Panaji: July, 5, 2020 ::: Start up, Speed up, Scale up is the Mantra of proposed new Startup Policy of Goa Government. This new Goa Startup policy is being drafted, with a comprehensive approach towards Startups. While the current pandemic situation has proven to be cause to limit some avenues, it has as well opened up certain options for Startups. The Government also has had its share of issues coping up with the emergencies; as these unprecedented times have limited Government exchequer. Yet, the Startup Promotion Cell (SPC), Government of Goa’s nodal agency for Startups has been continuously working towards Uplifting Startups by building and creating continuous opportunities for Startups and depended ecosystem.

Amid all this anarchy caused by the pandemic, SPC has begun work on drafting a new Goa Startup Policy. The drafting of the new Startup Policy has been undertaken after interacting with Startups, Investors, respective Goa Government Departments & State Governments. The central nodal agency, Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have been actively involved and is being consulted for policy inputs. The new 2020 Startup policy will be drafted by incorporating the learnings of present Startup Policy 2017, Inputs by Goa Startups & Ecosystem Enablers and most importantly keeping in mind these unprecedented times.

Director (IT) & CEO (SPC), Kum. Ankita Anand, IAS said “The draft of new Goa Startup Policy 2020, will be uploaded on the Goa Online Portal and all are encouraged to provide suggestion on the policy. It will be posted on the recently launched online MyGov.in platform exclusive for Goa”.

The 5 policy pillars of the Goa Startup Policy 2020 will be Institutional Support & Framework, Access to Finance, Access to Talent, Education & Skill Development and Thought Leadership”

Reflecting the same, the scope of new Startup Policy will be diverse yet inclusive. Additionally, the revised Policy looks forward to enforce special focus on Women Entrepreneurs & Social Enterprises with focus on sustainable solutions.

Minister for Information Technology, Smt. Jennifer Monserrate has been actively monitoring the SPC and has launched a series of “Startup Day Programs” and these programs have got phenomenal participation & response. These programs were launched with a vision to assist the Goa Startups to be prepared to Speed up, Scale up and Go Global. Taking inspiration from the same, the Startup Policy 2020 will have programs to connect these Startups with the Goan Diaspora across the globe thereby providing global access to experts. This will serve as a catalyst for growth of our Startups’.

Secretary (IT), Shri. Sanjay Kumar, IAS has been encouraging SPC continuously to foster Entrepreneurship & Innovation among students. Students & Freshers from Colleges have invigorating ideas and should be given wings to fly. For this purpose, SPC plans to launch Hackathon & Challenges exclusively for the students, to provide them with a platform to showcase their skills and talent. The purpose behind these programs would be to enable deserving ideas to not only get the financial assistance but also more importantly the advice and guidance from an established Mentor(s). The SPC reports to the High Powered Committee, which is chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. As per the directions of the High Powered Committee, a “Fund of Funds” (FoF) will be set up by the SPC. This FoF will be investing in Certified Goa Startups and will play a crucial role to build an active investor network in Goa.

Panaji: July 4, 2020 :: The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has informed that the distribution of kerosene quota  to the Non-LPG Ration Card Holders  for the month of July to September 2020 is extended till August 21, 2020.  10.5 liters of kerosene per ration card will be distributed through the selected Fair Price shop/SKO retailers, where their cards are attached.

In case of non-supply or short supply of kerosene over-charging etc, may be addressed to the Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, 1^st Lift, 2^nd Floor, Junta House, Panaji or may be lodged/registered through e-mail ID: dir-csca.goa@nic.in , adi-csca.goa@nic.in or lodged on helpline No.1967 or 18002330022 or can be lodged at the respective Taluka Civil Supplies Offices.

Panaji:- July 2, 2020 ::: Governor of Goa Shri Satya Pal Malik inaugurated an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Raj Bhavan installed by State Bank of India (SBI) today.

Secretary to Governor, Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS and Shri Naveen Kumar Gupta, Deputy General Manager (B&O) SBI were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Governor appreciated SBI for setting up of ATM facility at Raj Bhavan which will benefit the staff members attached to Raj Bhavan to a large extent. He also urged the SBI staff members to maintain good rapport with their customers as it is only the financial institutions who can extend financial support to the needy to set up their ventures and sustain livelihood. He termed the opening of ATM facility as one step towards digitalization at Raj Bhavan.

Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur IAS said that opening of ATM was the long pending demand of the Raj Bhavan staff members and today it has become a reality. He also informed that the Raj Bhavan is entirely going cashless in their day-to-day financial matters.

Smt.Lata Mashelkar, Branch Manager, SBI, Dona Paula welcomed the gathering and compered the function while Deputy General Manager (B & O) SBI, Shri Naveen Kumar Gupta proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: July 1, 2020 ::; A  press clipping pertaining to exorbitant electricity bills have appeared, in the recent past in many newspapers.

In this context, the Electricity Department has clarified that due to Covid-19, the bills could not be issued on a monthly basis due to lockdown.

The printed bills which could not be issued were issued subsequently by extending the due date of payment and also waiving of delayed payment charges for the entire period. Bills are issued as per the actual calculation of a period of consumption recorded by energy meter.

Bills are issued on a pro-rata basis by dividing the consumption spread over the entire period for which bills were issued. Since the period for which the last bills have been issued coincided with the lockdown period, and people were mostly indoors, there is every likelihood that consumption has increased. Due to this, the consumers are comparing their consumption pattern during this the particular time to the pattern during the non – lockdown period. On finding the consumption high during the lockdown period people have assumed that the meter has shown wrong reading and department has issued exorbitant bills as per the said wrong readings. 

The Electricity Department has strongly refuted this claim by the consumers and maintained that the bills have been issued as per the consumption of energy recorded by the energy meter. 

Panaji: April 01, 2020 :::: The Directorate of Transport has compiled monthly report of number of accidents that occurred and number of Challans issued for the month of January 2020.

As per the report there were total 342 road accidents (North Goa – 167 and South Goa – 175) occurred from which 27 were Fatal Accidents (North Goa – 14 and South Goa – 13), 18 Grievous Accidents (North Goa – 6 and South Goa – 12), 76 Minor Accidents (North Goa – 23 and South Goa – 53) and 221 Non – Injury Accidents (North Goa – 124 and South Goa –97).

The total number of persons who lost their lives in road accidents were 27 (North Goa – 14 and South Goa – 13). 20 riders, 2 P/rider, 5 Pedestrian lost their lives in these accidents.

24 people were Grievously Injured (North – 08 and South – 16) while 123 persons suffered Minor Injuries (North – 38, South – 85).

A total 3243 Challans were issued by Transport authorities in the month of January 2020.

Panaji: March 31, 2020 …. The Directorate of Transport has compiled monthly report of number of accidents that occurred and number of Challans issued for the month of December 2019.

As per the report there were total 351 road accidents (North Goa – 165 and South Goa – 186) occurred from which 26 were Fatal Accidents (North Goa – 12 and South Goa – 14), 19 Grievous Accidents (North Goa – 9 and South Goa – 10), 95 Minor Accidents (North Goa – 36 and South Goa – 59) and 169 Non – Injury Accidents (North Goa – 108 and South Goa –103).

The total number of persons who lost their lives in road accidents were 26 (North Goa – 12 and South Goa – 14). 20 riders, 4 P/rider, 2 Pedestrian lost their lives in these accidents.

25 people were Grievously Injured (North – 11 and South – 14) while 142 persons suffered Minor Injuries (North – 51, South – 91).

A total 2511 Challans were issued by Transport authorities in the month of December 2019.

Panaji ::: March 30, 2020 :::: The NRI Commission, Government of Goa has informed all the NRI’s and PIOs settled across the globe not to panic over the current situation and take precautionary measures as advised by the Government. It urges the people to remain mindful and vigilant in the face of the outbreak. In the wake of prevailing COVID-19 (Corona virus) situation taking place in many countries across the world.

Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa Adv. Narendra K. Sawaikar  has informed that the Government of India is constantly monitoring the situation and accordingly issuing travel advisory guidelines and restrictions as precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Indian Embassies across the world are advised to facilitate any kind of assistance to the NRIs and PIOs in their concerned countries. The NRI Commission, Government of Goa is also concerned about the well being and safety of our fellow Goans based abroad and would like to assure necessary support and assistance wherever required.

The Health Department, Government of Goa has set up a sophisticated quarantine ward to deal with suspected cases of the novel Corona virus. People are kindly requested to contact the helpline number 104 for dealing with Corona virus for the State of Goa.

In case any NRI / PIO needs any further help and assistance, may contact the NRI Commission on email IDs commissioner-nri.goa@nic.in / dir-nri.goa@nic.in or twitter handle : Goa NRI Commission.

Panaji ::: March 29, 2020 :::: The Directorate of Health Services has forwarded Social distancing measures issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Social distancing is a non-pharmaceutical infection prevention and control intervention implemented to avoid/decrease contact between those who are infected with a disease causing pathogen and those who are not, so as to stop or slow down the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community. This eventually leads to decrease in spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease.

In addition to the proposed interventions, the State/UT Governments may prescribe such other measure as they consider necessary.   

All these proposed interventions will be in force till March 31, 2020. They will be reviewed as per the evolving situation.

The interventions proposed: Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities etc), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres. Students should be advised to stay at home. Online education to be promoted. Possibility of postponing exams may be explored. Ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one  meter amongst students. Encourage private sector organizations/employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible. Meetings, as far as feasible, will be done through video conferences. Minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary. Restaurants to ensure hand washing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Ensure physical distancing (minimum 1 metre ) between tables; encourage open air seating where practical with adequate distancing.

Keep already planned weddings to a limited gathering, postpone all non-essential social and cultural gatherings.Local authorities to have a dialogue with organizers of sporting events and competitions involving large gatherings and they may be advised to postpone such events. Local authorities to have a dialogue with opinion leaders are religious leaders to regulate mass gathering and should ensure no overcrowding/at least one metre distance between people.Local authorities to have meeting with trades associations and other stakeholders to regulate hours, exhibit Do’s and Don’ts and take up a communication drive in market places like sabzi mandi, anaj mandi, bus depots, railway stations, post-offices etc., where essential services are provided. All commercial activities must keep a distance of one meter between customers. Measures to reduce peak hours crowding in market.Non-essential travel should be avoided. Busses, trains and aeroplanes to maximize social distancing in public transport besides ensuring regular and proper disinfection of surfaces.

Hospitals to follow necessary protocol related with COVID-19 management as prescribed and restrict family/friends/children visiting  patients in hospitals.Hygiene and physical distancing has to be maintained. Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting to be avoided. Special protective measures for delivery men/women working in online ordering services to be avoided. Keep communities informed consistently and constantly.

Panaji : March 28, 2020 …. The office of the District Magistrate, North Goa has informed that the Enforcement Squad of North Goa District is re-constituted for enforcing effective implementation of illicit drug/Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of trade Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 in North Goa District.

The Enforcement Squads of all the Talukas have been directed to take action on illicit tobacco products which are in circulation without paying taxes including other sections under COTPA Act, 2003.