Panaji: August 7, 2019 … The Department of Information and Publicity as part of the commemoration of 150^th  Birth Anniversary of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi at the National level will organize All Goa Quiz competition involving college level students on August 26, 2019.

 The topic for the competition is “Mahatma Gandhi-Journey from Mohandas to Mahatma” for all degree college students of Goa. The competition will be held in the main hall of Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panaji  on August 26, 2019 from 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

The competition is a part of the activities to be carried out by the Government  Departments for the commemoration of 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi for a period of two years from October 2, 2018 to October 2, 2020.

The competition will be conducted in two phases i.e primary and final round. Each team will comprise of two students. Each college team is to be represented by team of two bonafide students. A college can send maximum of two teams with maximum four students. Top five teams in the order of merit will contest the grand final.

 The winners of the competition will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/-, Rs.7000/- and Rs.5000/- as first, second and third, prize respectively besides  trophies. Two consolation prizes will also be given. The students desires to participate in the quiz competition can send their entries to the Director of  Department, Information and Publicity, 3^rd floor Udyog Bhavan, Panaji Goa before August 24, 2019.

 For clarification if any may contact on mobile 9860898001 or 9923269878.

Panaji: Aug 06,2019 …. The Governor of Goa Dr.( Smt )  Mridula  Sinha has stressed on the need to uphold and imbibe upon children  our social values, so as to enable them to grow sensitive and well cultured citizen of the society.

The Governor stated this while interacting with the students of Navy Children School, and Kendriya Vidyalaya when they were on their courtesy visit to Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula   today.

The Governor further speaking advised the student to cherish goal and strive hard and  ultimately success will touch their feet. The Governor thereafter answered the queries of the students on various subjects. The students  presented  thanks giving cards to the Governor which will be displayed  at Raj Bhavan during the occasion of reception on independence day the Governor informed. .

Mrs. Puja Philipose, President NWWA, Goa  Region, Mrs. Patricia, Vice-President,  NWWA Goa Region, Mrs. Manisha Rastogi, Prakruti Group Co-ordinator, Mrs. Aishwarya Harsh, Prakruti, Activity ,Co-Ordinator, Mrs. Mahuya Maity, NWWA, Sub-Committee In-Charge, Mrs. Mahi Manjunath, Mrs Rukhsana Akhtar both Prakruti Su-Committee In charge. Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS, Secretary to Governor, Shri Vishram Borkar, ADC to Governor and others attended the function.

Panjim , Aug 5, 2019: Goa Tourism Development Corporation is all set to develop the Selaulim Dam property as Top hinterland tourism attraction  on line sir famous Mysore Brindavan Gardens which is expected attract tourists to Goa in large numbers.

The unique project was given the green signal at a recently held GTDC board meeting and project consultant, Pune  based,  M/s Fourth Dimension  Architects  Private  Ltd. is in the final stages of designing and planning the components to be set up within the project.

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar said, “The development  of  Selaulim  Dam property will  give a  big boost to hinterland  tourism  in the State of Goa.  Today Goa Tourism  is focusing on  hinterland  tourism as it is opening new opportunities for locals  in and  around those respective  tourist locale.  Selaulim Dam is  very beautiful during the monsoons and  developing  the property downstream   on the same lines as the Brindavan  Gardens will add value and  boost footfalls to  Goa.”

 The Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Dayanand Sopte said” I am very happy that the GTDC Board has cleared the project for development of the Selaulim Dam property on the lines of the Brindavan Gardens in Mysore. This project will be developed in coordination between the Goa Tourism Development Corporation,  Goa Forest Development  Corporation  & Water Resources Department. On completion, this locale will attract tourists from far and wide and will also open up employment opportunities for Goans living around the Selaulim Dam located in Sanguem taluka”

The project is estimated to cost Rs. 50 crore and the GTDC  is proposing to tap the funds under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the the Union Ministry for Tourism.

Initial project details  unveiled by the GTDC  indicates  that  a  total area  of 42 acres will be developed with close to 10 components to be set up, in addition to maintaining  some  of the existing  infrastructure.

Key attractions  of this project will  include an   amphitheatre having  a capacity for 300 people,   musical  fountains,  bird sanctuary, meditation and  yoga zone,  fruit orchards,  children’s play area,  glass house,  herbal garden, artisans village, nature interpretation center and  e-library.

A butterfly park, nakshatra garden,  medicinal plantations,  rock garden,  rose garden,  spice  garden, tropical garden and   navagraha gardens are planned.   An orchidarium  showcasing  variety of  orchids is proposed.

An adventure zone  will include  archery,  bungee trampoline,  rope challenge,  paint ball, rock climbing,  maze,  rocket ejecter, zorbing and a waterfall.

A nature trail,  giant wheel,  viewing decks,  outdoor restaurant,  information  counter,  rest rooms,  bio-retention pond on the existing water body ,  an entrance plaza and  GFDC  office will be set up therein.

A special buggee track   will also be  set up and  will add attraction  for visiting tourists,  facilitate  mobility  for tourists with special needs and  for  children.

Pathways  within the  new set up  will be designed  having water resource management. This  method  will help to manage rain water and recharge ground water and aquifer.  An STP is also proposed  whose water will be  used for irrigation and  flushing solid water for biogas  production.  The project  is also being designed to generate solar power.

Another attraction proposed is to showcase the Seven  Wonders of Goa  which  will include  some  of the State’s  churches, temples, forts,  heritage monuments etc.

The project proposes to set up special picnic spots  within the property which can  be  used  by tourists,  school children and locals all year round. Special  zones for selfies within the  components is proposed.

Selaulim Dam  is  located    40 kms from Margao in Sanguem  taluka and  is  currently  a huge attraction for tourists  for its picturesque  sights during the monsoons. The project has support from Local MLA Prasad Gaonkar who is keen to develop the area into top tourism destination.

Panaji:  August 5, 2019 … Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant announcing the implementation of the National Education Policy within one or two years in the State underscored that the whole structure of elementary education from pre-primary right up to Higher Secondary education will be restructured and revamped, taking the whole educational concept to a different level.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function organised by Mahila and Nutan English High School to felicitate the meritorious SSCE students at Margao, yesterday.

Elaborating further, Dr. Sawant maintained that with the adoption of NEP, 2019, the educational system across the country would be revamped and Goa too will follow suit. The education sector will see a lot many changes in another two years, providing quality education in the State.  The syllabus will change and enable our students to compete with all boards.  The aim is to take the education to a higher level, he remarked.

Dr. Sawant assuring to look into the proposed School Complex at Davorlim, Margao with an area of 1.10 lakhs sq. mts informed that he look into the various aspects by directing the Director of Education to conduct an inspection.  He also emphasised the need to adopt schools within the radius of 10 kms which could then feed students for their own schools.

Speaking further, the Chief Minister said today is a skill-based era where job oriented courses are sought after.  It is very difficult to provide job and thus it is very important to acquire skills and start one’s own enterprise by availing various government schemes like start-ups Policy, Investment Policy, etc, he pointed.

Dr. Sawant also reiterated the Governments decision to support app-based taxis in the larger interest of the State to boost and sustain tourism industry.  App based taxis is the only solution, he added.

Issuing a stern warning to taxi owners opposing app-based taxis that the Government will not succumb to arm twisting by such operators, he informed that the Government has made various arrangements like KTC, helpline Nos to ferry tourists.

Guest of Honour, Dr. Vikram Patel, Co-founder of Sangath and Professor at Harward Medical School, USA also spoke on the occasion.

Students who excelled in the recent SSC examination were felicitated were felicitated at the hands of the Chief Minister and Dr. Vikram Patel. Ms. Neeta Prabhudessai, Ex- Headmistress of the was also honoured for her contribution in the field of education on the occasion.

Panaji: August 4, 2019 …. Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasizing the need to conserve forest to protect environment underscored Governments commitment to conserve and protect 60 percent of its forest by initiating various measures.

Chief Minister, Dr. Sawant was speaking at the Convocation Ceremony of 33rd and 34th batch of newly recruited Forest Guards at Forest Training School, Valpoi, today. A total of 163 forest guards underwent six months training at Forest Training School, Valpoi successfully.

Speaking further Dr Sawant said that Government has decided to upgrade the Valpoi Forest Training School into Goa Forest Research and Training Institute (GFRTI)for strengthening professional skills in scientific way as sattari has abundant forest cover. Different researchers from across the nation will visit this centre for research, which he said will help us to acquire knowledge on a whole lot of aspects from them.

Goa is a touristic State, he said and reiterated Governments commitment to develop hinterland tourism. Government has also decided to upgrade Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary as to increase footfall of tourist, he remarked.

The Chief Minister expressed his unhappiness over the conduct of some trainees approaching Ministers for posting of their choice and issued a stern warning that such conduct will not be tolerated. He assured that recruiter will be posted 30 kms from their place of residence and appealed to them to give 100 percent to their work irrespective of the place of posting. He urged them to come forward and learn more about forest to preserve it.

Speaking on the occasion Health Minister, Shri Vishwajeet Rane called upon the Forest Guards to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity. He urged them to develop passion and also need to learn more about forest and wild life management, forest act so as to protect and preserve forest wealth in the State.

Secretary Forest, Shri Puneet Kumar Goel and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri Subhash Chandra, IFS also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Anisha Kalkoor, IFS, Director, Forest Training School, Valpoi welcomed the guests and Shri Santosh Kumar, IFS, Addl PCCF & CWLW proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: August 3, 2019 … The Central Sector of Scholarship for College and University students implemented by the Department of Higher Education Ministry of Human Resource Development will be opened on the National Scholarship Portal http://www.scholarships.gov.in/ for the Academic year 2019-20.

Closing date of receipt of applications is October 31, 2019, last date of verification of applications by the institutions is November 15, 2019. Last date of verification of applications by the State Education Board is November 30, 2019.

All students who have applied on National Scholarship Portal and received/yet to receive the scholarship for fresh 2018, 1^st renewal 2017, 2^nd renewal 2016, and 3^rd renewal 2015 and students who are in the Top 20^th percentile of the respective Boards and who wish to apply for fresh 2019 scholarship are advised to apply on the National Scholarship Portal for fresh and respective renewal scholarship on or before the last date October 31, 2019.

Students applying for the scholarship are requested to go through the guidelines of the above Scheme uploaded on the National Scholarship Portal. The students are advised to contact the Nodal Officers of the respective State Education Boards which is provided in the Home Page of the National Scholarship Portal under ‘Services’, Nodal Officer, Department of Higher Education (CSSS).

Panaji: August 2, 2019 :::The Directorate of Art and Culture is organizing a “Traditional Paper Cutting Art Craft” workshop from August 20 to 24,  2019 from 2.30 pm. to 5.30 pm. at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto–Panaji. Shri. Anand R. S. Narvekar, a well-known craft making expert will be the resource person for  workshop.

Shri. Anand Narvekar is working in this field for more than 40 years. He has rendered his expertise of craft in Bal Bhavan, schools and institutions across Goa.

Those interested in participating in the workshop can submit their application forms. Entry fee of Rs. 200/- will be charged per participant. First 40 entries only will be considered for the participation in the workshop. Application forms may be collected from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto –Panaji  from August 2, 2019 (during office hours). The last date to submit the filled forms is August 16, 2019 (during office hours). For further details contact: 0832 – 2404630 /626/633.

Panaji: Aug 1, 2019…  The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Education, Alto-Betim, Goa was established in the year 1975, thus completing almost 43 years. Many chapters, Articles which were incorporated in this Act in the year 1975 are outdated. Now the Board has decided to revamp the whole act and rules.

In order to complete this task a Committee has been constituted under Chairmanship of Shri Pramod Kamat, former law Secretary, Government of Goa.

The Board has appealed to all the stake holders and public to send their valuable suggestions, opinion etc., to the Board on following email addresses within 30 days from the publications of this press note:  chairman-gbshse.goa@nic.in sec-gbshse.goa@nic.in

 So that the committee may incorporate suitable suggestions while revamping the Board’s Act and Rules.

The existing Act and Rules of 1975 is available on Boards website: www.gbshse.gov.in

Panaji: July 31, 2019 … Applications are invited from the children from class I to X in Government/ Recognized Private Schools/ recognized Institute for Pre-Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in Occupation involving cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards to be awarded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi.

The amount of scholarship for Std. I to X is  Rs.225/-p.m. for 10 months and Ad-hoc grants of Rs.750/- per annum to Day Scholars where as an amount of scholarship for Std.III to X is Rs. 700/- p.m for 10 months and Ad-hoc grants of Rs.1000/- per annum for Hostellers.

Application in the prescribed format should be submitted by the student to the Directorate of Social Welfare, 18^th June Road, Panaji through the Head of the Institution being attended by the student, latest by October 31, 2019.

Panaji:: July 30, 2019….. Minister for Health Shri Vishwajit Rane inaugurated First Intermediate Training Course in Transplantation Procurement Management organized in collaboration with Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI) Barcelona at Goa Medical College Bambolim today.

The three days course is being conducted from July 29 to 31 2019 at new Auditorium Goa Medical College Bambolim Goa. Around 50 participants will be trained.

 Speaking on the occasion Shri Rane stressed  on the initiatives in setting up of Transplantation and said that  awareness in this subject is very much required, in order to make known the subject to the masses.

 Speaking further he said, maximum emphasis will be laid in imparting required training to the faculty for better functioning of the organ transplant unit.

 Dr. Maria Paula Gomez, Spanish Faculty also spoke on the occasion.

Dr. Shivanand Bandekar , Dean Goa Medical College welcomed.

Dr. Shirish Borkar, Cardio Vascular Surgeon Compered

Dr. J. P. Tiwari Prof. and Head Department of Nephrology Proposed the vote of thanks.