tonne diesel which has stuck on a rock/softground in the Sea near Dona Paula.

The Vessel is unmanned and damaged.  24×7 Monitoring is being carried out by different agencies including MPT signal station.

Port assessment and the Coast Guard aerial inspection found no oil spillage. The Coast Guard has also stationed one oil spill response vessel in the vicinity of the grounded vessel.  The ship is still aground at the same position for the last 24 hours. Attempt to rig boom is also being undertaken to deal with any possible spillage but the sea is still rough.

After assessment of the condition of vessel by the airflown team by Navy Helicopter meeting will be held to determine the further course of action.

Panaji, October 26, 2019 … …The Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant convened a emergency meeting at his residence at Altinho Panaji today. The meeting was regarding the marine disaster with an “unmanned” chemical tanker carrying nearly 3000 MT of naphtha drifting away from the outer anchorage and grounding itself just three nautical miles away from Dona Paula. He took the stock of the situation and directed the concerned authorities to initiate action to get the vessel be taken away before causing any untoward situation.

Thereafter briefing the press the Chief Minister said that the vessel drifted from its anchorage because of the cyclonic storm and is now grounded near Dona Paula. He said the concerned authorities have been directed to intervene into the situation and ordered the captain of the vessel to take away the said vessel as early as before occurring any disaster further.    

Minister for Science and Technology and Waste Management, Shri Michael Lobo during the interaction with the authorities expressed the fear of  leakage of naptha  leading to pollution of the beach which may affect the tourist.

Arya Ship Charterers Pvt Ltd, the owner of the vessel The crew was evacuated from the vessel after a naphtha leak was detected. Though the leak was repaired, the crew abandoned Ramesh said that the unmanned vessel has a double hull and thus there is no risk of leakage.

 Collector North Goa Ms. R. Menka  (IAS) ,Secretary  Revenue  Shri  Sanjay Kumar (IAS) Captain, Captain of Ports Shri Mathew Braganza and others attended the meeting

Panaji: October 26, 2019 ….Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has greeted the people of Goa on the eve of the Diwali festival.

The festival of light is a symbol of victory of goodness over evil and it should be celebrated to usher in peace, prosperity and amity in the society, he said.

The Chief Minister said while celebrating festivals, we must remember the poor and needy and share joy with them. He said we have a rich tradition of celebrating festivals in amity and brotherhood in the state, in consonance with our unique multicultural ethos.

“On this auspicious occasion I wish and pray that all good values of love, compassion, tolerance, mutual respect and brotherhood become hallmark of our society to take forward the State on the path of progress, prosperity and lasting peace”, he said.

Panaji: October 25, 2019:::Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that he felt vibration in all sectors of Goa during the three days event organized by Vibrant Goa Foundation and hoped that an experience gained by student buddies from foreign delegates will be utilized to convert in different business opportunities and suggested to develop bonding with the delegetes.  Dr. Sawant was interacting with student buddies involved with the Vibrant Goa Expo & Summit at a function organized by Vibrant Goa Foundation at Community hall Taleigao yesterday.

Speaking further, Chief Minister said that after completion of degrees most of the students run after job, All students from Goa have to change their mind set and should be aware about the power within themselves. He informed that to change the mind set of students the process of aptitude test, career counseling and counseling have been started and added that the Image of Goa as Sushegad Goenkar will change due to Vibrant Goa Event.

Shri Dinesh Dhulapkar, Shri Arman Bankley, Shri Gautam Kharangate, Shri Manoj Patil and Shri Vinay Verma Trustee were present on the occasion.

 Shri Nitin Koncolienkar, Chairman Vibrant Goa Foundation and Shri Rajkumar Kamat, President Vibrant Goa, spoke on the occasion.

 Chief Minister presented mementos as a token of appreciation to those who contributed to the cause of Vibrant Goa.

Shri Vinay Verma, trustee welcome the guests.

Panaji: October 24, 2019 … The third  edition of two day grandest B2B event “ Goa International Travel Mart-2019 ( GITM )” was inaugurated yesterday by the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod  Sawant at a function  held at Arpora. The function was organized by Directorate of Tourism. The event aims to bring together all the stakeholders like hoteliers, wedding planners, travel companies, wildlife, adventure, event managements, wellness and other leisure enterprises on one platform to showcase investment potential in the state.

The Chief Minister while addressing the gathering said that according our Indian tradition we  treat  our guest as god. Goa  is not only about sun, sand  and sea but has its green forests, natural resources etc. Goa is doing well in sectors of health, education, infrastructure  and industry. The work of  new International Mopa airport is underway and we are hopeful to start the same by 2022. Also we have conducted Vibrant Goa Summit recently where the investors from all over have shown their interest to invest in Goa.

The Chief Minister said the state is serious about and accord  priority to the  safety of tourist so that they feel happy and comfortable to move.  The Government for this purpose has appointed an agency of lifeguards to look after the safety of tourists.

The Chief Minister also said that the work of cleaning of beaches is also done from time to time, In order to promote tourism sought   help of other stakeholders by the Government. Besides promoting eco-tourism, health tourism, sport tourism, white water rafting, adventure tourism activities like air balloon, scuba diving and others. To create conducive atmosphere for health tourism in the state is one of the priorities of the Government. Those investors who come to invest in tourism industry will get all sort of help and assured to resolve any issue pertaining to tourism in the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister in his address said that Goa has emerged as the best tourist destination in the world as it is  blessed with nature, beaches ,churches and temples etc.. Goa has various activities under tourism like adventure, nightlife, music fashion, football ,festivals as well.

The delegates from different countries, hoteliers, tour operators, and others attended the function…Shri Savio Messiahs, President TTAG and Shri J. Ashok Kumar IAS, Secretary Tourism also spoke on the occasion….Shri Nikhil Desai Managing Director GTDC, welcomed the guests.

Panaji: October 24, 2019 ….DY. Chief Minister Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar laid the foundation stone for water storage tank at two different places one each at Zamlimoddi, Barigotov and Voilwada in Village Panchayat, Morepirla Balli Quepem recently.

Speaking on the occasion Dy. Chief Minister informed that the approximate cost to be incurred on construction of  water storage tank at Zamlimoddi, Barigotov will be about Rs.35 lacs and at Vilovaddo will cost about Rs.17 lacs. These both tanks will help to resolve the water problem of areas of Voillvada, Sakalvadda, Kidamkarwadda, Voijwadda, Naskiwadda, newwadda , Velipwadda from V.P.Morpirla Village.

Shri Kavlekar expressed happiness to be part of the present Government. He also urged his supporters to be collective and support for development of constituency as a whole. He expressed his  gratitude to all his supporters from V.P. Morepirla to make him win all five election which he had contested.

Dy. CM also listed the ongoing developmental works which will cost  of Rs. 4.5 crores. These includes hot mixing of road from Barigotov, Solivado to Kajuvado , which he said will help the people of Morpirla and Barcem area.

Panaji, October 23, 2019 … Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant chaired a meeting of the High Power Committee for Sonsodo Garbage Treatment Plant and meeting regarding proposed Solid Waste Management Facility at Bainguinim in the conference hall, Secretariat, Porvorim recently.

Minister, Science and Technology and Waste Management, Shri Michael Lobo; Minister, Urban Development, Shri Milind Naik; Opposition Leader & MLA, Margao, Shri Digamber Kamat; MLA, Fatorda, Shri Vijay Sardesai; MLA, Curtorim, Shri Aleixo Lourenco; Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council, Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai; Chief Secretary, IAS, Shri Parimal Rai; Collector, South District, IAS, Shri Ajit Roy; Director, Directorate of Municipal Administration, IAS, Dr Tariq Thomas; Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Shri Gopal Parsekar; Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Smt Sharmila Monteiro; Managing Director, Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Shri S V Naik; Finance Secretary, Shri Sunil Masurkar; Chief Officer, Margao Municipal Council, Shri Siddhivinayak Naik; Director, Department of Science and Technology, Shri Levinson Martins; Managing Director, Goa State Urban Development Corporation, Shri Srinet Kothwale, Advocate representing Margao Municipal Council, Adv. Padiyar and other top officials were present for the meeting of High Power Committee for Sonsodo Garbage Treatment Plant.

Chief Minster, Dr Sawant addressing the meeting was of the firm opinion that solution should come out for Sonsodo Garbage Treatment Plant to tackle the garbage menace. He assured that the Government will resolve the matter between Fomento and Margao Municipal Council. I will personally speak to Fomento Chairman & request him to hand over the Sonsoso plant to Goa Solid Waste Management Corporation in the interest of people, he added.

Adv. Padiyar briefing about the status of the matter in the court informed in detail the legal aspects and the history of Sonsodo Garbage Treatment Plant.

Shri Levinson Martins presented the current situation of the plant and informed in detail legacy dump at Sonsodo, waste management at Margao Municipal Council and Sonsodo Plant operation.

As regards to the proposed Bainguinim Solid Waste Management Facility, the finance funding model and other aspects were discussed.