Panaji: October 2, 2017 … Setting an  agenda for plastic free  Goa, the Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar underlined the importance of work and cleanliness and asserted that these two principles could resolve a number of issues in the State. The Chief Minister said a change in attitude is all that is required and the people should use Cotton & Jute bags which are biodegradable and made from natural resources which were used by our forefathers. This way half of the Garbage problem will be solved.

Parrikar was speaking at the state function at Gandhi Chowk, Old Goa, on the occasion of 148th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Union Minister of State for AYUSH and North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Power Minister and  Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, Se Old Goa Sarpanch Smt. Janita Madkaikar, former Power Minister Nirmala Sawant, former MLA Shri Dharma Chodankar, Acting Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shri P. Krishnamurthy, Collector North Smt. Nila Mohanan, Superintendent of Police North Smt. Chandan Chaudhury,  Government officers, school children and others were present for the function.

The Chief Minister said that use of  flower bouquets wrapped in plastic for welcoming  guests at functions should be avoided and instead of flowers wrapped in plastic, only flowers could be given.

The Chief Minister said that a state of art garbage treatment plant would be set up in Old Goa very soon. Stating that a garbage plant can be kept as clean as a factory, the Chief Minister urged those having doubts to visit the state-of-the-art solid waste treatment plant at Saligao before raising any objection to the plant at Bainguinim. People should change their ‘not in my backyard’ attitude.

Verses and prayers were read out from the holy books by Maulana Rafiq Ahmed Sahib, Fr Patricio Fernandes and Shri Devidas Dessai on the occasion.

A group of Kala Academy, Goa led by Smt. Samiksha Bhobe Kakodkar, a well known vocalist,  presented  ‘bhajans’ at the function which was attended by a large number of school children.

Earlier Smt. Janita Madkaikar, sarpanch Se Old Goa Village Panchayat welcomed the Gathering. The function was compered by Shri Pradip Naik.

Later, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries attended a function organised by Se Old Goa village panchayat to celebrate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, at the panchayat premises.

Additional Collector Shri Vikas Gaunekar, SDPO Panaji Shri Nelson Albuquerque; SDO and Deputy Collector Shri Pundalik Khorjuvenkar, Information Officer  Shri John Aguiar; Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Shri Dharmesh Angle and others were present on the occasion.

Panjim, October 1: The first charter flight from Moscow arrived at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim today, marking the beginning of the tourism season in Goa for the year 2017-18.

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar said, ”it’s a flying start for the new tourism season with the arrival  of  519 foreign tourists from Russia on the first charter flight which arrived in Goa today. I am very happy that the new tourism season has begun and am confident that it will progress smoothly and satisfactorily.

I received  an overwhelming response  from tour operators  when  I was in Moscow  last month and  both Goa Tourism and  the Russian  travel and  tour operators  had very fruitful discussions and  business  interactions which will have  positive results for Goa this season. I welcome the arrival of the first charter and wish all our tourism stakeholders and charter handling agencies a very successful season.

I  once again reiterate  that even as Goa Tourism is very serious about  ensuring the safety and security  of all its tourists,  I appeal to all our foreign and  domestic guests to enjoy responsibly  and to  follow the  laws of the land and  all the DOs and  D’ONTs  to avoid  risking  or endangering their lives.

The Goa police,  lifeguards and locals serve as  our ambassadors  and one needs to  pay heed to  them  at times in addition to following  signboards,  warning notices and whatever  awareness is created  in the interest of  tourists.”

Biblio Globus in association with Concord Exotic Voyages (P) Ltd today brought its first charter flight with 519 passengers from Russia on board Rossiya Airlines which arrived at Goa airport, Dabolim  at  8:30 a.m.

Goa Tourism accorded a warm welcome to the charter passengers on arrival at the airport with a brass band and presentation of roses and sweets to all the passengers.

Goa Tourism is expecting a good charter season this year and is taking all necessary steps to  clear out hurdles at the airport with regards to  landings and  slots for charters.

While there was a dip in charter arrivals due to recession and geo-political scenario across the globe, the year 2016-17 saw a surge in arrival of charters and passengers. This year Goa Tourism is optimistic and confident of crossing the 1000 mark of charter flights.

This year 519 passengers arrived on the first charter alone as against 492 passengers last year.

Margao:  September 30th 2017 … Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar reiterating the Government commitment for the development of the State as a whole asserted that the no preferential treatment is meted to any district in particular. The whole of the State has been given equal attention when it comes to its development irrespective of political agreement or disagreement, he added.

Speaking after inaugurating the office of Tribal Welfare at Old Collectorate building, Margao, Shri Parrikar said all government Offices like the Secretariat cannot be set up in the District and informed that South District should have fully empowered offices in its jurisdiction and assured to complete 90 percent government facilities in the District by March 2018. 

Shri Parrikar said that the Passport Office will soon be opened at Matanhy Saldanha Administrative complex for the benefit of the people of the District.

Shri Vijay Sardessai, Town & Country Planning Minister said that special attention and importance is provided to South Goa.  The Government is for the people.  The office is opened to ensure that the various schemes under Tribal Welfare reach the people of this community at their doorsteps, he remarked.

The Tribal Welfare minister, Shri Govind Gaude proposing the vote of thanks said the long pending demand of the people since 2003 has been fulfilled with the opening of this office with the whole hearted support of the community at large to serve its members at the nearest point.

He informed that a Tribal Welfare Academy is being planned to enhance the educational and other aspects of the people of the traditionally rich community. The benefit of the Tribal Forest Act would be provided to the people by coming march, he pointed.

         Earlier, Shri Manohar Parrikar along with Shri Vijay Sardessai, Shri Govind Gaude, MLA’s, Shri Digamber Kamat, Shri Wilfred D’Sa; Smt. Babita Angle, Chairperson, MMC and Smt. Anjali Sehravat, District Collector unveiled the plague and lighted the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the Tribal Welfare office.

Sanads under Forest Right Act were handed over to 17 beneficiaries and the meritorious students of SSC and HSSC were felicitated at the hands of the dignitaries.

Shri Prakash Velip, Councilors of MMC; Additional Collectors, Shri Agnelo Fernandes and Shri Johnson Fernandes were among those present on the occasion.

Shri Venancio Furtado, Director of Tribal Welfare welcomed the gathering.