Panaji : May 6, 2016 … The District Magistrate, South Goa Margao, in public interest has notified “ No Entry for Heavy Vehicles” on the Ramnagari road from Ramnagari to Guirdolim in Chandor Village of Salcete taluka. Similarly entry restricted on Guddi junction on the road travelling from Guddi towards Chandor in Chandor Village of Salcete.

At Sanvordem Assolda junction on the road travelling towards Chandor in Chandor Village of Salcete taluka.

And at Tilamol junction on the road travelling towards Chandor in Chandor Village of Salcete taluka in South Goa District for the purpose of regulating Motor Vehicle Traffic.

05/05/2016 …… Refuting allegations made by Porvorim MLA Mr.Rohan Khaunte once again on beach cleaning and the tendering process, in a complaint before the Lokayukta, Tourism Minister Mr. Dilip Parulekar strongly refuted the same, stating that he would welcome any probe that would bring out the truth. Mr.Parulekar said that the allegations made by Mr.Khaunte are baseless and acts of political frustration. He further said that Mr.Khaunte is giving the issue a political overturn and will be finally clarified to the public at large.

Mr.Parulekar said that the beach cleaning tender was done in a most transparent manner and due process was followed to select the right agency to undertake this mammoth task.  The tendering process was scrutinised by various departments which included Finance and Law. The lowest bidder was selected to give professional services, the results of which are evident from the fact that the beaches of Goa are now cleaner and more beautiful. This has further resulted in Goa bagging several awards and recognition for its clean beaches in the last one year which includesTripAdvisor’s Best Beach Awards in Asia and India where Goa received top honours.

Mr. Parulekar further stated that Mr. Rohan Khaunte has finally  displayed some courage to file a complaint which will bring out the truth and expose all the political vendetta being unleashed against him and the tourism department for the good work being done during the last two to three years.  The Hon. Tourism Minister lashed at Mr.Khaunte for resorting to tactics to unnerve him and said that Mr.Khaunte himself will stand exposed. “The people of Goa will finally know the truth behind such ulterior motives from the opposition” said Mr. Parulekar.

04/05/2016 … The  Department  of Tourism, Government  of Goa  and Goa Tourism Development  Corporation’s ambitious  multi-level car parking  hub at Patto, Panjim,  and the first  of its kind  in Goa, is all set to be  inaugurated  on May 9, 2016. The project has  been undertaken  to develop tourist facilities  under  the ‘Integrated  Development  of Infrastructure for  Heritage  and Hinterland Tourism’ in Goa (IDHHT), with financial assistance  from the Ministry  of Tourism, Government  of India.

Highlights

 Name of the project: Multi Level Car Parking Project

Location: Opposite Santa Monica Jetty

Project Consultant:  M/s Lotus Environments, Pune

Project Contractor: M/s M. VenKata Pao Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd.

Cost of the Project: Rs 45 crore

Technical details:

Total area: 13,556.45 sq meters

Total cars to be accomodated: 462

On Ground Floor: 87 cars

First floor:  85 cars

Second floor: 85 cars

Third floor: 85 cars

Terrace: 87 cars

Additional 33 cars can be accommodated in the open space outside the MLC building

It will also include 2 passenger lifts, toilet facility and other basic needs like CCTVs,   adequate lighting, monitoring and security etc.

The MLCP project is a very unique project and much needed to de-congest  Panjim

The GTDC intends to work out a model which will maintain the building as well earn revenue to the corporation.

Panaji : May 3, 2016 … Chief Minister, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar launched E – Registration of IT/ITES/ESDM units under IT Investment Policy 2015-16 at a function held at Secretariat, Porvorim, yesterday.

The Government unveiling the IT Investment Policy on December 31, 2015 had made it mandatory for companies to register with Government to avail the benefits pertaining to Electricity, VAT etc. With the launch of e-Registration system it will help IT units to register under a single window interface as well as receive the claims under IT Investment Policy.

While interacting with the press the Chief Minister said that e–Registration system will help to create conductive atmosphere for IT Industry in the State. The IT units will create employment opportunities for the youth. The e – Registration through single window system will help to boost IT Industry in the State.

Thereafter the Principal Chief Secretary IT and Director General STPI Govt. of India Dr. Omkar Rai signed MOU in the presence of the Chief Minister, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar. By signing this MOU with STPI, IT/ITES/ESDM units, IT units will be able to get leverage, the statutory services provided by STPI which is a single window clearance for software experts. Shri Amey Abhyankar, Director DOIT, Shri Nilesh Phaldessai, MD,ITG, Shri Nitin Concolienkar, member of Investment Promotion Board, staff of DOIT and STPI and others were present at the function.

Panaji : May 2, 2016 … The Department of Information and Publicity has set up its Photo Exhibition Stall at the Mini Saras Exhibition presently underway at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy in the city.

The Saras Exhibition has been organized by DRDA, North Goa which will conclude on May 8, 2016.

 The Photo Exhibition has on display Informative Photographs about the Welfare Schemes being implemented by the Government such as Ladli Laxmi, Griha Aadhar, D.S.S.S. among others. Besides this Some important publications brought out by the Department are also on display which includes a booklet on the achievements on Completion of four years of the State Government under the title “we promise we Deliver”, a brochure incorporating the Schemes for Journalists among other publications.

 It may be noted that the Department of Information and Publicity which is the nodel Agency for the dissemination of information on the Programmes, Polices and Schemes of the Government through print and electronic media has embarked upon a series of information Campaign to propagate the Schemes of the Government. In this context, the Department had set up its Photo Exhibition Stalls at Lokotsav, The Grape Escapade Festival, Goa Festival held at New Delhi and now at the ongoing Mini Saras Exhibition. This exercise is intended to Showcase the progress and development of the Government in various sectors.

 The District Rural Development Agency has erected around 180 Stalls of which 30 Stalls of smaller size are erected for the State Government Departments under Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C.) Programme.

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Panjim, April 30, 2016 :  Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr. Dilip Parulekar has hailed the decision of the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests for the draft amendment to the CRZ notification of 2011 giving respite to shack operators   from dismantling their structures during the monsoons.

Mr. Parulekar  said, “This  move  comes after several recommendations and  persistent efforts put in  by the  Goa government,  Tourism  department and other stakeholders.” It may be recalled that the Tourism department had introduced revamped shack policy for three years for the first time in history of the state.

He further said, “The decision to allow shack operators  to  keep their  shacks on the beaches  even after the  end  of the season  is a big gift from the central government  to Goan shack operators.” Mr. Parulekar  expressed deep  gratitude  and thanked the   Central Ministry  for  Environment  and Forests  and  Union Minister Mr. Prakash Javdekar for  amending the  CRZ notification of 2011 giving this benefit to  shack operators in Goa.  Mr. Parulekar said that there  was a  big demand  from shack operators in Goa to keep their structures in place at the  end  of the tourist season and  the Goa government  through the  Department  of Tourism  has been  pursuing this issue vigorously during his visits to the Central Ministries in New Delhi.  He also mentioned that this would not have been possible without active support from the Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Mr. Narendra Sawaikar, MP Lok Sabha.

Mr. Parulekar  has assured that adequate  measures will be taken  to ensure that the  shack  operators  follow all the guidelines of the  amendment to the CRZ notification of 2011 and has  urged the  shack operators in Goa to  co-operate  with the Department  in this  context. Mr Parulekar also mentioned that the new shack policy for public beach shacks and shacks and tourism huts on private lands would take the CRZ amendment into consideration and that he will be shortly convening  a meeting of stakeholders to discuss this issue.

Chairman  of Goa Tourism Development  Corporation, Mr. Nilesh Cabral also said, “Shack operators  in Goa had a  genuine  issue  concerning the dismantling of  shacks  at  the  end  of the season as the same was  resulting in  huge  costs. The Goa government and   Hon’ble Tourism Minister of  Goa had been working  to ensure that   such issues  are addressed and resolved in the best possible  manner.  The amendment  to the  CRZ  notification  of 2011  by the MoEF   will bring  cheer  to  the  lot of  shack operators  conducting business along the  beach belt of  Goa.”

In Goa, as many as 356 shacks   are  authorized by the  Tourism  Department, Government  of  Goa to  operate  shacks  between  October to May.  While 258  shacks  operate in North Goa as many  as  98 shacks   operate  in South Goa.

The  three  year  shack policy   which was   successfully executed   from 2013-2016 is  expected  to  be reviewed and  revised keeping in  mind the  amendment   to the  CRZ notification.

The  Hon’ble Union Minister  for Environment  and  Forests, Mr. Prakash Javdekar announced  the said proposed   of  amending  the CRZ  notification 2011  to media  in  New Delhi on Wednesday.

April 29, 2016 … Former Chief Justice of Patna High  Court Justice  Prafulla Kumar  Misra was on Thursday sworn in as the new Lokayukta of Goa. The new Lokayukta was administered oath by Governor Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha at a brief function at Raj Bhavan.

Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar  was present at the swearing-in ceremony along with his Cabinet ministers.

Chief secretary Shri R. K. Srivastava earlier read out the order of appointment of Lokayukta.

Among other dignitories who attended the  swearing in Ceremony  were Dr. ram Kripal Sinha spouse of the Governor,  Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza, Minister for P.W.D. Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar, Minister for Craftsmen Training, Shri Pandurang alias Deepak Dhavalikar Minister for Tourism Shri Dilip Parulekar, Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shr Vishnu Wagh, State Chief Information Commissioner, Shri Prashant S. P. Tendolkar, State Information Commissioner, Shri Juino de Souza, State Information Commissioner , Smt Pratima K. Vernekar, Secretaries to the Government, Heads of Government Departments among other prominent citizens.

Panjim, April 28: Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) today launched its all new e-commerce portal and mobile application on the android and iOS platforms that will provide tourists a digital experience of Goa. This is the first venture of its kind to be launched by a Tourism Board in India.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar recently launched the new technology at a  function held at Calangute Residency.  Also present at the launch event included Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of NGPDA, Mr. Michael Lobo, Chief Secretary of Goa, Mr. R. K. Srivastava (IAS), Director of Tourism, Mr. Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai,  Managing Director of GTDC, Mr. Nikhil Desai and Board  of Directors of GTDC.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar said, “I am extremely happy to see how Goa Tourism Development Corporation is evolving and making Goa Tourism attractive and innovative every passing day. The use of technology and digitalizing tourism services is the need of the hour to reach out to tourists in India and international markets.  I credit  the Tourism  Minister, Chairman  of GTDC  and  their teams for adopting  technology as  a tool  to  give a big fillip  to tourism. Goa is the first Board in the country to log in to a unique technology which will provide a variety of Goa Tourism products to tourists on one platform. Every aspect of Goa, such as its history, tourist spots, culture, adventure activities, transport facilities, and many more will be highlighted in this portal. This will help tourists plan their trips and easily make their bookings at Bed and Breakfast units, starred hotels, heritage homes and indulge in activities such as water sports, adrenaline activities, music festivals, restaurant bookings, nature and cultural trails to heritage sites, walking trails to river cruises, and many more at the click of a button.”

During the launch the  dignitaries, guests and media were also  given an insight into the  operations  of  the technology and it’s working.

Hon’ble Minister  for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “ The web portal is designed in such a way that international and domestic visitors will be able to browse through various options right from choosing holiday  packages, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, sight-seeing, adventure trips, spice gardens , water parks, crocodile dandis, dolphin trips and much more, with ease. Right from a pick-up at the airport to the activities available in Goa will be provided under this single portal.”

Goa Tourism Development Corporation has got tremendous positive response from Goan private entrepreneurs who have already registered with GTDC to market their products.

Hon’ble Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “The   new web portal provides an opportunity for locals to generate revenue thereby making it beneficial for residents of Goa and tourists alike. The suppliers will need to register under the GTDC web portal to avail the benefit as it is an opportunity to market their products and services worldwide.”

QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd., experienced in developing software for over 100 travel website applications and marketing noted travel brands world-wide, was awarded the contract to undertake this project. GTDC will not incur any costs for the venture and in fact stands to gain revenue through a revenue sharing model.

This website-cum-e-commerce portal will be available in six foreign languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, German and French in addition to Hindi and English. It is also backed by a 12-hour contact centre service that will make the process of booking and query responses quicker.

APIs to connect with other platforms and increase collaborative opportunities will now be possible.

The major highlight of the project is to build a world-wide database of travel agents interested in Goa and provide them with everything their clients need in the simplest form. Elements like artificial intelligence supported itinerary builders will facilitate the same. On ground service to all registered suppliers in Goa is pivotal to the success of the project.

Shawn Mendes, from QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. said, “The vision behind the platform is to be a holistic resource where one can educate oneself on the tourism offering of Goa. It will promote experiences unique to Goa and deliver value to not only the visitor but also all the tourism stakeholders that are contributing to make this vision a reality.”

QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. will conduct national and international online marketing activities through offices in countries outside India along with creation and management of marketing tools for agents.

GTDC is the first tourism board across the country to introduce such a innovative platform.

Panjim, April 27: Improving services for immigration and issue of Electronic Tourist Visas (ETVS) and expediting identification of land for  parking of taxis outside the airport are to be taken up on priority by multi agencies involved in ensuring smooth operations at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim.

A high level meeting chaired by Hon’ble Minister  for Tourism, Shri. Dilip Parulekar and  co-chaired by  Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral and  Hon’ble Minister for Power,  Mr.  Milind Naik took stock of various issues concerning  Goa airport  at Dabolim. In attendance  was the new  Airport Director, officials from  the Bureau of Immigration,  Traffic Police, Goa Police,  officials from  the  Department  of Tourism and  Goa Tourism Development  Corporation,  association of taxi operators attached  to Goa airport,  representatives of the Travel and  Tourism  Association of Goa and others.

The airport authorities and  bureau of immigration were impressed upon to  resolve  all issues ahead  of the forthcoming  tourism season starting from October 2016 so as to  avoid chaos and confusion at the airport and to prevent  any kind  of harassment  to  tourists arriving in Goa at the international airport.

During the meeting, the new  Airport Director  Mr. B C H Negi was appraised of  matters concerning  the ETV facility  and the need to expedite the process of issuing  the same to  tourists arriving  at Dabolim.   The airport director was impressed upon to increase the number of counters to meet the  rising increase in  tourist arrivals,  need to  increase manpower,  improve  the  designs  of the ETV issue counters,  add proper signages, in addition to other issues  concerning cleanliness,  hygiene,  trolley facilities etc.  The airport director  took note of  issues raised by the association of taxi operators at Dabolim airport and  the need to increase space for parking of taxis around  the  airport and  within the close  proximity of  the arrival terminal.

As far as parking,  a joint  inspection is to be carried out  between all the  concerned  departments to find suitable and alternate  parking  areas  for taxi operators. The inspection will also look into issues within the new airport terminal at Dabolim and find  solutions to  improve services and facilities therein.

The  airport director  was also urged to  permit the taxi association at Dabolim to  use the counter  facility at the airport after following  all procedures.

The  TTAG urged the airport director to take  action against   harassment  to tourists  by trolley pullers and  those  dirtying the  premises.

The traffic  police  and transport department were also urged to take action against  unauthorized parking of vehicles  outside the  airport and  against  so call taxi hijackers  who  it was alleged are creating  chaos and  disturbing the authorized  taxi association from  conducting smooth operations. Action is also proposed against  those taxi drivers not using uniforms.

The Bureau  of Immigration were urged to  improve  their services at the earliest as the forthcoming season  starting from October 2016 would  see  a huge rise in tourist arrivals for ETV  facility at Dabolim.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar  also  expressed willingness to  initiate dialogue with the Ministry for Home  Affairs  and  the Goa government  to  sort out  issues raised  at  the review  meeting.

Mr. Parulekar said, “I  will speak to the Union  Ministry  for Home  Affairs  on  need for improving immigration services at the Goa airport  and  iron out all  problems  irking the  smooth functioning  and issue of ETVs to  foreign tourists arriving at  Goa  airport.  Issues of upkeep and maintenance of the  airport  and parking issues  will also  need to be  resolved before  the  new tourism season begins.”

Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Nilesh Cabral  said, “There is need for taxi operators  at the  airport to  adopt modern  techniques  with regards to issue of tickets and  technology.” Mr. Cabral impressed on the association of taxi  operators  at Dabolim to  also gear up and  provide better services  for tourists  arriving  at the airport.

Mr. Cabral also   suggested training for   staff appointed  by the  Bureau of Immigration in soft skills  that will  help while interacting  with  tourists  at the ETV counters.