Panaji, February 5, 2019 …. “If you do not believe in following the traffic rules, say so, but stop blaming the sentinels. The sentinel scheme has played a major role in curbing traffic rule violations. 2017 had recorded 333 road accidental deaths due to road accidents with an average of six deaths per week.

The number slightly decreased to 262 in 2018 with an average of 5 deaths per week. We can still reduce these figures by utilizing four principles: Education, Enforcement of rules, Emergency accidental care and Engineering of roads,” stated DGP Shri. Muktesh Chander IPS. He was speaking as a Chief Guest at the inauguration of 30^th National Road Safety Week – 2019 at the Goa Engineering College Complex in Farmagudi today.

Director of Transport Shri. Nikhil Desai, Principal of Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi Dr. Krupashankar M.S, President of Goa Automobile Dealers Association Shri. Prashant Joshi and Shri. Derrick Pereira Netto, Managing Director, Kadamba Transport Corp Ltd. were present on the occasion.

            Emphasizing the need of using a helmet by a rider and the pillion, Dr. Chander urged the gathering to be sincere and use an ISI marked helmet. “Wearing helmet is not enough; locking its strap is also mandatory. A pillion must also use a helmet for his/her safety. Do not wear it because you will receive a challan. Wear it to be safe and let others be safe too. Over speeding, drinking and driving is equally harmful,” he said.

            “We are complying law as it is. I will never stop preaching about road safety and I believe that one day, we all will succeed,” Dr. Chander stated.

            Earlier, the function began by lighting the lamp. Shri. Nikhil Desai welcomed the gathering and explained that road safety awareness among local is the sole purpose behind celebrating the ‘Road Safety Week’. He also informed that Goa is the first state to introduce ‘Road Safety’ in its curriculum.

            On this occasion, the dignitaries released Posters based on Road Safety. Directorate of Education, Transport and Traffic were applauded for their remarkable contribution in popularising road safety. Shri. Vikramaditya Panashikar, Shri. Sanjay Dessai, Shri. Dilip Naik, Shri. Vasudev Pagi, Naval Driving School INS Mandovi, Maruti Driving School, Chowgule Industries Fatorda and Gurukul Driving School, Marcel were given a token of appreciation on this occasion. The staff of Traffic Cell Shri. Sayed Ashraf, Smt. Sharmila Shamba Tari and Shri. Inacio Dias from Home Guard, Motor Vehicle Inspector Shri. Minesh Tar and Asst. Motor Vehicle Inspectors Shri. Charles Ferria, Shri. Anand Dessai, Shri. Gandhesh Desai, Shri. Bhavesh, Shri. Kalpesh Faldessai and Shri. Shrinivas Mhmmai Kamat were felicitated for their remarkable service in road safety training.

            The function was followed by a keynote address by Shri. Arun Desai IAS, former Director of Transport and a satire-comedy show by Shri. Paresh Parab.  Shri. J.D. Souza compered the function while Dr. Krupashankara M.S. proposed the vote of thanks. The function was attended by students of colleges and higher secondaries in large number.

Panaji, February 04, 2019 … The Minister for Labour, IT and Revenue, Shri Rohan Khaunte today launched Labour and Employment Card (L & E Card) at the Secretariat. The card is a common identity card for each employed and unemployed citizen in the state. Present on the occasion was the Commissioner, Labour and Employment, Shri Jayant Tari among others.

Highlighting the benefits of the Card, Shri Khaunte said, “The card will link the complete employment history of every person in Goa which will ensure relevant job opportunities can be appraised to the citizen depending on their skill sets and work experience.”

The Minister informed that the ongoing manual registration of job seekers shall stand discontinued. The existing valid Employment Card will remain in force till February 28, 2019. The data of all the registrants of Employment Exchange Goa has been migrated on the portal online and the same needs to be activated by the registrants with valid Employment Card number by February 28, 2019.

Those who are registering themselves for the card must visit www.goaonline.gov.in The data will be linked to National Career System (NCS) and Aadhaar.

Panaji., February 3, 2019 …Minister for Ports, Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar in the presence of Vice President of GSIDC, Shri Siddharth Kuncalienkar laid foundation stone for construction of new building for police outpost at Betim recently.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Muktesh Chander , Director General of Police, Shri Virendra Shirodkar, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Reis Magos, Smt. Siya Nagvekar, Deputy Sarpanch, Smt. Pascol Colaso , Smt. Sushmita Pednekar, Shri Shailendra Parulekar, Smt. Gauri Pednekar, Shri Subhash Pednekar, Shri Kedar Naik, Shri Rajesh Bhosle, Shri Suraj Chodankar, Panch members, Smt.Reshma  Kudchadkar, Manager GSIDC, Shri Kiran Poduwal, Dy.S.P, Shri Gangaram Morajkar, Senior Citizen and others. .

Shri Salgaonkar, while speaking on the occasion said that the Goa’s coastal areas are crowded with tourist and caters to the strength of around 70 lakhs a year. Most of them prefers to move with bikes therefore proper road accessibility is required. The idea of road circuit has been considered  from Saligao constituency from betim to chogam road,  calangute, candolim and from  Candolim to Nerul to Betim and the roads connected to this circuit will be taken up for  upgradation.

Shri Salgaonkar also said that the earlier building of the police outpost at Betim was old as well as in bad condition so the up gradation was a must therefore the work for construction of this building  has been  taken up. The new building will be provided with adequate facilities so as to maintain law & order and safety of tourists he added.

Shri Kuncalienkar speaking on the occasion said that apart from up gradation of this building the government also gives thrust on providing quality infrastructure in the state he added.

Shri Muktesh Chandar addressing the gathering said that the building of this outpost will be ready soon and Goa police will be able to make use of these new premises which will come up with adequate facilities catering to the need of the time. As this area being the tourist area requires to maintain safety and security of the people and law and order as well he reiterated..

The new building for the police Outpost at Betim will have a cost of Rs.85 lakhs. The facilities in this building will be provided like Inspector’s Cabin, Lock up Room, Barack, O.P. In charge Room for the Police’s Community Outreach programme, except the Conference Room which have been provided at the lower level to enable ease of access for senior citizens and women.

The building has been designed by Goan Architecture- the colour pallet, colonnade and screens at the entrance, the Mangalore roof, wooden louvered windows, flooring patterns. The building will be completed in stipulated time period of June 7, 2019.

Panaji,  February 02,  2019 ….”Goa’s population is facing diabetes-related issues that are growing at an alarming rate. Immediate action is required to curb this menace so that the State does not face repercussions in the future,” said Minister for Health, Women and Child Development, Shri Vishwajit Rane, said while speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate of Health Services with Sanofi India Limited (SIL), to build awareness on diabetes and its management, for a better quality of life.

Shri Rane further added, “We look forward to partnering with Sanofi in battling various non-communicable diseases, which are collectively known to be responsible for over 70 % of all deaths, worldwide.”

Through this collaboration, Sanofi India’s team of medical experts and diabetologists will educate and up skill the State Department’s healthcare personnel serving the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) cell and the Medical Officers of the Health and Wellness centers. The collaboration will also help to run the international programme KiDS (Kids and Diabetes in School), to raise awareness on diabetes amongst school children.

Managing Director, Sanofi India Limited, Shri N.Rajaram said,  “Diabetes must be addressed both in clinics and hospitals, as well as in classrooms and homes. We are committed to working closely with States and policy-makers in their progressive efforts to fight Non-Communicable Diseases. The impact of this three years CSR partnership will strengthen our fight against the diabetes epidemic.”

This partnership will follow a two-pronged approach. The first one is where the training on diabetes management will be conducted for the staff at RBSK cell and the Medical Officers of the Health and Wellness centres, as part of Ayushman Bharat. The other is where the education and engagement about diabetes amongst school children, teachers and parents will help curtail the overall disease burden on the state.

Panaji: 01 February, 2019… The Indian Red Cross Society Goa Chapter and Rajashri Creations-Goa jointly organized Goa Police Awards Ceremony ‘’Swabhiman 2019’’at Daryasangam  Campal Panaji on January 31,2019.

 The awards were presented to Police   Personnel for their contribution in maintaining  law and order in the state and  their services towards society. The Police Personnel with various categories were awarded with Goa Police Awards  (Swabhiman ) 2019  at the hands of the Governor

The Governor  Dr. Smt Mridula Sinha speaking on the occasion   said that the job of police is hard and  of  great responsibility. They have to work beyond the time limit to ensure law and order. . She said the police often have to face public ire for any untoward   incidents.

The Governor also said that police play important role in maintaining law and order thereby ensuring peace and harmony. She appreciated the initiative of the organizers to acknowledge services rendered by the police and also congratulated the recipients of awards.

The Art & Culture Minister Shri Govind Gaude while addressing the gathering said that we enjoy safety and security due to police. They are instrumental in maintaining law & order which makes our living safe. They often have to sacrifice their family life happiness while discharging their duties. He appreciated  Indian Red Cross Society and Rajashree Ctreations –Goa for their endeavor to acknowledge the services discharged by police towards society and congratulated the recipients of awards.

The recipients of the awards in Constable rank were Shri Keshav Naik, Shri Gorakhnath Suraj Samant, Shri Gautam Salunke, in the rank of Police Inspector Shri Harish Madkaikar, Shri Rajan Nigalye, Shri Ninad Deulkar, Shri Siddhant Shirodkar received the awards.

While Shri Jivba Dalvi Police Inspector, Shri Dharmesh Angle Dy.Supdt. Shri Sammy Tavares Dy.Supdt, Smt. Sunita Sawant Dy.Supdt, Shri Arvind Gawas SP where among those who received Samaj Mitra Puraskar.

Dr. Muktesh Chander DGP Goa performed flute instrumental on the occasion followed by comedy skit-Hindi by Shri Bhau Kadam, Shri Bharat Ganeshpure, Shri Sagar  Karande, and Shri Kushal  Bhadrike,

Shri Jaspal Singh ( IPS ) IGP –Goa , Shri Sandip Nigalye, and others attended the function.

Shri Gaurish Dhond Chairman Indian Red Cross Society welcomed the gathering. Prof. Anant Agni and Ms. Siddhi Upadhye jointly compered the function. While Shri Paresh Naik Proprietor Rajashree Creations –Goa proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, January 31, 2019 :::Prize distribution of State Level Cultural Talent Search Competition 2018-19 will be held on February 2, 2019 at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji organized by Directorate of Art and Culture.

The competition was conducted in 26 different events. The main aim of this competition is to give platform to the upcoming talent in the field of Music, Dance, Drama, Fine Art, Literature etc.

The prizes will be distributed at the hands of Minister for Art and Culture, Shri Govind Gaude at Lecture hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.

The competition was held in the field of Vocal (Indian Classical, Light Music, Western Solo), Tabla, Harmonium, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue, Guitar, Keyboard, Sitar, Violin, Drum, Poetry, Essay, Writing, Handwriting in english and Devnagri and Drawing. Three prizes in each amounting Rs.3000/-, Rs. 2000/- and Rs. 1500/- and the certificates will be awarded. The 1^st prize winner of the State Level competition is entitle for the scholarship.

Panaji. January 30, 2019 …  Nominations are invited from eligible farmers/ cultivators who are growing Medicinal Plants viz. Kokum (Garcinia indica), Pippali (Piper longum) and Madhukari (Stevia rebaudiana),  etc. in their land for the grant of subsidy.

Interested farmers fulfilling the eligibility criteria as per National AYUSH Mission norms may apply to the Chief Executive Officer – State Medicinal Plants Board Goa, Office of the Dy. Conservator of Forests, Research and Utilisation Division, Aquem Margao on or before February 15, 2019.

For more information contact The Chief Executive Officer – State Medicinal Plants Board Goa office of the Dy. Conservator of Forests, Research & Utilisation Division, Aquem Margao or email dcfru-forest.goa@nic.in or call 0832-2750099.

Panaji, January 29, 2019 … …Minister for Civil Aviation Shri. Suresh Prabhu today inaugurated India’s 1^st Geographical Indication (GI) Store at Goa International Airport in Dabolim. The store is located on the 1^st floor on Departure Terminal, and jointly set up by Airport Authority of India(AAI) and The Cashew Export Promotional Council of India(CEPCI). Members of Parliament Shri. Narendra Sawaikar and Shri. Vinay Tendulkar, Minister for Tourism Shri. Manohar T. Ajgaonkar, Minister for Town and Country Planning Shri. Vijay Sardesai, Minister of Panchayat Shri. Mauvin Godinho were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Prabhu informed that currently there are 270 GI registered products in the country and the store will be a boon for the global tourists. “All airports in India will have a GI stalls in the coming future. These stalls will also promote local products, handicrafts and geographical talent. Goan Feni is one of the GI products, and Mankurad Mango is a local specialty. The AAI will soon sign an agreement with all the State Governments in the country to promote their local produce at the airport,” the Minister told.

The Minister also told that products from self-help groups, artisans and farmers’ produce will be also displayed on the airport at a concessional rate. “The Ministry of Commerce has already made a proposal to overseas Trade Missions. If the Trade Missions across the globe agree to display our products, it will be very profitable for the rural sector. Japan, Korea and other Scandinavian countries have already agreed to keep our Marine products with a little value addition at their airports. International Trade Expos is another destination to keep these products on display,” he informed. He further added that in the coming future all the GI stores will have a similar design, designed by National Institute of Design. We have a very rich cultural heritage. Hence, our archives will be digitized soon and made available to the general public, Shri. Prabhu said.

            Earlier, the Minister inspected the new stall in the presence of other Ministers and traders. Ministers Shri Ajgaonkar and Shri. Godinho also spoke on the occasion.

Panaji, January 29, 2019 …  “The Captain of Ports is doing good work in keeping Goa’s Rivers trade friendly and navigable,” said the Minister for Ports, Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar. Shri Salgaonkar was speaking at the function for the laying of the Foundation stone for the ‘Construction of Terminal Building for Captain of Ports’ at Panaji,  today. The proposed terminal building for COP is to be located in front of the newly-constructed COP Jetty in Panaji and will comprise ground floor and three upper floor levels.

“The new building will take into account trade and allied business partners, which will be housed here and which will add to the revenue of the Government of Goa,” said Shri Salgaonkar. The design of the building will resemble the form of a ship.

Shri Salgaonkar informed that the COP is working on opening of river mouths where sand bar formations have taken place. “Siltation needs to be removed and for this we need the cooperation of the Government and local stakeholders,” he said.
Present on the occasion were Captain James Braganza, Captain of Ports, Deputy Captain of Ports, Captain Premlal Sirsaiker, Assistant Accounts Officer, Smt. Savita Aguiar among others.

The work for the new terminal building is being done by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and the total cost of Civil, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Fighting works will be Rs. 25.18 crores.