Panaji, July 2, 2017 … Union Minister of State for AYUSH (IC) Shri Shripad Naik today said apart from streamlining the tax regime in the country, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will benefit common man at large.

Inaugurating Vartalaap, Media Outreach Programme organized by Press Information Bureau under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Panaji in Goa today. Mr Naik said, the consensus given by all political parties for unified tax regime is an indication of a matured democracy. The Union Minister said tax regime is the backbone of country’s economy; hence it needs to be more simpler and streamlined. As such its implementation will be easier.

Delivering his keynote address GST Commissioner, K Anpazhakan, said, With the launch of GST the much awaited indirect tax system has been evolved in the country. He said GST rests on the idea of One Nation One Tax. This he said will lead to economic ease besides country’s growth rate will increase by one to two percent.

The Vartalaap Progrmamme organized by PIB, evoked a good response with participation over  35 journalists. Assistant Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs Mr Gaurav Jain and Himani Dhamija guided the deliberations at the programme.

Earlier Deputy Director PIB, Panaji Mr D V Vinodkumar welcomed. Assistant Director Shri Balaji Prabhugaonker proposed a vote of thanks.

Goa, June 30, 2017: In continuation of Google India’s commitment to digitally empower India’s small and medium business community, the company showcased a range of programs and products that will enable SMBs in Goa leverage the power of internet and technology to become successful.

At an event held in the city today, Google announced the Central region winners of SMB Heroes 2017, a nationwide program to showcase and celebrate small and medium businesses that have embraced the internet to power their growth. The SMB Heroes Awards received an overwhelming response with entries from over 142 cities including cities like Hoshiarpur, Rajkot, Rajamundhry, Jamshedpur, Coimbatore, Hisar, Bhimavaram and many more.

The three businesses that emerged as central region winners under each of the categories are: Shrikant Parulekar’s Astra Concrete for Business Impact through Digital, Elsa Marie DSilva’s Safecity for Impacting Change through Digital and Shuchi Pandya’s Pipa Bella for Woman Business Leader. The winners were felicitated by Mr. Yogesh Andlay, Co-Chair of FICCI Startup Committee and Founder Director, Nucleus Software and Manguirish Pai Raiker Chairman and Managing Director of Brown Packaging Systems Pvt. Ltd and Chairman, RCPR School of Agriculture at Savoi Verem in Goa India along with Shalini Girish, Director – Google Marketing Solutions. These winners are now in the running for the national finals that will be held in Delhi later this year.

Addressing an audience of local SMBs and highlighting the importance of digital, Shalini Girish, Director – Marketing Solutions, Google said, “India now has 400 million internet users, and this has had a transformational impact on how people consume information, connect with one another and find businesses. We see the internet as a great democratizing force that breaks down barriers of language and location. The business journeys of the SMB Heroes winners are a great testament to this, as each of them has leveraged technology to address challenges and grow their businesses.”

 Emphasizing the need to focus on building the technology capabilities of Indian SMBs, Google shared findings from a joint research study with KPMG titled “Impact of internet and digitization on SMBs in India”. The study reiterates that 68% of the 51m Indian SMBs are offline; and, digitally engaged SMBs grow twice as fast compared to offline SMBs. According to the report, digitally engaged businesses are able to grow their customer base significantly with 52% catering to customers beyond their home city versus only 29% offline SMBs.  Highlighting the macro-economic impact of the internet, the research found that rising penetration and greater uptake for digital by SMBs could help increase their contribution to India’s GDP by 10 percentage points, taking it up to 46-48% by 2020. The report cites the lack of understanding of the benefits of digital technologies and technical skills as the essential reasons for being offline.

 Digital Skills Training – web, mobile and in classrooms

Recognizing the need to address this gap, Google India commenced Digital Unlocked an online, offline and mobile training program to empower thousands of Indian SMBs with essential digital skills.

The Digital Unlocked program has been designed keeping the varied learning needs of the millions of businesses in India. The offline training is being conducted in partnership with FICCI and over the next three years, 5,000 workshops will be held across 40 Indian cities. The online training comprises a set of 90 self-paced video tutorials, curated specifically for India and is available free of charge at g.co/digitalunlocked. The tutorials cover a comprehensive set of topics ranging from building a web presence and driving online growth to reaching customers over mobile and video. The trainings are certified by Google, Indian School of Business and FICCI. Since its launch in January 2017, over 13,000 businesses are now certified.

Further, for India’s mobile-first audience, Google has recently launched Primer, a free mobile app designed to teach digital marketing skills in a quick, easy and interactive way. It is available for download through the Google Play and iOS app store. Primer also works offline and is available in English and Hindi with Tamil, Telugu and Marathi versions coming shortly. In the last few months, Primer has been downloaded over 1.5 million times.

Creating a business website in less than 10 minutes

Google recently launched ‘Websites with Google My Business’ which is aimed at equipping the vast majority of small businesses with a simple way to start their digital journey by creating a free, mobile optimised website – easily and instantly. Available for Google My Business users, this new feature provides simple, templated, editable websites for small businesses created from their information and photos already available on Google Search and Maps. ‘Websites with Google My Business’ is available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam. Over 120,000 Indian businesses have been a part of the pilot roll out program.

Panaji, June 30, 2017 … Stating that the Government is making efforts to create infrastructure of international standards,Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar has solicited cooperation of the people in the process of development and achieving the goal of strengthening necessary infrastructure, be it in the area of road, water supply and other areas of human endeavours.

Chief Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the work of improvement of Old Goa-Karmali junction along Old Goa  bypass on National Highway NH4A by providing vehicular underpass and appurtenances at Old Goa in the distinguished presence of PWD Minister Shri Ramkrishana alias Sudin Dhavalikar, Minister for Power Shri Pandurang Madkaikar, MLA and Chairman of GSIDC Shri Deepak Pawaskar, Chairman of EDC Shri Siddarth Kuncolienkar, Shri Dharmendra Sharma (IAS) Chief Secretary at Old Goa today.

Chief Minister said that the Government is committed to provide better road connectivity in the entire state to regulate traffic. Sometimes when the work is in progress particularly in the area of infrastructure problems do arise and therefore people should follow proper traffic rules and discipline to avoid accidents. The number of vehicles registered in Goa is 8 to 10 times more compared to other states in the country he informed. He said the promises made are being honoured, and sought cooperation from the people of the state in its path towards progress.

The PWD Minister Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar said that for a developing state like Goa, roads and road transport play an important role in economic growth. The construction and improvement of roads brings a variety of benefits that are enjoyed practically by all the sections of the economy. He thanked the Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister for providing financial assistance for the project.

Shri Dhavalikar emphasised the need of better infrastructure for discipline traffic and lesser congestions. He said within a year time the work on six lane new Banastarim Bridge will be taken up to facilitate smooth flow of traffic. The Minister said that the Flyover across Chimbel creek connecting Old Goa to Panaji along NH-4A will be completed by March 2018.

The proposed work of providing vehicular underpass and appurtenances at Old Goa varying height from 5.71 m to 6.67 m including six lane vehicular underpass with two span of 30 mts each is for a total length of 60 mts, construction of road of 11 mtre wide of 750 m length on both side and service roads/ramps 7.0 m wide, length 1420 m. The estimated  cost of project  is Rs. 40 crore.

Shri Pandurang Madkaikar also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Dinesh Tare welcomed the gathering and later proposed a vote of thanks. PWD Chief Engineer Shri P.C Gupta, ZP’s, Panchayat members and others attended the function.

  Panaji : June 29, 2017 …. Governor of Goa Dr. (Smt) Mridula Sinha expressed happiness over the fact that no incidents of Ragging were reported in the state during past five years and also appreciated the measures taken by various educational institutions to prevent ragging in their respective campus. 9^th State level meeting of Anti-Ragging Monitoring Cell was held today under the chairmanship of  Governor at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula wherein she took  stock of various initiatives implemented by professional and technical education institutions to curb the menace of ragging.

While addressing the meeting Governor said that, it is good culture that prevails in Goa, which could attribute to ragging free environment in the educational institutions. `While enforcing the anti ragging rules in the educational campus, it is also important that students are kept in creative environment so that, students can be discouraged of indulging into wrong practices`, she added.

Governor was informed by the members of State level Anti-ragging Monitoring Cell about various initiatives taken by their institutes to prevent ragging. Vice Chancellor of  Goa University Shri. Varun Sahni stated that orientation programme will be conducted for the first year students to introduce rules and regulations so also education culture of Goa University.

Principal of Institute of Hotel Management, Porvorim informed that special programme called YAR (Youth Against Ragging) is implemented with the help of renowned NGO Sangat in their campus.

Director General Police Dr. Muktesh Chander informed that Police department is not in receipt of any incidents of ragging. However on behalf of the department he expressed willingness to promote and reward third year students of professional and technical colleges who intends to do their projects which could be helpful for police department in traffic management and also in other sectors.

Representative of Dean, Goa Medical College stated that anti ragging squads are available in the GMC campus to monitor the incidents of ragging during day and night. Representative of Dean, Goa Dental College urged for appointment of counsellors to mentor students who go through mental stress caused by family problems or other reasons besides ragging.

Director of Higher Education Shri. Prasad Lolyekar  welcomed all the members present for the meeting.  Secretary to Governor Shri. Rupesh Kumar Thakur also attended the meeting.

Panaji, June 28,  2017 … Weekly review on retail prices of essential commodities for the week ending June 23, 2017 for Panaji , Margao,  Mapusa and Vasco centres is as follows.

The prices of parboiled rice local, parboiled rice outside, raw rice super fine, raw rice fine and gur fine remained steady in all the markets during the week. Raw rice common at Mapusa decreased by Rs. 2/- to Rs. 3/- per kilo, but was steady in other markets. Sugar S-30 at Margao decreased by Rs. 1/- per kilo, but was steady in other markets.

 Prices of Turdal Barshi and moong and gram Kabuli big  remained steady in all the markets during the week under review. Moongdal and peasdry at Panaji decreased by Rs.10/- per kilo respectively, but were steady in other markets. Uraddal  at  Panaji  decreased by Rs. 10/- to Rs. 20/- per kilo, the same at Margao increased by Rs.5/- per kilo but was steady in other markets. Gramdal at Panaji and Mapusa decreased by Rs. 10/- per kilo respectively, but was steady in other markets. Masoordal at Vasco decreased by Rs. 5/- per kilo but was steady in other markets.

The prices of coconut oil  and Vanaspati ghee “Dalda” pkt. of 1 litre were steady in all the markets during the week under review.

 Prices of Potatoes, onions and beans remained steady in all the markets during the week. Tomatoes in Panaji and Mapusa increased by Rs. 6/- to Rs. 15/- and Rs. 10/- per kilo respectively, but were steady in other markets. Cabbage at Margao increased by Rs. 5/- per kilo, same at Vasco decreased by Rs. 5/- per kilo, but was steady in other markets. Chillies green at Margao increased by Rs. 10/- to Rs. 20/- per kilo, but were steady in other markets.

 The prices of coconuts of 100 bharti, 120 bharti, 150 bharti and 180 bharti remained steady in all the markets during the week.

Panjim, 27 June: Enjoy a picturesque trek this Sunday at Nagzar Plateau in the Pernem Taluka.

One can view the scenic beauty surrounded with hills in different shades of pink, white, purple, yellow and green. This trek is interesting as you will find number of wild flowers and streams.

The travel distance from Panjim by road to the village is 35kms one way with a total trekking distance of 5 kms.

Transport arrangements have been made from Mapusa Residency at 8:30 am and from Paryatan Bhavan , Patto at 8 am followed by a pick-up at Margao Residency at 7:00 am. Pick-up at Porvorim, Cortalim and Verna is also available.

Registration fee is Rs 750/- per person (food inclusive and insurance).
Interested trekkers are requested to carry along an extra pair of clothes, rainwear, trekking shoes, snacks and binoculars.  No smoking and   consumption of alcohol will be permitted.

For Bookings:

Panaji, June 26, 2017 ….  Directorate of Health Services has appealed to the public to take preventive measures to check the transmission of malaria and other vector borne diseases. Anti Malaria month is observed every year in the month of June throughout the country to enhance the level of awareness and encourage community participation through mass media campaigns and inter-personal communication. 

            It also aims at consolidating inter-sectoral collaborative efforts with other Government Departments like Rural and Urban Development, Agriculture, PWD, Irrigation, Education, local bodies etc. Voluntary agencies also participate in the campaign.

            The Anti Malaria Month (AAM) campaign would focus on prevention and control of malaria as well as other vector borne diseases. State of Goa is also in the process of elimination of Malaria.

            Malaria and other vector borne diseases viz, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis and Lymphatic Filariasis are expected to rise during the monsoon and post monsoon periods due to the increase in the number of monsoon related mosquito breeding sites.

            The vector mosquitoes spreading malaria and other vector borne diseases breed in man-made breeding sites created by developmental activities, industrialization, lifestyle changes, population migration as well as housing environment and water management deficiencies.

            In this regard, it is emphasized that  the elimination of breeding sites by removing stagnant water bodies, solid wastes, coconut shells, tyres, broken utensils/buckets/bottles/open water tanks/drums and any other structures which can hold rain water and provide active breeding sites is of utmost importance.

            Public are therefore advised that weekly cleaning and drying of water containers and room coolers be carried out for reduction in mosquito breeding sites.

            Extensive information, education and communication (IEC) activities through Advocacy Workshops for social mobilization of the community on preventive measures and destroying breeding habitats through cleanliness drives are being observed under all the Health Centres in the state.

Panaji, June 25, 2017 …. An Annual Administrative Inspection of 1Goa Battalion NCC was held at their office in the Panaji yesterday. The inspection was carried out by Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters, Belagavi Col. K.V.Srinivas in the presence of Col. Sanjay Nagi, Commanding Officer of 1GOA Battalion NCC and Lt.Col. Farooque Raza.

While receiving performance of the three NCC units currently active in Goa, Col. Srinivas met cadets and Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) of various schools and colleges. In his address to the ANOs Col. Srinivas stressed on the need to inculcate values of NCC in cadets. “NCC is a youth organisation which helps in an all round development of a human being. Hence, it has to be made mandatory in schools. It gives a cadet a chance to attend camps, make friends, learn to be independent and awakens patriotism. Goa has good representation in all India activities. We want each cadet to benefit from their training,” he said.

He also stated that NCC endows a cadet with defence’s lifestyle and hands-on training in firing, boat-pulling etc. “Besides these, there are numerous camps such as National Integration Camp, Thal Sena Camp and Republic Day Camp which provide intellectual and cultural exchange and enhance competitive and friendly spirit among them.” He later addressed to various administrative issues placed by ANOs.

Commanding Officer of 1Goa Battalion NCC Col. Nagi informed that the Goa’s cadets lack incentives vis-a-vis the cadets from other states. “We have already put up this issue with Chief Minister and working on it. We want more students to enroll in NCC and earn academic benefits in the careers they take up,” he said.

Panaji, June 24,  2017 … Anti Narcotic Cell of Goa Police has organized various programmes to spread awareness about drugs on the occasion of ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on June 26, with various programmes in association with social organizations, school children and also with Government Departments to make it more meaningful.

 The ANC organised a drawing/painting competition for High School students at Gazeted Officers Institute, Altinho, Panaji on june 22, 2017. An elocution competition for Higher Secondary School students had been organized at Gazeted Officers Institute, Altinho, Panaji on June 23, 2017.

Anti-Narcotic Cell in association with Goa Tourism Development Corporation ltd. has organized 10 kms run/marathon on June 25, 2017 starting from Odxel Junction, Taleigaon to Divja Circle, Panaji under the title ‘ Run Against Narcotic Drugs’.  The route of the run is from Odxel Junction, Taleigaon – Dona Paula Circle- Science Centre-Miramar-Campal Market-Ferry Point-Fajanta-Dovja Circle.  The three winners in male & female category will be awarded with cash prize of Rs.10,000/-, Rs.6000/-, Rs.4000/-, trophies and commendation certificates.

The ANC has also  organized a rally/march of school students from Kala Academy Campal, Panaji to Ferry Point, Panaji on June 26, 2017. The students will assemble at Kala Academy, Campal Panaji at about 09.30 hrs.  At about 10.00 hrs they will march towards Ferry Point.  The rally will then culminate into a gathering at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji at 10.30 hrs. The experts in the field Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Oncologist have been invited to deliver lecture to the students on the topic ‘Ill Effects of Drugs’.  A short documentary film will be screened depicting the Ill Effect of Drugs Abuse’.  The students from different schools will participate in the programme.  A prize distribution ceremony of different events organized by Anti Narcotic Cell will be held at the function. Mrs. Hema Sardessai Goan Pop singer has consented to be the chief guest for said function.

 On June 27, 2017 the ANC has organised Rally/march of school and college students from St. Anthony Chapel Calangute to Calangute Association hall via Titto followed by function at Calangute Association hall jointly organized by village Panchayat Calangute, Lions Club of Calangute, Junior chamber of Calangute, Calangute Foundation and Samrat Club of Calangute. The rally will commence at 09.30 hrs from St. Anthony Chapel Calangute.