Panaji:  April 9, 2016 …. Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar has lauded the Yeoman services rendered by Tari Community in the field of Art and Culture through Tari Society. He said, the younger generation should strive to carry forward the splendid work done by the senior citizens belonging to Tari Community for posterity and also to preserve and enrich the rich cultural traditions of Goa.

The Chief Minister was recently speaking as the Chief Guest at the Centenary year Celebration of Tari Society at a function held at Valvoi in Ponda Taluka .

 The Chief Minister said commemorating 100 years of inception of any society is highly commendable and indeed a proud moment for the people of Volvoi. He said, the roots of our Culture are visible especially in rural areas which he mentioned needs to be preserved and promoted for the generations to come.

The Chief Minister further hoped that the Volvoi village which is known for its contribution in Cultural arena will create artist of international repute. The Chief Minister was of the opinion that villagers of Volvoi have significantly contributed in the field of Art and therefore it is necessary to acknowledge their contribution by honoring them.

 The  Chief Minister released the souvenir titled Kelambika, brought out by the Tari Society on the occasion.

Shri Jayant Tari Director of Information and Publicity, Shri Rajendra Naik Tari, Sarpanch of Volvoi and Shri Ramdas Volvoikar were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister, Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Shripad Naik, Minister for Factories and Boilers were honored by Shri Premanand Tari, President of Tari Society. All those who have contributed for the development of Tari Community were also felicitated on the occasion.

Earlier Shri Premanand Tari welcomed and Shri Vinayak Vengurlekar proposed the vote of thanks. Shri Govind Bhagat compared.

Panaji: April 6, 2016 … The Chairperson of Bal Bhavan Smt. Kunda Chodankar inaugurated blood donation camp at a function held Porvorim recently. The blood donation camp was organized in memory of late Shri Devanand R. Lolienkar in association with Indian Red Cross Society and Rotary Club of Panaji.

Shri  Guruprasad Pawaskar Chairperson  of Sanjay Centre of Education for Special Children,Shri Kedar Naik, Sarpanch Vilaage Panchayat Reis Magos,Smt. Radhika Sawant, Sarpanch Vilaage Panchayat Penha De France,Shri Subhash Chodankar, Shri Subhash Kalangutkar,both Ward Members and others attended the function.

Around 80 persons donated blood. Smt. Sukesha D.Loienkar, proposed the vote of thanks.

 Panaji, April 4, 2016 …. Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar today inaugurated the newly renovated office premises of Directorate of Tribal Welfare at Patto, Panaji in the distinguished presence of Minister for Tribal Welfare Shri Ramesh Tadwadkar, Vice Chairman GSIDC and MLA, Panaji, Shri Siddarth Kuncolienkar and Chairman of Goa Commission for SC/ST Shri Anant Shirvoikar.

The estimated cost of the work is Rs 1.29 crores covering an area of 400 sq.mts. which include Director/Dy Directors cabins, Conference room, storage room , work stations for staff, office space, etc.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that through this renovated premises, the staff will have good working environment.

 The Chief Minister said the Directorate has implemented  21 schemes inorder to strengthen  the development of ST people in Goa and appealed to them to take benefit of these schemes. The Chief Minister said the schemes include extending financial assistance to ST students undergoing pre-matric education, promoting education among girl students of ST communities, assistance to orphan children etc.  The Chief Minister said this has been done to bring the ST class into the mainstream.  He said, two more schemes will be notified shortly for their benefit.

 The Chief Minister further speaking said that Government has been undertaking various development projects in the State, be it bridges, broadening/extension of roads, renovation of office premises, laadli laxmi scheme etc in time inspite of all odds. He said the Government is committed to the overall development of the State.

 Minister for Tribal Welfare Shri Ramesh Tadwadkar in his speech thanked the Chief Minister for extending all support to renovate the office premises which he said was in very bad shape earlier.  He said 21 schemes have already been implemented and it is his vision to see that in the next two years more and more schemes are initiated for the benefit of ST in the State.

 Vice Chairman, GSIDC and MLA, Panaji  Shri Siddarth Kuncolienkar  expressed happiness that the office of Directorate of Tribal Welfare has been renovated for the betterment of the staff through GSIDC and hoped that they will work for the welfare of the ST people.

 Smt. Sandhya Kamat, Director of Tribal Welfare welcomed.

 Managing Director, GSIDC Shri  Sanjit Rodrigues and Dy. Director, Tribal Welfare Smt. Meghna Shetgaonkar were present at the  inaugural ceremony.

 An Information booklet brought out by Goa Commission for SC/ST was released at the hands of Chief Minister.

03/04/2016 …. The number of individuals with autism is on the rise and as these individuals reach adolescence and adulthood, the time has come for Goa to accept that these individuals cannot be left to live on the edge of society. We must participate and contribute in helping these individuals assimilate into workplaces and social groups by providing them basic education, equal opportunity to garner skills at any institute as well as guarantee them employment so that they can live, as far as possible, independently and with dignity. This is no easy task and requires commitment from the government, schools, colleges, training institutes and private enterprises.

When GPCC President Mr Luizinho Faleiro was the Education Minister in 2005 he had introduced a scheme for the differently abled where a differently abled child was given a sum of over Rs 12000 per year for books, stationeries, travelling allowance, escort allowance etc. This scheme has to be extended for all special children like those with autism. The Congress Party’s Flagship Scheme of Right to Education has ensured that every child has excess to free education. This has gone a long way in ensuring that children with autism have access to basic education however more needs to be done. Due to lack of scientific understanding, successive government in Goa have not given due importance to the subject of autism but with the rising number of individuals with autism, government and political parties can no longer ignore it and leave it solely in the hands of a few schools. The Directorate of Education is yet to initiate training programs for teachers and helpers at preschools, anganwadis and balwadis to recognise early signs of autism with go a long way to help persons with autism live their lives as independently as possible.

Providing psychologists and resource rooms in schools is just a first step in integrating children with autism in regular schools. There is a need of a uniform comprehensive policy that must be implemented in every school and institute which guarantees children with autism an opportunity to study along with normal students under the supervision of a teacher who is trained to support such children and create an environment where not only the child with autism develops but the normal children understand, accept and support the child with autism in their overall development.

Dr. Geraldine Dawson who is a PHd and Chief Science Officer of Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization says “Because there are many kinds of autisms, as there are many kinds of cancers, we expect many environmental factors may be contributing to the increase in autism prevalence. With a significant part of the increase attributed to unknown factors, we have cast a wide net to explore the role of environmental factors, so we have funded research on prenatal factors (maternal and paternal age), diet and nutrition, challenges to the immune system, chemicals, and toxins. There is so much work to be done.” This applies to Goa as well. The Government has to initiate a research program to study the environmental factors contributing to the rise of autism in Goa. In addition, the government need to end to insurance discrimination against people with autism by requiring insurers to deliver coverage for behavioural health treatments. One speech therapist in Margao charges Rs 350 for half an hour which is out of reach of poor families. Government must ensure that individuals with autism have access to free speech therapy, behavioural therapy, physio therapy, social skills therapy etc.

One of the major challenge faced today is that government and institution have focused primarily on children with autism. As these children grow to become adolescents and adults, most institutes still recognise and treat them as children. This though process has to change. These individuals must be allowed to join colleges and training institutions to develop work skills. Government has to intervene and invest to create the right environment in these institutions, whether it is providing training to trainers, modifying the curriculum or initiating a mentorship program to help them not only in the institute but in their transition from the institute to the work place.

We must understand that the parents of these individuals will grow old and will not always be around to supervise these individuals with autism in their journey in adulthood. Many may never experience a married life and therefore it is up to the government and society to work together to help these individuals live a live with dignity. The investment may seem high but JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) research paper dated January 13, 2010 states that “There is no doubt that advances in autism research on causes and treatments will actually reduce the long term and growing cost to this country of supporting the growing population of individuals with autism”.

On World Autism Day, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee acknowledges the dedication and commitment of all the institutes and groups in Goa who are working in the field of autism and commits to formulating and implementing a policy that will ensure a life of equality and dignity to all individuals living with autism.

02/04/2016 ….   Goa Tourism’s coastal circuit proposal for Rs. 99.99 crore. under the Swadesh Darshan  Scheme has been approved by the  Central government, Ministry of Tourism and  funds will be allocated under various components for development projects to be undertaken in the first  phase along the  coastal belt of the state.

The Rs 99.99 crore Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is a record highest allocation received  by Goa Tourism since  2010 when it received  an amount of Rs 40 crore then.

The coastal circuit projects in the talukas of Bardez and Pernem, in addition to coastal areas across the state will be covered under the first phase of funding.

Goa was the first among the seven States to be considered for funding under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a meeting held recently in New Delhi on 18 March 2016.

Some of the projects   proposed in Bardez under the coastal circuit  development  plan  include improvement  of  infrastructure facilities like parking, illumination  and providing  handicap friendly access from the parking lot to the beach  at Calangute, beautification of  the Calangute market circle and  taxi stand, construction of  a parking lot near the annex  building  for buses and two- wheelers  near Calangute Residency, illumination of the  stretch from Calangute  to Baga, construction of  parking lot near the beach, a garden on Department  of Tourism land at Candolim and development of  tourism  property at Anjuna.

In Pernem, the projects include providing handicap friendly access and illumination across the creek at Junaswada beach and Mandren beach at Pernem, development of MorjimKhind and development of Ashwem beach.

The project components  also include providing  infrastructure  at various  coastal areas in the state like tourist information centers  at  Calangute,  Baga, Anjuna, Morjim and Ashwem, public amenities  at  10 beaches (37 blocks), providing CCTVs and wi-fi,  safety and security measures and  providing  tourism signages.

Another major component includes development of Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include up-gradation and Jail, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at Aguada Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, café and a lot more.

While Goa’s typologies covers  several facets such as Spiritual, Coastal, Eco-Tourism, Heritage, Backwater, Wellness as well as Tribal Tourism, it was felt that Coastal Tourism and Spiritual Tourism are the most pre-dominant sectors needing more attention in terms of basic infrastructure and creation of a clear circuit. Core requirements such as basic infrastructure around the coastal and spiritual areas, public amenities and innovative components were accordingly identified and projects accordingly categorized under themes to approach the coastal and spiritual circuits in a holistic manner.  While funds have been sanctioned under the coastal circuit, the proposal for funds under the spiritual circuit will be forwarded next to the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Once executed, the projects will enhance the future prospects of turning the coastal and spiritual circuits into a world class destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “Goa has procured funds under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to the tune of Rs. 99.99 crore for the development of coastal circuits.  This is only the first phase and we are eyeing more funds in months to come. This will give a big boost to our plans of improving tourism infrastructure under the coastal and spiritual circuits.

The Swadesh Darshan scheme is envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of the Ministry of Tourism with the aim to fund projects that fall under the gamut of touristic potential due to its history, heritage, cultural importance as well as innovation.  We are extremely thankful to the  Hon’ble Union Minister  of State for Tourism, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and his team  of  officials,  as well as  Hon’ble Union Minister for  Defence,  Mr. Manohar  Parrikar  for  ensuring that Goa is  considered  for   CFA  under the Swadesh  Darshan Scheme

hope to tap as much as we can under this scheme. We plan to tap  as  much as  we can  in the  months to  come which will give a  big  boost to  tourism infrastructure in the State.

I also  have to acknowledge  and  appreciate  the  hard work  put in  by the officials  of Goa Tourism Development  Corporation and  the  SPV Cell whose year – long efforts  have  finally borne  fruits  of the highest CFA  funding ever received  by Goa for tourism.”

Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC),Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “After disappointment faced in the Smart City  project, we are elated with the  success  achieved  by GTDC in obtaining  CFA under the Swadesh Darshan  Scheme.  This is due to the  tireless efforts  of  the  officials  and engineers  of the  GTDC  and SPV  of the  Corporation. Proposals  for additional  funding  to the tune  of  Rs 100 crore each will be submitted  under  river circuits,  spiritual  circuits and heritage and  tribal circuits.

Goa Tourism through its consultant Darashaw has prepared project components aimed at improving the public realm surrounding all important touristic destinations. The components have been designed to create additional infrastructure to enhance the future

potential for growth of the areas under the circuit. This in turn will attract footfalls, create job opportunities and create a sense of pride and ownership for the people as well as put the place on the national and international map as an attractive place for people to congregate and enjoy the culture and diversity of Goa.”

Darashaw & Company Pvt. Ltd., lead consultant Mr. Aalap Bansal informed us that this development proposal, submission and approval has been achieved in record time. “The Ministry approved it speedily, as the proposal creates infrastructure provisions in the state, and aligns with the Swadesh Darshan scheme’s vision, objective and mission. The second phase of the Detailed Project Report has been submitted and is under review by the Ministry. The third phase of the report will be finalized and submitted in the coming months. This is exciting and we’re looking forward to experience the results of all the innovative conceptualization and ideation.”

Panaji : April 1, 2016 ….  Directorate of Tribal Welfare has renovated the office premises at 5^th Floor , Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji-Goa through GSIDC Panaji-Goa.

 The inauguration of newly renovated office premises of Directorate of Tribal Welfare will be held on April 4,2016 (Monday) at 12.00 noon at the hands of Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister in distinguished presence of Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Tribal Welfare Panaji-Goa.

 All are cordially invited for the inaugural function at Directorate of Tribal Welfare 5^th floor, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji-Goa .

Panaji:March  31, 2016 …. The Newly erected 100 KVA Transformer Centre along with 11KV overhead HT line and 11KV underground HT cable to Sheetal Residency at Ansabhat, Mapusa, Bardez- Goa, and also the 400 KVA plinth mounted Transformer Centre along with 11KV over head HT line and 11 KV underground HT cable near Navtara hotel at Bodgini Mapusa has been test charged on March 31, 2016 and will remain charged thereafter.

 Interference, touching to poles, stays, etc. or kite flying at the vicinity will be dangerous. Hence general public of the area are requested to keep away from the line and equipment at their own interest.

Panaji: March  30, 2016 … The State Government has accepted the revised Commission to whole sellers as per decision of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Government of India and accordingly has revised the wholesale prices of the kerosene for Public Distribution after factoring in the revised commission.

The Government has also further decided to increase the commission of kerosene retailers consequently the retail sale price to the consumer’s stands revised Taluka wise. All the changes shall take effect from April 1, 2016 onwards.