Panaji, December 27, 2018 … The Directorate of Transport has compiled their monthly report of number of accidents that occurred and number of Challans issued for the month of October 2018.

As per the report there were 305 road accidents of which 13 Fatal Accidents (North Goa – 8 and South Goa – 5), 26 Grievous Accidents (North Goa – 8 and South Goa – 18), 76 Minor Accidents (North Goa – 22 and South Goa – 54) and 190 Non – Injury Accidents (North Goa – 106 and South Goa – 84) took place.

The total number of people who lost their lives in road accidents were 14 (North Goa – 9 and South Goa – 5). 9 riders, 3 Pedestrian and 2 passengers lost their lives in these accidents.

67 people were Grievously Injured (North – 12 and South – 55) while 113 persons suffered Minor Injuries (North – 40, South – 73).

A total 9357 Challans were issued by Transport authorities in the month of October.

Panaji, December 26 2018 … Goa Police has launched the Traffic Sentinel Scheme with a sole aim to create traffic sense amongst various sections of roads and to reduce M.V. Accident and fatalities. In order to achieve the task cooperation and participation from members of public is of utmost importance.

The “Goa Traffic Sentinel” App developed by Goa Police has been designed in such a way that photograph, video of defaulting vehicle cannot be imported from external sources like CCTV, Mobile Gallery etc. It has to be compulsorily clicked or recorded through the App. The Traffic Sentinel Scheme is playing a major role in creating road safety awareness by seeking assistance from citizens. The public are requested to kindly cooperate and help Goa Police in reducing M.V. Accidents and Fatalities on Goan roads by enrolling themselves as Traffic Sentinels. The “Goa Traffic Sentinel” App is available for download on Google play Store.

In the past few incidences of threatening have been reported by Traffic Sentinels. It is appealed to the members of the public that instead of resorting to such wrong action they should ensure that while on road they abide all traffic laws in the interest of their own safety and that of other road users.    

Panaji, December 25, 2018 … Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar has extended greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message, the Chief Minister has said that Christmas is an auspicious occasion all around the world. People from all communities come together to observe the occasion with great pomp. It is the time of the year to give to others, bringing in happiness and delight with simple things.

The Chief Minister further states, “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and rekindles the spirit of peace and harmony. This Christmas, let us resolve to promote unity and be the harbinger of peace and development in the State.”

“Let us all unite and work for the welfare of the State by channelizing all our efforts and energy in ensuring progress of our State.  May the joys and festivities continue to radiate each ones lives,” the Chief Minister concludes. 

meanwhile Governor of Goa Dr. (Smt.) Mridula Sinha has conveyed her heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Christmas.

In her message, the Governor says, “Every year this sacred day is observed with religious zeal, in great merriment, and with sincere prayers all over the world. On this auspicious day, we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus, who gave us the valuable and eternal message of peace, tolerance, compassion, love and sacrifice. It is an appropriate occasion for us to carry the spirit of Christmas to foster the values that Jesus Christ professed and practiced for the benefit of humanity.”

The Governor further states, “This is an occasion for people to meet their loved ones, leave behind their worries and come together for merry-making. Ours is a secular country, where people belonging to various faiths live in harmony, amity, social solidarity and unity. Religious and spiritual festivals are occasions when we renew these qualities, in order to lead a peaceful and wholesome life. On the eve of Christmas, let us rededicate ourselves to live together as member of one family and work for greater glory and progress of the nation,” the Governor concludes.

Panaji:  December 24, 2018 … A special programme to officially launch the seasons strawberry cultivation by three self help gropus of Verlem and Tudav village of Netravali Panchayat under the range of western ghat in hinterland area was held today. The project of strawberry cultivation is assisted and initiated by Atal Gram Development Agency apart from monitoring the projects undertaken in Netravali under the Atal Adarsh Gram Vikas Yojana a central Government scheme.

While speaking on the occasion MP, Shri Sawaikar said time has come to think something different rather than mining and beach tourism industry. He said mining business might not be able to run for the life time. Restrictions will come in this industry from time to time, he added.

          Speaking further, Shri Sawaiker reiterated Governments commitment to support this type activity in a big way and called upon the youths to venture into such enterprise which is really lucrative. The youths should make every attempt to protect the State’s identity.  Goa itself is a brand. We need to work towards sustainable hinterland tourism with proper marketing and by protecting nature.

Applauding the initiative and efforts taken by Atal Gram Development Agency under the able leadership of Project Director, Shri Vijay Saxena Shri Sawaiker emphasized the need to take such unique projects in every villages. He also congratulated the members of self help groups and villagers who participated in this scheme and actually worked on ground to bring the fruit in the goan market.

The Atal Gram Development Agency – Goa, is implementing this unique project i.e. Financial Assistance for cultivation of strawberry at Verlem and Tudav in the jurisdiction of V.P. Netravalim.  Three Mahila Self Help Groups viz. Shiv Shakti Self Help Group and Bhumika Self Help Group in Verlem and Uddengi Self Help Group in Tudav have undertaken stawberry cultivation.

This Scheme has benefited about 40 households in the villages of Verlem and Tudav. The cultivation of strawberry has covered an area of 4500 sq. mts. About 30,000 high yielding varieties strawberry saplings of strawberry viz. Sweet Charlie, Kamaruja, Nabila, Winter star, Elina, San Andreas (SA) and R-2,  are cultivated by these Self Help Groups.   The strawberry saplings have been procured from strawberry farms in Wai,  Mahabaleshwar a famous hill station in Maharashtra. The strawberries will be produced in the village over a period of 6 months (November to April). 

An exclusive irrigation system (drip irrigation) has been created for the cultivation of strawberry. The Agency has also provided hands on training to the farmers in the cultivation of strawberries through an accomplished strawberry farmers from Bhilare village, Panchagani Maharashtra. Training sessions of various duration have been held in Goa and Bhilare village. The Agency has also provided necessary one time logistic supports such as irrigation facilities, mulching paper, fertilizers & pesticides, ventury and hand spray pump etc. for undertaking the cultivation of strawberries. 

Necessary marketing arrangements have also been made to promote the sale of strawberries. Exclusive outlets have been created in the jurisdiction of V.P. Netravali for sale of strawberries. The strawberries will be available at leading markets across the State at reasonable rates. The Goa State Horticultural Corporation Limited (GSHCL) has also agreed to undertake the sale of strawberry through its outlets across the State.

Sarpanch, V P Netravali, Smt Rajani Gaonkar thanked the Atal Gram Development Agency for supporting this project in Netravali Panchayat.

Shri Subhash Velip Chairman, Atal Gram Development Agency, Shri Ragunath Morajkar and Shri Subhash Phaldessai also spoke on the occasion.

Panaji, December 23, 2018 …  “The majority of the agricultural workforce comprises women, and hence facilities and benefits, like those that are maternity-related, should be provided to them,” said Governor of Goa, Smt Mridula Sinha while speaking at the State Credit Seminar organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Panaji, recently.

            The Governor further said that there was also a need to provide counseling facilities to those widows of farmers, who had committed suicide owing to farm distress.

            The Governor further added that in Goa there was a lot of agricultural land which is not being cultivated and should be put to optimum agricultural use by the means of innovative thinking. “There’s this mentality,” she noted, “where people tend to buy their agricultural produce instead of growing it by themselves when there is so much of land which is not being cultivated.” The Governor continued, “It’s fine to have agricultural goals, but it’s important to change mentalities in favour of agriculture,” the Governor said.

On the occasion, the State Focus Paper 2019-20 and Desk Calendar for 2019 on the theme Sustainable Agricultural Practices were released.

            The Secretary, Finance, Shri. Daulat Hawaldar, IAS, spoke of the vulnerability of farmers and said that their lives are faced with uncertainties because they are rain dependent, and are also faced with other challenges such as climate change, unstable markets, rising cost of cultivation, decreasing yields, increase in cost of living in rural areas etc. Shri Hawaldar lauded NABARD for taking sincere efforts to finance farmers in various areas. He appreciated the initiatives of NABARD in providing loans for the “Open defecation free” (ODF) programme, Solid Waste Management for Swachh Goa etc.

            Present on the occasion were the Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Dr. S. Rajagopal, General Manager, NABARD, Goa RO, Kamakshi Pai, among others.

Panaji December 22, 2018 … The survival of Goenkarpon depends upon the progress and development of villages in the State said Revenue Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte after inaugurating Administrative building of the Office of Deputy Collector, Valpoi in the distinguish presence of Health Minister, Shri Vishwajeet Rane and Ex Chief Minister Shri Pratapsingh Rane.

Speaking further, Shri Khaunte reiterated the Government’s commitment to serve the people in a time bound manner and highlighted the various online services laucnhed to provide services at the door steps of the people.

Shri Rohan Khaunte said the long felt need to have a Dy Collector Office for Sattari taluka to cater to the needs of 12 village Panchayat, one Municipality and having approximately 71,533 total population. He also assured to setup Land Survey Office in same premises before the coming Republic Day.

Highlighting the various Land Revenue code/ laws Shri Khaunte pointed that Government has amended various Revenue code/ laws in the interest of the people and appealed to the people to show interest in learning and studying various laws before taking any decision. The land laws and acts are amended for the benefit of common people, he added.

Speaking on the occasion Ex Chief Minister Shri Pratapsingh Rane stressed the importance of education and appealed to to the people to avail the benefits of education system in Goa for the progress of their own and the development of State.

Speaking on the occasion Health Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane complimented Shri Rohan Khaunte for providing the Dy Collector Office which was a long pending demand of Sattari people. Maintaining that his dream is to make available  all the facilities to the people of Sattari, he said he is making all efforts to  setup Land survey office RTO office, 50 crore full-fledged hospital, construction of Five new Panchayat Buildings, beautification project at Usgao at 30 crores, bridges road so as to give a new face lift to Sattari.

Smt Parvin Shaikh, Chairperson, VMC also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Narhari Haldankar, Ex MLA, Smt Saraswati Wadkar, Fati Gaonkar, Premnath Hazare, all ZP members, Sarpanchas of Different Village Panchayat, Shri Gopal Parsekar, Addl Collector; Dasharath Redkar, Dy. Collector and other Officers were present on the occasion.

Shri Vikas Gaunekar, Addl Collector welcomed the guests and Shri Vivek H.P. Dy Collector, Valpoi proposed vote of thanks.

Later on Shri Pratapsingh Rane also inaugurated Reel Cinema Theater in the distinguish presence of Health Minister, Shri Vishwajit Rane at Valpoi. The multiplex theatre having 130 capacities is being operated by Reel Cinema.

Panaji, December 21, 2018 … “Recognizing the contribution of players in the field of sports is important,” said the Minister for Power, Shri. Nilesh Cabral while speaking at the Geno Sports Awards held to felicitate meritorious sports persons at a function organized in Panaji by the Sports Journalists’ Association of Goa.

“Going to the next level in sports requires personal commitment and efforts on the part of the players,” remarked Shri. Cabral adding, “As part of the Government, we are trying to focus on coming out with sport policies which will help the young players do better in their chosen field of sports.”

Shri Cabral further lauded the parents of the sports persons for encouraging and supporting their children in their endeavors.

The Chairperson and Managing Director of Geno Pharmaceuticals, Shri Dilip Salgaocar while speaking on the occasion, said that the awards recognize the talents of sports persons and is an encouragement to budding players. He said it is a matter of pride to note that many of the players who have received the awards, are excelling in sports disciplines that are not very known in Goa.

Present on the occasion were Dr Sagar Salgaocar, President of Sports Journalists’ Association of Goa, Shri. Niraj Prabhu among others. Senior Journalist, Shri Jovito Lopes compered the function while the Secretary, Sports Journalists’ Association of Goa, Shri Mahesh Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, December 20, 2018 ..Every village in Saligao will get independent children park disclosed Minister for Housing Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar after laying the  foundation stone for development of Open Space and repairs of road in ward no 7 at Reis Magos recently.

Shri Salgaonkar said in order to accelerate the pace of  development in villages coming within the jurisdiction of Saligao priority accorded are not for the cosmetic changes but for requirement of the people .He informed that total cost of the work will be approximately Rs.11.75 lakhs. Shri Salgaonkar also announced that internal roads in Ward No 5 will be provided with hotmix carpet                     and the work of which will be taken up soon.

Smt Siya Nagvekar, Deputy Sarpanch, Reis Magos while expressing her happiness said that this outer space being the first garden in Reis Magos will be useful for the children’s to play and grandparents can spare some quality time. Smt. Siya also appealed the villagers to support in the development of the village.

Also present on the occasion were Shri Virendra Shirodkar, Sarpanch Reis Magos and other panch members. 

Panaji, December 18, 2018 …The District Magistrate, North Goa District has informed that MSME outreach camps are proposed to be held in all the special Gram Sabha Meetings scheduled on December 19, 2018 in all the village panchayats of the North Goa district.

All the bank branches in every village Panchayat area should make a half an hour MSME outreach program during the gram sabha as per the slot made available by the concerned Panchayat as per directions given by Directorate of Panchayats.

The branch manager should approach the concerned Sarpanch / Dy. Sarpanch / member / V.P. Secretary and shall coordinate and arrange the participation in the gram sabha.

LDM should be overall in-charge to coordinate and ensure proper participation of all local bank branches in the gramn sabha and identify one nodal officer for one camp from all the participating banks.

The nodal officer will be responsible to make a presentation to the gram sabha and also explain to the villagers about PMSBY and PMJJY insurance schemes and encourages enrolment for the same.

The consent forms for enrollment under the insurance schemes should be filled and accepted on the spot. Concerned nodal officer will submit a report of the camp to the LDM by December 21, 2018.

LDM to compile all the reports and submit it to the office of Collector North by December 24, 2018.

The report will be submitted to Prabhari Officer for North Goa District.