Panaji:April 4, 2018 … A survey was conducted in Panaji city by Panaji Traffic Police and 199 vehicles are identified as ‘abandoned vehicles’ within the limits of Panaji city-  101 two wheelers, 93 four wheelers, 05 Auto Rickshaws. From the looks of these vehicles, it is evident that these vehicles are not being used for a number of days and parked idle and occupying precious parking space in Panaji city. Some businessmen are using these vehicles as store room/godown to keep their goods in these vehicles. Even some junk vehicles are found parked on the road.

As per section 127(1) of the M.V Act 1988, any such vehicles which are left unattended for more than 10 hours will be considered as an abandoned vehicle.

The owners of these ‘abandoned vehicles’ are requested to remove these vehicles from the parking lots of Panaji city within 07 days, so that the parking is made available for the parking of other vehicles. After 07 days, a fresh survey will be conducted and a list of such vehicles still lying at the spot will be sent to the District Magistrate, North Goa and the Commissioner, CCP for beginning the process of auction after serving notice to the owners of these vehicles u/s 133 of M.V. Act. In past, about 50 such ‘abandoned vehicles’ have been auctioned by CCP after the owners failed to claim these vehicles.

Members of the public are requested to cooperate with traffic police and remove such abandoned vehicles from the parking lots of Panaji city. In future, if any such ‘abandoned vehicles’ are found occupying parking space in the city, such vehicles will be towed away and kept at CCP Yard, without giving any intimation to the owners of these vehicles at the cost of owners.

Panaji: April 3rd:….. Taking its strong view against e commerce platforms for indulging in to deep discounting and loss funding thereby violating FDI Policy 2016 of the Union Government, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) today lashed out at Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Commerce today for remaining silent on this issue inspite of drawing his attention several times on this critical issue. ​It appears that instead of promoting Indian retail trade, the Government is more interested in helping & encouraging MNCs to control & dominate the retail trade through e commerce & FDI which is highly deplorable-added CAIT. Recently US President Mr. Donald Trump has voice fully criticised Amazon and its policies for avoiding taxes and the same modalities are being used in India as well.

​CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia & Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said that instead of taking action on complaints made against e commerce companies, the Government went one step ahead in allowing 100% FDI in single brand retail and has made all arrangements to wreck the backbone of Indian retail Trade.​It is more painful that even after​ ​specific assurance given to ​CAIT​ delegation by Mr. Prabhu himself, no step has been taken to draft a National Trade Policy for Retail Trade.​

​Therefore, it looks sure that domestic trade is never on the priority of the Government though Prime Minister is advocating policies for small businesses time & again but all goes in vain.​

The CAIT said that large number of e commerce platforms are deeply engaged in predatory pricing and continuously offering deep discounts by funding the losses in contravention of the FDI policy which clearly make them responsible for maintaining the equal level playing field and debar them in influencing the prices.These e commerce companies claims to be a marketplace but mass scale public advertisements by them in the recent past is nothing but to solicit the consumers directly. If in reality these companies are B2B marketplace place, then where is the need of conducting big scale advertisement campaign directly addressing the consumers which speaks for itself that they are indulging B2C activities which is a blatant violation of FDI policy.

Reacting to the attack of the US President, Donald Trump against Amazon, Mr Khandelwal, remarked – “It is extremely ironical that while American President is deeply concerned about the impact of predatory practices of companies like Amazon on the retail ecosystem of US and also the collection of sales tax on e-commerce sales, Indian Government chooses to turn a blind eyes not only to predatory pricing by FDI e-commerce entities but also the blatant infringement of the Press Note 3 conditions which require e-commerce companies to refrain from retail sales”.

The National President of Indian Cellular Association (ICA), Mr Pankaj Mohindroo commented – “The mobile phone industry across only thrives in a nurturing and nourishing retail and distribution environment. The huge pressure which the retail ecosystem is facing today from the phenomena of influencing of price by FDI e-commerce entities is a matter of great concern. We welcome he deep investments in infrastructure which e-commerce is bringing about, but the law as per Press note 3 is explicit and should be followed in letter and spirit”.

Panaji:April 2, 2018 …  An awareness camp on Zero Defect Zero Effect scheme of Ministry of MSME was organised by Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) in collaboration with Quality Council of India and Goa Industrial Development Corporation from March 26 to 29, 2018 at Madkaim, Verna, Colvale and Bicholim Industrial Estates.

            The Ministry of MSME has notified a scheme called “Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme” which was launched by the  Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi. The scheme is an extensive drive of the Government of India to enhance global competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them financial support in assessment, rating and handholding of its manufacturing processes on Quality and Environment aspects.

            Shri. Himanshu Patnekar, Functional Manager-DITC Goa welcomed the participants and appraised the industrialist about the salient features of the scheme. Shri. Manik Gupta, Assistant Director, Quality Council of India made a detailed presentation about the scheme which is aimed at enhancing the quality of products manufactured by MSME industry with the aim at reducing the polluting effects of manufacturing and improving quality of products at the same time enabling them to compete effectively in the global market. He also stated that the objectives  of the  scheme is to  achieve Zero Defect manufacturing in MSMEs providing quality tools, promoting  energy efficient manufacturing, increasing  productivity, expanding market base, reducing wastage, developing  new products and processing and  to supporting “ Make in India” campaign.

            A large number of industrialists along with representatives of industrial associations participated. Shri. Prashant Kamat, Functional Manager- DIC said that the camp is meant to encourage more and more industrialists to register with the government under the ZED Scheme which is very beneficial for Indian manufacturing. More than 160 MSMEs registered free of cost under ZED certification scheme during the workshop.

            Others present on the occasion included Smt. Darshana Narulkar, GM DIC, Shri. Akshay Potekar DD, Industries, Shri. Satish Gaonkar, Industries Officer, Shri. Sayed Hadi, Industries Inspector, Shri. Nagesh Morajkar, Industries Inspector, Shri. Ajit Naik, Shri. Ravi Kant Kumar, Quality Council of India and others association members.

            Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri. Satish Gaonkar, Industries Officer, Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce.

Panaji:April 1st,2018  ….The Department of Co-operation for the month of February 2018  audited 40 coop. Societies and an amount of Rs. 14970 towards the share capital has been increased from Coop. Societies and other Coop. Institutions.  95  No. of members have been enrolled  by the department during the month February 2018. An  amount of loan recovered by the Coop. Bank and other institution Rs. 339.47 lakhs and an amount of loan recovered by the Goa State Housing Finance and Federation Ltd. Rs. 54.09 lakhs.

            During the month of February 2018, 1645217.00 liters of milk from local and 365004.00 liters of milk from outside State has been procured by Goa State Coop. Milk Producer’s Union Ltd. Curti Ponda and 10 Societies registered during the month of February 2018.  

Panaji: March 31, 2018  … Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB)  recently celebrated  “World Water Day”  and has organised “Water Conservation technique by way of Ferro Cement Technology” for the newly constituted and  reconstituted Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC’s) at the “Seminar Hall”, Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), C/o Department of Science, Technology and  Environment, Opp. Saligao Seminary, Saligao, Bardez- Goa.

            The training program was conducted by Shri. Ulhas Paranjpe, Trustee of Jalvardhini Pratishthan a non-profit organisation with the mission to promote cost effective (low cost) methods of creating storage using Ferro Cement and  Natural Fibre Cement technology.

            A shallow pond has been constructed at the campus of Department of Science, Technology and  Environment using this low cost Ferro Cement technology for the benefit of wildlife visiting the campus.

            Shri. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, GSBB interacted with BMC members on need to speed the awareness about conservation of water to conserve Biodiversity & delivered detailed training on importance of Rain Water Harvesting and technologies available for collection and storing rainwater & augmentation of ground water table.

             The BMC members were present in large numbers and actively participated in  the interactive session and  field work.

Panaji: March 30, 2018  …. The Industries Department has organized an awareness and registration camp on the Zero Effect Zero Defect (ZED) Certification Scheme in association with the ZED division of Quality Council of India (QCI), Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Goa Small Industries Association from  March 26  to 29,  2018 in four industrial Estates in Goa.  

  The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has notified “Zero Effect Zero Defect (ZED) Certification Scheme and  Quality Council of India is the National Monitoring & Implementing unit for this scheme.

          The camp will held at 10.00 a.m in Training Hall of M/s. Encube Ethicals, Madkaim Industrial Estate Goa-IDC Hall, Verna  Industrial Estate   and at Goa-IDC Hall, Colvale Industrial Estate and  Bicholim Industries Association Hall, Bicholim Industrial Estate .

The aim is to make MSMEs of the region aware of the ZED Certification Scheme of Government of India and guide and encourage all the MSMEs  to register for the same. Participation and Registration for ZED is free for all MSMEs in Goa.

All manufacturing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are requested to attend the camp and enrol under the scheme. Following details are required for the registration of each enterprise: UAM/EM-II/SSI certificate,   Email Address of the Enterprise and Mobile Number.

Panjim, March 29: Goa Tourism is all set to soothe the blistering summer with a cool and exciting  three day  festival entitled The Spirit of Goa 2018.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, Govt.  of Goa The Spirit of Goa Festival 2018  is scheduled from April 6th to 8th at  the D.B . Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim.

The three day event revolves around Goa’s  much loved Coconut and Cashew  in a variety of products, cuisine, beverages, handicrafts etc. showcasing the traditional aspects and the goodness associated with this produce.

The Spirit of Goa Festival 2018 will also have live demos on distilling of cashew and coconut juice into Goa’s much relished heritage brew Feni. Besides authentic Goan food,  coconut and cashew will also be the key ingredients in the cuisine and beverages prepared and served during the three-day festival.

One  can also experience  a ride on the  HOHO buses  as  a transport service to the venue on Goa’s red and swanky double-decker will be available on all three days.

A variety of exciting programmes, entertainment, workshops and competitions will be scheduled and loads of prizes and surprises  are set to enthrall the audience.

The spirit of Goa Festival Entertainment has been planned to bring out the musical spirit carved out in the hearts of every Goan. From timeless Konkani & Portuguese classics to modern day English Latin styles with jazz and funk rhythms including Konkani pop. The festival line up boasts of well curated  large format ensembles with full brass sections never seen on stage before.

Day 1,  April 6^th Friday will feature Lulu Fortes from Rhythm & Blues belting out some good old Latin and Konkani hits followed by  Lorna Cordeiro , Goa’s very own legend who will light up the stage with her presence accompanied by a large format ensemble with mesmerizing dances during her act.

Day 2, April 7^th Saturday will feature Goa’s very own Goenchim Noketram troupe with a 18 member ensemble that will bring out authentic Goan music from Dekhnis to Mando and Classic hits. This live act will be accompanied by authentic Goan dances featuring various ethnic Goan costumes.

This act will be followed by an equally heavy 22 member ensemble put together by Latin Connection & Sonia Jaffer’s Beaumont Dance Company that will feature some classic Konkani and Portuguese hits with the Beaumont Dance Company doing Latin & Traditional Funk dance moves. Some of the singers that will feature in this act are Celia Lawson from Portugal, a Eurovision finalist,  Daniella Rodrigues, Celiz Pinto, Akshada Talaulikar, Nadia Rebelo, Seby fernandes & Zezinho Fernandes.

This act will also feature Goa’s youngest female drummer Anastazia D’mello who has a Grade 8 certification from the Rock school of Music.

 Day 3, April 8^th Sunday will feature a young talented group of Goan Musicians called ‘Coffee Cats’ who are known for their unique renditions of some of the famous Latin covers including Konkani classics. The Coffee Cats will also be featured on stage with a large format Ensemble complete with full brass section. Don’t miss this act. It starts at 7 pm sharp.

This act will be followed by Goa’s very own Konkani Pop Star O’luv who will also feature a full brass section on stage along with veteran drummer Carlos and Keyboardist Mukesh Gatwal to name a few.

This act will also feature an aerial dance act with a message of peace to the world sung by O’luv.

Panaji, March 28, 2018 … A review meeting was convened at the Raj Bhavan with regards to the progress of various Central Government Schemes being implemented in the State of Goa. Various Heads of Departments briefed Shri. Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS, Secretary to Governor regarding the Flagship Programme of the Government of India.

          The challenges and status of the various Central Schemes being implemented by the Departments of Rural Development, Health Services, Women and Child Development, Education, Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare, Urban Development, Public Works Department, Electricity, Water Resources, Skill Development and Panchayat and others were discussed at the meeting.

Margao:  March 27, 2018…  Agriculture is a time tested occupation and a long term honourable profession. People of Goa should adopt intensive agriculture methods and mechanized farming and should get involved in sustainable development which is a target of Government said, Minister for Agriculture Shri Vijay Sardessai.

Shri Sardessai was speaking at the inauguration function of three days “Goa Krishi Mahotsav” organised by Directorate of Agriculture along with National Horticulture Mission, State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Insitutute and the Agriculture Technology Management Agency, South Goa at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao today.

Speaking further Shri Sardessai said Government is consistant with ushering in mechanization. Government’s aim is to double up the income of farmers by increasing crop through intensive agriculture. Contract farming law will be brought up soon to provide benefit to farmers, he said.

Shri Sardessai also announced Community Farming Scheme on the occassion. This scheme requires minimum 1 hactre land. Farmers can unite and club their land for which Agriculture Department will provide fencing; well; irrigation system like drip irrigation and sprinkler system, water pump etc. 90% of the expenses involved to cultivate this land will be borne by the Department and in case organic farming is being undertaken in this land then more incentives will also be provided, he said.

500 hectares of land will be taken up under this scheme on pilot basis in the begining. The aim of this scheme is to bring barren land in the State under cultivation and to usher in cooperative atmosphere in farmers. He appealed to the farmers to join hands to make progress for which Government will give all the required support. Government is focussed to attract the interest of the young generation in agriculture.

Twelve tractors were also handed over to the engineering division of Agriculture Department for the use and benefit of farming community.

Director, Directorate of Agriculture, Shri Nelson Figueiredo and Director, Indian Council for Agricultre Research, Dr Chakurkar were among those prominent persons present on the occasion.

The Mahotsav includes exhibition, demonstations, knowledge session, workshop and display. 60 stalls with 30 private exhibitors along with NGO’s and various Government Departments are participating in these 3 days Mahotsav. It also includes sessions on gardening, urban farming, honey bee cultivation, mushroom cultivation and vegetable cultivation. A special pavilion for various coconut based eatables and products is an added attraction of the mahotsav.

Margao:  March 26, 2018 … Unless and until one doesn’t keep a vision it will be difficult to march towards progress and to achieve greater heights in life. Planning is very much important in life and should be done meticulously. Practical knowledge and experience is very much important apart from books, said Minister for PWD, Shri Sudin Dhavlikar.

Speaking after inaugurating “SANKRITI 2018” an event concerned with Civil Engineering organised by Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda in association with Civil Engineering Students Association and Indian Concrete Institute, Students Chapter at the college premises, today, Shri Dhavlikar urged students to focus on imparting practical technical education apart from books. More stress should be given on the socio ethical knowledge to survive in this competitive world, he added.

Shri Dhavlikar congratulated Don Bosco College of Engineering for oraganising an event which showcases talent of young budding generation and giving the much required exposure of technical expertise. Such event also provides better coordination and opportunities, he said.

He said the education trend is changing day by day with latest innovative technology and hence we have to cope up with the new trend keeping in mind the requirement of society at large. He urged the students to create a learning ambience by inculcating professional behaviour, problem solving skill, student faculty colaboration and socio ethical awareness.

Civil Engineering is the backbone of State which includes construction development for water supply, sewerage, roads, bridges and water resources. Goa is the only State which supplies filtered drinking water to 95% of the population. As of today about 750 MLD water is supplied in the State and in near future Government is planning for additional 250 MLD and again for next 25 years by increasing water resource additional 500 MLD water will be provided, he pointed.

Chairman, CREDAI Goa, Shri Desh Prabhudessai said students have to be ambitious and added that nature will take them high in life. Students should be practically perfect rather then in academic, he said.

Principal, Dr Neena Panandikar and Director, Fr Kinley D’cruz also spoke on the occasion. Prof Annapurna Sakardande, HOD was present on the occasion.

Shri Siddhant Porob welcomed the gathering while Shri Atish Lolienkar proposed the vote of thanks.