Panaji, May 19, 2017 …  The  Governor of Goa Dr. ( Smt ). Mridula Sinha has conducted a study on ‘the Practice and Effects of the Civil Code in Goa’. She has come out with a report on the subject which contains the findings of her study which she has gathered after several interactions with the women, specially different religious residing in Goa and heads of the various religious groups. Each group member belonged to a different field of profession.

          The study was intended to understand the impact of the Code on the lives of women of diverse communities residing in Goa and to look for discrepancies, if any. The objective who also to ascertain how the Code has brought in unity and social harmony  among all women of six communities residing here.

The  Governor in her report has laid emphasis on the need to create a single identity for women as Indian Women i.e. one nation and one identity for women, and she has found that practice of Goa Civil Code has led to strengthening of this identity. The Goa Civil Code in true spirit, integrates the society and creates social solidarity.

          The report says that the basic problems in today’s world have evolved from the collapse of family values leading to alienation of youth. In this context, the features of the Goa Civil Code, be it the communion of properties, regime of succession or the compulsory registration of Marriage, etc., have brought tolerance in the family structure as well as led to strengthening of family values.

          The report narrates some of the salient features envisaged in the Goa Civil Code which are as under :

a)     Compulsory Civil Registration of a marriage

b)    Monogamy : Polygamy is prohibited except in certain circumstances where first wife is not able to reproduce till the age prescribed therein. But Hon’ble Governor has not favoured even this exception as this is in violation to gender equality and is against women’s right.

Under this code, Muslim men can neither practice polygamy nor the verbal divorce is recognized in this State because no such provision exists in the Code and secondly the Muslim Personal Law Application Act 1937 has niot extended to the State of Goa.

c)     Age of Marriage : Provision of minimum age for marriage for boys and girls of  21 and 18 years  respectively which, leaves no scope for child marriages.

d)    Consent for marriage : Contract of the marriage can’t end in vanity, Mutual consent is essential for contract of marriage.

e)     Inheritance : After marriage each spouse jointly hold ownership to the assts before marriage and on divorce, each is entitled to half share of the joint assets. Law also allows pre-nuptial agreement under which the parties can define their shares mutually in case of divorce.

A married person requires consent of the other spouse while disposing property. Another important feature is that the parents cannot disinherit the children entirely, and are required to pass on atleast half of their property to the children. And, irrespective of the gender, the inherited property has to be shared equally among children.

          The Governor adopted methodology of interaction with the women of six communities and group of religious leaders residing here and designed a questionnaire. Analyses thereof were carried out to draw her findings and conclusion.

          On understanding the practices of each religion, after the interactions, the Governor was impressed with the practice of pre-marital counseling practiced in Christianity which prepares and educates the prospective bride and groom on their rights and responsibilities arising out of their marriage relationship. The need for pre-marital counseling was supported by women of all communities since counseling saves many marriages and families from breaking. The Governor in her report has recommended the Governments at the State and Centre to take steps to make pre-marital counseling a prerequisite for Marriages/Marriage registration in all the communities.

          She has also appreciated the existing practice in some religions of counseling in cases of divorce, and granting it after due course. The decision if any, in such cases is ratified by the Family Courts. She also observed that for marriages, the Church facilitates transfer of documents to Registrar once the marriage is solemnized in Church, and therefore the couple visits Registrars office only once. Hence, the Governor was of the view that such practice may be extended to Hindus as well as Muslims.

          The Governor in her report has suggested that boys and girls at school levels should be trained on how to respect each other, as this will inculcate moral values and endeavour to form responsible citizens.

The Governor also stressed in her report the role of voluntary organizations working the cause of women to create awareness regarding the Civil Code and its benefits by way of workshops, training session and through print and electronic media.

          Thus, the  Governor in her findings in the report has observed that the status of women belonging to different religious in Goa is much better than the status of women elsewhere in the Country and one of the important reasons she attributes to the practice of Common Civil Code in Goa. The impact has contributed to the peace and harmony in the Goan society. She has opined in her report that the Goa Civil Code is in favour of women’s interest, well being and it will in the long run endeavour to achieve the goal of ‘one identity for women’.

May 18, 2017 …. The Valedictory function of Naval War College’s 29^th Naval High Command Course (NHCC-29) was held at INS Mandovi today. Governor Dr Smt. Mridula Sinha was the Chief Guest for the function. The NHCC-29 commenced in August 2016 and was attended by 38 Naval Officers. The course contained lectures by various National and International faculty on International Relation Theory, Research Methodology and many more.

          In her address the Governor congratulated the officers on successful completion of their course. She said that any task undertaken either by a civilian or an officer must reflect dedication and hardwork. “One must work with humanity, empathy and smile to derive maximum pleasure,” she said. She also urged the officers to pay equal attention to their family in order to create a strong next generation. The Governor praised INS Mandovi for its clean and beautiful campus.

          The Governor distributed awards to Capt. Sudeep Malik, who begged the Commandant Gold Medal for overall meritorious performance during the course. Capt. Rajeev John and Group Capt. V. Govind were awarded Silver medals while Capt. N.K.Sinha, Capt Jay Bedi, Capt. Subhash Chandra, Capt. Piyush Badoni and Capt. Chetan Kumar Singh were given book prizes for their meritorious performance. The Governor later released ‘China Compendium 2017: Reforms of PLA’, a book by China Maritime Academy which includes research papers by some of the participant officers.

          Commandant of Naval War College, RADM Monty Khanna welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. Capt. Gaurav Mehta presented the End of the course report and compered the function. The ceremony was attended by families of participant Naval Officers.

 Panaji, May 17, 207 … Department of  Industries has appointed Chief Executive Officer, Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board, Secretariat, Porvorim-Goa as a Nodal Officer of the State to interact and provide assistance to Invest India, the National Investment Promotion Agency set up by the Government of India.

Panaji, May 16, 2017 .. The first meeting of Steering committee of FIFA under 17 World Cup India, 2017 (Goa) was held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Dharmendra Sharma at Seminar Hall, Secretariat today.

          The meeting was also attended by Shri B. R. Singh, Secretary Sports, Shri Srinivas Dhempo, Tournament Director, Shri Xavier Xeppi, Tournament Director, FIFA, Ms. Roma Khanna, Venue Director, FIFA, Shri V. M. Prabhudesai, Director Sports and Youth Affairs, Heads of Departments and senior Government Officials.

          The meeting deliberated on the role and responsibilities of the line Departments in holding the FIFA under 17 World Cup India, 2017  in Goa. The meeting took note of the AFC under 16 Championship held in Goa wherein it received poor crowd response in spite of the state having a lot of football lovers. It is therefore proposed to formulate a joint action plan by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to engage more spectators at the Stadium for the tournament including intensive state-wide campaign from August 2017.

          The meeting also held the discussion on the formulation of  Crisis Management Cell to deal with any misinformation. Besides the Committee deliberated on making required infrastructure in and around the Stadium, systematic disposal of waste, Fire and Emergency services, Security measures, volunteers for the programmes in Goa among others.

Panaji, May 15, 2017 … The prospectus of R-ANM program for the year 2017-2018 will be made available at the office of the Principal Institute of Nursing Education, Bambolim Goa from May 15, 2017 during office hours (10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.) Details can be obtained from the website www.dhsgoa.gov.in

The last date for submission of complete application forms along with testimonials is May 29, 2017 by 4.00 p.m. The programme is open for only females. The cost of the prospectus is Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only). The academic session begins on July 1, 2017.

 Panaji, May 14, 2017 …. Nominations are invited by the Directorate of Women and Child Development from suitable individuals and institutions who have made outstanding contribution towards child welfare and service in a particular year for the “National Award for Child Welfare 2016”, instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, New Delhi.

  The criteria for selection for institutions, is institutions should not be entirely Government funded but could be Govt. aided  or otherwise, they should have been in the field of child welfare for some years, they should have, to their record, a good performance in the field. The branches of institutions working independently will also qualify for the selection for the award. The selection will be made solely on the basis of quality of  performance and the number of children served by the institution.

 The criteria for selection for individuals, is  individual should have worked for the cause of children for some years. Paid officers of the institutions will not be eligible for selection. The sole basis of selection will be the quality of work performed be the individual for the cause of children and significance of the cause.

The award for each individual(Maximum three) will consist of  a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rs. One Lakh) and a citation. The award to each institution (Maximum Five) will consist of a cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rs. Three Lakh) and a citation.

The awards will be announced on Children’s Day –November 14, every year and will be given away in New Delhi on a convenient date and time.

          For more details about this award and for application form contact the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Old Education Building, 2^nd Floor, 18^th June Road, Panaji or visit the website of the Ministry www.wcd.nic.in or of this Directorate www.dwcd.gov.goa.

          The last date to submit the application completed in all respect in soft copy (C.D., Pen Drive) and hard copy to the Directorate of Women and Child Development is  June 10, 2017.

panaji: May 13, 2017 …  To motivate active participation in the upcoming Panchayat Elections in the state, a conference was organised by Directorate of Panchayat for all the village panchayat members at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji. The unique initiative by Minister for Panchayat Shri Mauvin Godinho declared May 13, 2017 to be observed as Swachh Village Abhiyan, a cleanliness drive for clean and Green Goa.

Swachh Village Abhiyan is an initiative by Directorate of Panachayat to initiate patriotism and cleanliness awareness among villagers. This will not only mark surface cleanliness but also clean minds. Places for tree plantation will be identified and planning for neat and green Goa. It will also increase the scope of communication; in order to build a sustainable Panchayat

Minister for Panchayat Shri. Mauvin Godinho, Director of Panchayat Smt. Sandhya Kamat, Deputy Directors Shri. Sudhir Kerkar and Ajay Gaude, CEO (North) Shri Dashrath Redkar, President-North Goa ZP Smt. Ankita Navelkar and vice president-South Goa ZP Smt. Chitra Phadte were present on this occasion.

In his motivational speech Shri. Godinho congratulated the outgoing panchayat bodies for their contribution since past five years. Shri Godinho pointed that Panchayat body cannot function without a support from experienced locals, ex-panchs and ex-sarpanchs. “Panchayat is one of the important grassroots bodies of the Government.  Unity among its members is the key towards a successful and strong VP. A strong Panchayat needs to be stable. Good Governance is foul cry if the Panchayat changes Sarpanch twice or thrice in a year. This also embodies high intolerance of people. This not only harms the administration, but also restricts the development of your own village,” he commented.

Quoting that a good leader is the one who listens to each single opinion, and take the best forward. Shri Godinho addressed the officials in the Panchayat Department to use their powers with responsibility. “I remind the Panchayat Directorate staff to be punctual and be present in the office. The Government servants are bound to deliver first. They must listen to the elected representatives and need not overpower them.  They are expected to deliver solutions and not confrontations,” he said. He assured strict action against staff who denies duties and assured smooth functioning of work at the Block Development Officer level.

He also promised to visit each village Panchayat to acknowledge its grievances. “More than 60 % of the state’s area is covered by the villages. It is the responsibility of the village administrator to keep the peace and sanctity alive among villagers. One ought to have a like and attitude for service of the people,” he stated.

In her welcome address Director Smt. Sandhya Kamat gave an overview of the Swachh Village Abhiyan. The drive will be cordially organised by the Directorate and village Panchayat and expected each villager to join hands for the same.

Dy. Director (North) Shri Sudhir Kerkar proposed vote of thanks. The conference was attended by Village Panchayat members in large numbers.

 Panaji, May 12, 2017 … Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) card holders, will be offered free consultations,  at Manipal hospital, Goa, in Donapaula on every Friday and Saturday in month of May 2017, from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (excluding lunch break of 1.p.m. – 2.30 p.m.) in Super Speciality Departments of Oncology (Surgical, Medical and Radiation), Interventional Radiology, Urology, General Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology, Cardiology and CTVS, Pulmonology and Nephrology.

Consultation will be strictly by appointments only, for which one may call on 0832-3002500 or 8888602222. For any enquiries call on the DDSSY helpline No. 7722097533.

Panaji, May 11, 2017, Various artistic activities like short-term workshops, guidance courses are implemented for students in todays era. Cautiousness and curiosity are more important in understanding art, through which new artists and technicians who are capable and creative are formed, stated Shri Ashok Parab, Dy. Director of Directorate of Art and Culture.

                 Shri Parab was addressing the inaugural function of Animation workshop organised by the Art and Culture Department for the school children. The Resource person of the workshop Shri Siddhesh Gaunekar and his Assistant Smt. Pranali Gaunekar were present on the occasion. The inaugural function was held at Multipurpose hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, yesterday.

                 Shri Siddhesh Gaunekar while addressing at the inaugural function stated that the animation art form is the art of a team working together and it is very important for  everyone to participate. He also stated that he will provide detailed guidance on various aspects of animation during the workshop.

                 The workshop will be held for 8 days i.e from May 8, to May 15, 2017 for a  half day session in the morning. Around 52 children from Goa have enrolled their names for the said workshop. The concluding function of the workshop will be held on May 15, 2017 at 12.00 p.m. at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.

Panaji, May 10, 2017 …  Government has constituted “North Goa District Leprosy Coordination Committee” to carry out timely review on programmes implementation, involving  different sectors and stakeholders in the State. The committee will comprise of Collector, North Goa Chairman, Director, DMA, Member, Director, Directorate of Panchayat, Member, Director Education, Member, Director Higher Education, Member, Director of Information and Publicity, Member, State Epidemiologist, Member, Health Officer, PHC, Candolim, Member, Health Officer, UHC, Mapusa, Member, Medical Officer I/C, PHC, Corlim, Member, Health Officer, PHC, Aldona, Member and Health Officer, UHC, Panaji, Member

                  The Committee will meet every quarter to identify specific areas of coordination and collaboration to discuss concerns, best practices that could be replicated.

                  The specific areas will be identified by concerned Health Officer/Medical Officer, I/C of that peripheral Health Centre particular area with regards to case management and treatment of cases. The Committee will give directions for planning/implementation of the programme and also check effective mobilization/pooling resources as and when required.

                  The Committee will also give directions to carry out awareness programmes with involvement of other Government Departments and NGOs. It will also carry out coordination with various Departments to emphasize to accelerate the efforts to achieve early diagnosis and treatment to prevent disability and reduce stigma and discrimination.