Panaji:  26 January, 2020 … Governor of Goa Shri Satya Pal Malik today on the occasion of 71^st Republic Day urged every citizen to keep up the spirit of unity and maintain the peace, communal harmony in the State. He appealed to people to put forth best efforts in spirit of comradeship, co-operation, dedication and dynamism towards achieving the ideals imbibed in the constitution. Governor was addressing the people of Goa after unfurling the national tricolour at State Level function held at Parade ground Campal, Panaji.

          The Governor speaking further stated that Goa is one of the fastest growing states in the country which has well developed social, physical, industrial, tourism, sports infrastructure and virtual connectivity. It has significant port infrastructure and will soon get its own international Airport, which would boost the tourism industry in the State and help socio -economic development in the region.

He also mentioned that state has an established base for the Pharmaceuticals industry and is also an emerging destination for knowledge based industries such as Biotechnology and Information Technology.

The State is progressing well towards achieving  sustainable development goals. It is a matter of pride he said,  for Goa to be ranked at 7^th position in SDG India index 2019-20 published by NITI Aayog. Goa is also a front runner in the areas of achieving zero hunger, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and sustainable economic growth. However, more efforts are needed to improve on the goals such as innovation, climate action and life below waters, Governor expressed.

Governor Shri. Malik further stressed on sustainable development of Agriculture sector. He said that efforts will be made to take high density plantation of commercial crops like mango, cashew etc with an aim to target export market. The State now has vision to focus on the concept of organic farming for which 10,000 hectares area will be converted into organic farming.

On the occasion Governor Shri. Malik presented awards to those who have excelled in varied fields. Police sub Inspector Shri. Chandrakant Gawas received Union Home Minister`s Medal for excellence in Police Training for the year 2017-2018. Assistant Divisional Officer, Fire and Emergency Service Shri. Ajit Kamat was awarded with President`s Fire service Medal for meritorious service. President`s Fire service medal for meritorious service was also presented to Station Fire Officer Shri. Marveyn Bosco Ferrao, Leading Fire fighter Shri. Rohidas Parab and Leading Fire fighter Shri. Prakash Kannaik.

Earlier Governor Shri. Satya Pal Malik reviewed the guard of honour and inspected the parade which included contingents of Indian Navy, Army, Indian Coast Guard, Karnataka Police (Women contingent), Goa Police (women/Men contingent), Home Guard, NCC cadets and Students from various schools of surrounding areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was present on the occasion. Function was attended by leader of opposition Shri. Digamber Kamat, MLA Shri. Francis Silvera, Mayor of CCP Shri. Uday Madkaikar, Advocate General Shri. Devidas Pangam, Chief Secretary Shri. Parimal Rai IAS, North Goa Collector Smt. R. Menaka IAS, South Goa Collector Shri. Ajit Roy IAS, Secretaries to Government, Senior Defence Officers and Heads of Departments.

Function concluded with various cultural programme, Dance  by  students from various schools in the State. Malla Khamb was the special attraction.

Panaji: January 26, 2020 … Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Satya Pal Malik was the Chief Guest at the 10th National Voters Day celebrations held  at Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji recently. The function was organized by Office of the Chief Electoral Office, Goa in association with the District Electoral Officer, North Goa. The function was attended by large number of students, officials and persons from media. In the beginning National Anthem was played and Voters Pledge was administered.

Thereafter, Message from Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Sunil Aroraon the occasion of 10^th National Voters Day was screened.The theme for NVD 2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’. The theme sets the tone for year-long activities which focus on voter education and renewal of citizens’ faith in the electoral process.

          Present on the occasion were State Election Commissioner, Shri R. K. Srivastava, Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai, Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Kunal, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Narayan Sawant.

 Hon’ble Governor while addressing the gathering said that India is the largest democracy in the world. The voters are biggest stakeholders in the democracy and they should ensure that they cast their vote on merit and must see the program and policies of the candidates and political parties without getting influenced by caste, creed or religion. The exercise of elections aims participation of all the citizens, which he said will help to strengthen the democracy.The Governor also said right of voting is a weapon to decide between right and wrong and on the day of voting, everyone is equal and such an important right has to be exercised with proper care. He appealed to the people to participate in large number to exercise their voting right. He stressed upon the need for voter education and appreciated the efforts of Election Commission of India in this regard.

The State Election Commissioner Shri R. K.Srivastava appreciated the efforts of election machinery in Goa. He explained the difference between roles and responsibilities of Election Commission of India and State Election Commission. He stated that after 73^rd and 74^th Amendment to the Constitution of India, State Election Commission has been established to conduct elections to the Local Bodies Viz Zila Parishad, Municipalities, Panchayats. He requested all to participate in large number in upcoming Zila Parishad elections.

 The Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai congratulated the election machinery led by CEO Goa in successful conduct of Parliament Election, 2019 and being the first to complete Elector Verification Program. In his address he said that we have to congratulate ourselves for having the right to govern ourselves which is the strength of democracy. We derive this right from our Constitution. Our Constitution provides us the platform to live with liberty without any barrier of caste, creed, language and religion that’s why this day is very important for us. Along with this right, another strong right which we derive from Constitution is adult franchise,a right to vote irrespective of caste, religion, language, sex, race or community. This right we must exercise in every election.Shri Parimal Rai also said that a right without responsibilities would make it an authoritarian society and responsibilities without rights leads to bonded labour. Therefore while enjoying rights we cannot overlook our responsibilities. So it our bounden duty to participate in the process of election and make proper choice based on merits.   

Shri Kunal,Chief Electoral Officer in his welcome address welcomed all the dignitaries and explained in brief the activities of election machinery in last one year. He stated that great emphasis was laid on accessible and eco-friendly conduct of Parliament Election, 2019. He thanked all NGOs working in the field of accessibility, Social Welfare Department and Public Works Department in ensuring maximum tagging of Persons with Disabilities in electoral roll and also in creating Assured Minimum Facilities in all polling stations. He further stated that with intervention of Chief Secretary, sufficient number of wheelchairs have been procured to ensure availability of wheelchairs at every location. These wheelchairs have now been distributed to all public institutions to ensure accessibility in Goa.

 The State NVD Awards for the Best Electoral Practices were conferred on District and State level Officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. First time voters were felicitated and prizes were given to the winners of essay competition. Similarly state icons and state level award winners were felicitated during the voter’s day celebrations.

Hon’ble Governor of Goa Shri. Satyapal Malik released the colourful State Document for 2019 Parliament Election in Goa. It comprises of the entire State profile and all aspects of the General Election to Lok Sabha 2019 conducted by State of Goa.

Best DEO, ERO, AERO, BLO were given awards based on their meritorious performance in the Lok Sabha Elections while judging on the parameters of Electoral Roll management, SVEEP, voter enrollment, turnout etc.

 Hon’ble Governor of Goa presented Special Awards to the National level award nominees.

 Disability Rights Association of Goa, Goa Deaf Association, Public Works Department, Social Welfare Department were given special recognition awards for their contribution in Accessible elections.

 Awards were given to the Best Electoral Literacy Clubs and student members of the ELCs along with the Nodal Officers and Campus ambassadors as the theme of this year’s NVD is Electoral Literacy for stronger democracy.

 List of Award Winners

Panaji: January 25, 2020 … Shri John Aguiar, Hon. Company Commander of Home Guards, Panaji Division has been awarded the President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished services on the occasion of Republic Day. The award has been announced by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Independence Day on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from New Delhi.

Shri Aguiar who is Information officer in the State Department of Information & Publicity has been earlier  recipient of President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for “meritorious services” in appreciation of his commendable services in Home Guards which was presented in 2012 (Independence Day). He was presented Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for meritorious services in the Home on December 19, 2007 (Goa Liberation Day).  He was conferred with  certificate and Commendation Disc of Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi  in the year 2013. He was awarded Commendation by Deputy Director General NCC (Karnataka and Goa Directorate) in June 2016. He was also Public Relations Officer of the Goa Police department from June 13, 2011 to December 8, 2017. During his tenure as PRO,  he displayed professional competence and liaised with Press/media personal and carried out image building of the police department successfully. He also Assisted in editing the  Goa Police News Bulletin.

Shri Aguiar is the first Home Guard personnel from Goa to be decorated with the “distinguished services” medal. He is  a product of St Mary’s School, Ponda and Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science , Margao.  During his college education he was adjudged “Best all Round Student”. He did his “Masters in Journalism” from Tilak University , Pune.

Shri Aguiar is a poet writer and has written six books, four on Konkani poetry one about essays in English and another one on essays in Roman Konkani script. He bagged Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s literary award for his Konkani poetry book “Olyo yadi” in 2017. He is also a shooter and has represented the state of Goa at the Maulankar National Shooting championship at Chennai in 2003.

                        Shri Aguiar has thanked the Inspector General of Police Shri Jaspal Singh and Director of Information & Publicity, Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director , Information & Publicity  for their encouragement and support.

Shri Aguiar since his enrolment in the Home Guards Organization has displayed utmost dedication and professional competence of a very high order while carrying out his duties. His idea to organize cycle rallies to commemorate the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking consequently in 2005, 2006 and 2007 was well supported by his superiors. This brought good PR to the organization. He also organised and participated in several skits/Street Plays on message against Narcotic drugs and also presented some on Doordarshan Panaji on behalf of the Home Guards organization. It was because of his initiative/proposal and support by Shri Umesh Gaonkar that CM’s Medals were instituted in the Home Guards organisation. He wrote inspiring articles on Home Guard and Civil Defence in Local newspapers  and periodicals.

Shri Aguiar has also conducted lectures on several occasions for Civil Defence volunteers, College students and during NCC Annual Training Camps and NSS camps for the benefit of the students. He has been awarded cash rewards and GST’s, participation certificates of sports, blood donation and several appreciation letters.

Shri Aguiar is Journalist/Media official by profession. He also worked in New Delhi as Assistant Private Secretary to former Union Minister Shri Eduardo Faleiro in the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance, Chemicals & Fertilizers. He is outstanding, hard-working, punctual and highly devoted officer. He has worked for local newspapers like Herald, Gomantak and erstwhile West Coast Times, Goencho Avaz. He is also a Konkani poet and lyricist. His songs are on All India Radio and on CD’s.

Panaji: January 21, 2020 … Kala Academy, Goa has invited entries from interested Tiatr Groups for participation in the 6^th Tiatr, B group competition which will be held at Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco, from first week of March 2020 onwards.

The last date for submission of entry form for the Tiatr Group competition is January 28, 2020 by 4.00 pm. The entry forms will be available in the Kala Academy during office hours on working days from January 21, 2020.

The entry form along with the cash remittance of entry fee Rs. 500/- and Security Deposit Rs. 5000/- will be accepted latest by 4.00 pm till the stipulated last date for receipt of entries. The participating institutions are also required to submit their valid registration; renewal certificate compulsorily along with the entry form falling which entries will not be accepted. The draw to decide sequence of performance by lots will be taken on January 28, 2020 at 5.00 pm at the meeting room of Kala Academy.

The rules and regulations of the competition have been revised and as per revised rules, new scripts and new and original songs (cantaram) will be accepted for the competition.

Panaji: January 19, 2020 …Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Shripad Naik attended the 72^nd Army Day, ‘Know Your Army Mela’ organized by 2 Signal Training Centre at Campal Ground, Panaji recently.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister thanked Military forces for their valuable contribution to liberate Goa from Portuguese regime on December 19,1961. He said, Goa got freedom after 14 years of India’s Independence and due to this people of Goa  are lacking behind in the field of Military due to lack of  adequate knowledge about the recruitment process in Military. He said, this event will enhance awareness amongst public, especially youth so that they opt for a career in Military Forces and take a sense of pride and respect about the guardians of our frontiers.

Shri Shripad Naik in his address lauded the role of Armed Forces in propagating the ideas of secularism, selfless service and imbibing patriotic fervor amongst the youth of the nation. He also appreciated the efforts of 2 signal Training Centre for conducting the event and at the same time advised youth to join armed Forces.

Events like static display of Military Equipment, Milatary Band Display, Army Dog Show were followed by various cultural programmes and performance by Army Helicopters.Traditional Lejim and Malkhamb teams from Belgaum displayed their talents. A mini obstacle course and selfie corner were also setup for school children at the venue.

Local public and School/College students were very inquisitive and fascinated by the event and equipment display and various military activities that were displayed.

Earlier on the arrival at the venue the Chief Minister and Union Minister of  State for Defence were received by Commandant 2 Signal Training Centre Brigadier, Sanjay Rawal while Major Pal Fernandes and Havaldar Pramod Compered the function  and proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: January 18, 2020…Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant,  Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai,  Principal Chief Conservator of Forest  and Chief Wildlife Warden visited Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik, recently. They briefed him about the issue related to recent tiger deaths in the State.

Governor was informed of the decision taken to provide succor in the form of ex-gratia relief to those persons who have lost their livestock due to tiger attack. Governor was also informed that it has been decided to develop a protocol to provide instant relief to the affected persons for the damages due to wild life attack. Apart from this, tiger protection and conservation measures and various mitigation strategies for minimizing the human and wildlife conflict were deliberated during their visit.