Panaji: October 27, 2018 … The Department of Art and Culture is organizing Dhalo-Fugadi Festival for the past many years i.e. from 2002 onwards in Goa at different places in Goa.  The main aim of this festival is to promote and preserve the Goan traditional folk dances i.e. Dhalo and Fugadi. The said folk forms are normally presented by the woman artists, groups, mandals etc. To showcase their talent on stage and to promote the art form this festival is being organized. The women artists from the state of Goa eagerly wait for this festival to present the Dhalo-Fugadi dance performances.

In the year 2002 the festival was organized at one place with 20 women groups. There after the participation of the groups increased to 50 numbers and the programme was held at two venues. Since the groups were increased the venues were also increased. During 2013-14, the activity was held at 4 venues. The groups were further increased and Department had to organize the festival at seven places. However the performance time was reduced from 15min to 8min. To increase the time limit of the performance of the participants it was decided to increase the venues of festival from 7 to 13. The said festival was not organized by the Department during 2017-18. It was decided to organize the said festival once in two years and accordingly this year i.e. 2018-19

The festival will be organized at 14 different places by giving 12 minutes of performance time for each group on last week of November 2018 at following venues. At all places the festival will be held on last week of November 2018. The different venues of the festival are

Shree Chandreshwar Temple, Paroda, Quepem, Shree Mahadev Temple, Tambdisurla, Dharbandora,  Shree Devki Krishna Ravalnath Temple, Marcel,  Shree Sateri Devastan, Xell, Siolim, Bardez,  Shree Mahamaya Devasthan, Bordem, Bicholim,  Shree Shantadurga Devasthan, Dhargal, Pernem, Shree Mahalasa Narayani Devalaya, old Mardola, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Shree Bhagvati Temple, Mandrem, Pernem, Shree Brahmadev Temple, BrahmaKarmali, Nagargaon, Valpoi, Shree Brahmasthan Sausthan,Pandurangwadi, Baina, Vasco, Shree Shivnath Temple, Shivnathi, Shiroda, Ponda,  Shree Sateri Devasthan, Carmi Bhat, Mercem, Tiswadi, Shree Vithal Sausthan Vithalwadi, Sanguem, Shree Mallikarjun Temple, Shristhal, Canacona.

This is a unique festival being organized at different places in Goa by the department to promote and preserve the rich folk traditions of the State and to give platform to the artists, groups, mandals etc. The groups have to perform traditional Goan Dhalo and Fugadi long with traditional Costumes. No Participants will allow to participate in more than one group. The performance duration shall be 12 minutes to 15 minutes for each group. The participating groups shall be paid incidental charges towards participation by the department. Maximum 15 participants are allowed in each group. The group should not be less than 10 members.

The Interested groups may collect the prescribed entry forms from the office of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa during office working hours. The last date to submit the form to the Department above address on or before November 16, 2018. No spot entries will be accepted. The schedule of performance will be intimated on November 20, 2018

Panaji: October 26, 2018 … Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations (National Unity Day), which commemorates the birth anniversary of late Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is commemorated on October 31. As part of the commemoration, the Department of Information and Publicity is conducting an essay competition for all the journalists and media persons in Goa.

          The aim of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations is to foster and reinforce people’s dedication to preserve and strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation. Keeping this in mind the following topic as been selected as the theme of the essay competition ‘My United India’.

          The terms and conditions for the competition are as follows:

1) The essays should be original. Previously published essays will not be allowed. No plagiarism allowed.

2) The word count should not exceed 200 (Two Hundred) words.

3) Language of the essay entries: English

          The final date to receive entries is October 30, 2018. Entries can be sent to:

          The Director, Department of Information and Publicity, Third Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Panaji, Goa or emailed to johnaguiar04@gmail.com

          The First Prize Winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1000 (Rupees One Thousand only), the Second Prize Winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 700 (Rupees Seven Hundred only) and the Third Prize Winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 500 (Rupees Five Hundred only). Prize winners will also be given certificates. 

Panaji: October 25, 2018 … The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa organizes month end theatre activity called “Prayog Saanj” on last Saturday of every month. This is the 65 ^th performance of “Prayog Saanj” which will be held on October 27, 2018 at 6.30 p.m. at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.

“Sharmishta” a theatrical presentation will be presented by “Rudreshwar, Panaji” in this “Prayog Saanj”. The play has been written by renowned writer Shri Manguesh Padgaonkar and Directed by Shri Deepak Amonkar. The actors are Shradha Gawandi, Akshata Kinalekar, Sarvesh Kerkar, Chiranjeev Pednekar and Prasad Kalangutkar. The main objective of “Prayog Saanj” is to provide a platform to the new groups and budding artist in the field of Drama. The Directorate of Art and Culture provides its Multipurpose Hall free of cost for the performance of the plays. The groups interested to perform in “Prayog Saanj” may kindly contact the Directorate of Art and Culture for further details.

This programme is open for all and it is requested to all the artists and theatre lovers to be a part of the same.

Panaji: October 24, 2018 … Vice-President of India Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu today inaugurated a three-day conclave ‘SAGAR Discourse’ based on National and International security and sharing of space resources between countries. The three days conclave is held in a hotel at Bambolim, will discuss issues pertaining to security in outer space that affects all geopolitical entities in the world. ‘SAGAR Discourse’ is an annual event of the Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS), a Mumbai-based think-tank that works in association with the ISRO, the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defense.

Governor Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha, Minister for Panchayat Shri. Mauvin Godinho, FINS President Lt. Gen. D. B. Shekatkar,  Former Chairman of ISRO Dr. Kiran Kumar, Convenor of the Conclave Dr. Paleri and Adv. Bal Dessai were present on the occasion.

The Vice President in his key-note address said that conclaves like SAGAR helps to identify challenges and opportunities in a particular field. “We must enlighten ourselves from the knowledge exchanged by experts in conclaves like this. Space and water security are new avenues to explore  and more conversations on such topics will make us wiser,” opined Shri. Naidu.

He further said that we must try to utilize solar energy and other natural resources in order to provide our next generation a bright future.  Issues like poverty, extreme weather patterns and child labour are some of India’s challenges that we must dwell upon,” Shri. Naidu said.

The Governor congratulated FINS members for choosing Goa as a venue for the conclave. “May the discussions be fruitful and yield good results,” the Governor said.

Earlier the function began with lighting the traditional lamp followed by welcome address by Lt. Gen. Shekatkar. Dr. Kiran Kumar and Dr. Paleri also spoke on the occasion. Shri. Gokhale compered the function while Adv. Dessai proposed the vote of thanks.

Union Minister for AYUSH (IC) Shri. Shripad Naik, MP Shri. Vinay Tendulkar, former Minister Shri. Rajendra Arlekar were present among others. The three day discourse is attended by delegates from more than 20 countries, ex-servicemen, defense personnel and senior Govt. officials.

Panaji: October 23, 2018 …Directorate of Women and Child Development informs that as per the RBI decision, Mapusa Urban Co-oprative Bank Ltd. are not accepting the Griha Aadhar Scheme monthly payment, which results in rejection of monthly payment credited to beneficiaries account in Mapusa Urban Co-oprative Bank Ltd.

All Griha Aadhar beneficiaries having their account in Mapusa Urban Co-oprative Bank Ltd. will have to opt for any other bank and submit their bank details to GEL for updating the same, immediately without any further delay.

Beneficiaries are alos requested to link their Aadhar number to the bank account submitted by them to Goa Electronics Limited, (GEL) Shram Shakti  Bhavan, Patto Panaji.

Margao:  October 22, 2018 … Underground cabling throughout the State would be carried out in a phased manner without burdening the common man asserted Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral and added that the work is thought of being carried out through joint venture or on PPP model.

Shri Cabral assured the people of the State of uninterrupted power supply and exhorted the 7000 odd army of the power department to deliver in improving the power situation. Responsibility and accountability will be fixed on officials  – top to down the line , he remarked.

The Power Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for execution of Under-ground Cabling work and commissioning of independent 11KV Assolda-Xelvona feeder from 33/11 KV Sub-Station at Pontemol, Curchorem today.

Speaking further, Shri Cabral stating that the PPP model will help to upgrade the infrastructure including quality supply of power urged the people to accept some 10-20 percent hike in the tariff once the projects are over.  The White Paper on the functioning of the department would be brought out within 45 days as promised.  The Paper will deal in detail the planning, shortcomings, and execution of various projects for the better administration and functioning of the department, Shri Cabral pointed.

The Power Minister stressed the need to carry out all electrical works by the Department which is presently being undertaken by various departments.  In the next 4-5 months, all the departments/agencies will have to get such electrical works through the department as it is equipped with all expertise, he said.

Shri Cabral stressing the need to have a test for all the line staff gave a clear message to the line helpers and meter readers presently discharging duties in the office that they will have to perform duties for the purpose they are recruited.  Employing of contract staff will be done away with gradually. The eligible performing contract staff will be absorbed in the department, he remarked.

The work of the underground cabling will benefit the consumers of the main town wards with quality and reliable power supply while the commissioning of independent 11KV Assolda-Xelvona feeder will reduce the load from the existing feeder, i.e Bansai thus ensuring consumers of both the feeders of stable and quality power bringing in much relief to the consumers of both the areas.  The work is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs. 29.50 crores

Chairperson, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, Shri Felix Fernandes and Chief Electrical Engineer, Shri N. Reddy also spoke on the occasion.

Vice-Chairperson, Smt. Piedade Diniz; Sarpanch of Assolda-Xelvona Panchayat, Smt. Sunita Naik; Sarpanch of V.P. Xeldem, Shri Pramod Gauns Dessai; ZP Member, Smt. Hazel Fernandes; Councilors, Panchayat Members and power department officials were amongst those present on the occasion.

Executive Engineer, Shri A. Devadasan welcomed while Assistant Engineer, Shri Anil Goankar proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: October 20, 2018 … The 60^th annual Police Commemoration Day Parade 2018 will be held at the Goa Police Headquarters, Panaji. Goa police will pay rich tributes to police and paramilitary personnel from across the country killed in action over the past one year between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018, as a part of Police Commemoration Day. A parade will be held to mark the occasion, arms would be reversed and two minutes silence will be observed in the honour of the departed souls. Director General of Goa Police, Dr. Muktesh Chander IPS, will pay tributes to the martyrs.

The history of commemoration day traces back to October 21, 1959, when a patrol party of CRPF, led by SI Karam Singh, was ambushed by the Chinese forces at Hot Springs Ladakh and 10 jawans were killed.

Panaji: Oct 19th 2018 ::: Mopa airport would be an engine of growth for Goa said Minister for Panchayat  Shri Mauvin Godinho.He was speaking after inaugurating Walkover Goa Toys ’and Baby Care Mega Store at Panjim today.

Shri Godinho congratulated the owner Ms Freda Tavora for the new outlet which has varieties of toys and baby care products. He added that with development of cargo and logistics hubs, as assured by Union Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu, employment will be generated and locals will not feel the need to go abroad for work. Development is taking place in every nook and corner of the state he added.

Shri Godinho also said that around 3000 vacancies will be created in various government departments and in a month’s time post will be out for advertisement.

   Minister for Power Shri Nilesh Cabral was also present on the occasion.

Margao:  October 18, 2018 … MLA and Chairman, Goa State Infrastructure Corporation, Shri Deepak Prabhu Pauskar today launched/inaugurated a slew of projects in all the panchayats of Sanvordem Constituency which coincided with his Birthday.  The cost of all the various works/projects undertaken is to the tune of more than 45 crores.

The works includes upgradation of Rural Medical Centre at Collem –ground plus one complex consisting of 12 bedded hospital with lot many facilities;  Construction of Bye Pass road from Ambeudak to Devnamol, Kalay with a total length of 2.15 kms; Beautification of road at Capxem; Construction/Upgradation of Panchayat Ghars/Building at Kirlapal, Dabal and Kalay; Construction of Playground at Anandwadi, Sanvordem illumination of road at Sanvordem and inauguration of beautification of Malikeshwar Temple at Collem and inauguration of 03 Government Primary Schools at Sancordem.

 Sports Minister, Shri Manohar Azgaonkar speaking after laying the foundation stone for construction of playground at Anandwadi, Sanvordem sought the support of the people to carry out development projects for the benefit of the people. People should rally behind Shri Pauskar to ensure the end result of the vision to develop the constituency, he added.

The Government vacancies should be out in a few days time, Azgaonkar said adding that one cannot satisfy everyone in providing government service.  Alternate avenues to provide employment opportunity to the educated youths is being looked at seriously, he pointed.

Minister for Power, Shri Nilesh Cabral assuring people of 24 x7 power supply emphasised the need for co-operation, compromise and sacrifice from the people as power is purchased from other states.

Shri Pauskar extending his Dussehra wishes to the people at Collem said that the ramp at Dudhsagar would be built to attract more tourists to the village.  This will further boost employment opportunities to the local people. The increase in the limit of vehicles to the Dudsagar falls will be taken care, he remarked.

He also informed the people that the work of hot mixing of the roads will be taken in the next 3 months.  The work of augmenting the water supply to the constituency will be taken up under MPLADS, he said.

Shri Pauskar maintaining that the mining activities will resume soon said that proposal to bring the retrenched workers under the umbrella of providing monthly assistance of Rs. 6000/- p.m. is under consideration with effect from February 2018.

Vice Chairman, GSIDC, Shri Siddharth Kuncolienkar; Sarpanchas, Shri Sandeep Pauskar and Shri Kishore Gauns Dessai; ZP Member, Shri Govind Gaonkar also spoke on the occasion.

The sarpanchas and panch members of different panchayats were among those prominent persons present on the occasion.