Panaji: November 1st, 2017 … Goa Festival, an annual event organized by Goenkarancho Ekvot, a registered Organization of Goans living in New Delhi and NCR will be held on November 10-12, 2017 at Goa Sadan, Amrita Shergill Marg, New Delhi.

The festival is organised in association with Department of Tourism, Govt. of Goa and will be inaugurated by Minister for Tourism Shri. Manohar Ajgaonkar in the presence of Rev. Anil J.T Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and other members of Parliament.  

Three days festivity is designed to promote authentic Goan cuisine, music, handicrafts and processed Goan Food. Lucky draws will be held during the celebration with the offer of holiday packages to Goan resorts. The inaugural function will be followed by a cultural programme and live music by Goan bands.

Panaji: October 31, 2017 …. The Directorate of Social Welfare has invited applications from Employers, NGOs and persons with disabilities for state awards in Best Employer, Best NGO and Best Employee with Disability categories.

One award in each category of Disability such as visually disabled, speech and hearing impaired, physically disabled will be given for the best employee with disabilities. Each award consists of cash amount of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only), citation certificate, shrifal (coconut) and shawl.

Application forms are available at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Panaji and District Welfare Offices, Directorate of Social Welfare, M.S.A. Complex, Margao free of cost. Applications in prescribed format duly filled in all respect and accompanied with photocopies of the required documents attested by Gazetted Officer should reach the Directorate of Social Welfare, Panaji on or before November 20, 2017.

State awards will be presented on December 19, 2017 by the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day.

Panaji: October 31, 2017 … A week long Vigilance Awareness programme being organised hosted by Directorate of Vigilance, and General Administration Department, Secretariat Porvorim commenced today in the presence of Chief Minister Shri. Manohar Parrikar, Chief Secretary Shri. Dharmendra Sharma IAS, special secretary Shri. Govind Jaiswal IAS, SP Anti Corruption Branch Shri. Bosco George and Director of Dept of Vigilance Shri. Sanjiv Gauns Dessai at the Seminar Hall, Secretariat Porvorim. The weeklong event which will conclude on November 3, 2017 is themed on ‘My Vision-Corruption Free India’ and will consist of seminars and workshops for senior Government officers.

The function began with the Integrity pledge administered by the Chief Secretary to the officers of various departments.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the integrity pledge and urged the officers to adhere to it throughout their career span. He also reviewed the tasks undertaken by the Government via Vigilance Directorate. “Major steps have been taken to strengthen the Vigilance department and to clear the pending cases. The department has successfully disposed 160 cases of C and D category and have fasten its speed by disposing  200 files till date as against  20 files per year in previous years. Major cases except pertaining to misappropriation use of funds, crime against women or child are being given special attention. During the current year 50% pending cases will be resolved,” he informed.

He suggested the Directorate to conduct training programs for the officials. “Vigilance is of two kinds. Being negligent or careless in taking a decision and direct corruption, though the latter is seldom. The officer should be vigilant enough to not to fall in problem. GPARD may conduct such courses for the officers,” he said.

The Chief Minister advised the officers to use Government resources with utmost care and avoid wastage of funds. “Saving money of the Government is an example of pro-active vigilance”, he quoted.   

The event began with lighting the lamp. Director Shri. Sanjiv Gauns Dessai gave the welcome address. DySP ACB Smt. Sucheta Dessai compered the function Shri. Shashikant Kamat proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: October 30, 2017 … “If you want to sustain in this competitive world, there is no substitute to personality development. Hence, participating in activities like ‘Balotsav’ not only help to sharpen your skills but also inculcate confidence and removes stage fear out of you. Education will provide you essentials for living, but any form of art will teach you passion. Hence, along with studies, try to instill an art form like music, dance, craft, theatre etc.,” stated Minister for Rural Development Shri. Jayesh Salgaonkar. He was addressing as a chief guest to the students of various schools at the valedictory function of ‘Balotsav’, a children’s festival organised by Directorate of Art and Culture in association with West Zone Cultural Centre , Udaipur at Saraswat Vidyaylaya, Khorlim Mapusa recently.

“Being discreet and observant is the need of an hour. Children ask questions, they are curious to fetch answers. There is a diamond in every child, which needs to be polished and shaped. It is the responsibility of every parent to engage their child in activities like Balotsav,” he said. The Minister also distributed certificates to the participants and mementoes to the guides.

Director of Directorate of Art and Culture Shri. Gurudas Pilernkar and Headmistress of Saraswat Vidyalaya, Khorlim Mapusa Shri. Parvati Nadkarni was also present on the occasion.

The five days event which began on October 24, 2017 was scheduled at four places- Bicholim, Ponda, Sanqelim and Valpoi. Artistes from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa guided the children in die and tie Bandhani, Putlikala, Cloth and Terracotta Toy Making, Theatre and National Integration Songs.

The event began with welcome song presented by the participants followed by two skits. The students and guides later shared their experiences. Shri. Pilernkar gave the welcome address while a staff from Art and Culture compered the function and proposed vote of thanks. The event was attended by children, parents, teachers in large numbers.

Panaji: October 29, 2017…   The 8th two day ‘elets Knowledge Exchange Conference, Goa’ commenced in Candolim today in the presence of Governor Dr. Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Shri. Manohar Parrikar, Minister for  Information  and Technology Shri. Rohan Khaunte and CEO of elets Dr. Ravi Gupta.

 The Conference will have intellectual seminars and sessions based on the theme of ‘Nation Building through Digital Transformation’. Experts in the field of Technology, Education, and Business will impart talks on topics like e-Governance and its attributes to the society, Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities etc.

 The Governor Dr. Mridula Sinha, while speaking on the occasion emphasized on the need of e-Governance. “Goa being a small state has a lot of potential in digitalization of government schemes. Being techno savvy is the need of the hour. Hence, one must acquaint himself with latest technology and gadgets,” she said.

 The Chief Minister congratulated the organizers for hosting such an event. Stating that knowledge doubles when shared the Chief Minister said, “One cannot make money out of knowledge. It can be passed on for betterment of the world. Goa has always remained at the forefront in the field of education. It is the first state to get connected with a digital highway with a fiber optic cable.  The state Government would like to get the best companies to set-up their plants in Goa,” He also ensured his support to people who are planning to start-up their business in Goa.

Minister for Information Technology, Shri. Rohan Khaunte stated that it is a pleasure for the state to get acknowledged as a knowledge exchange destination. “E-Governance has been a vision cherished by Government of Goa. The government is keen to make Goa technology and knowledge hub. The government wants to make Goa investor friendly state and to create an eco-system where-in more employment will be generated,” he said. He also stated that the government will come up with policies to attract business and investment in the state.

The dignitaries later launched the special issue of ‘e-Gov’ magazine which is India’s only e-Governance magazine.
Shri. Ravi Jha, Director of Information and Technology, Govt of Goa gave the welcome address while Dr. Ravi Gupta proposed vote of thanks.

The event was attended by International and National experts in the field of IT and E-Governance.

Panaji: October 29, 2017 … Chief Minister Shri. Manohar Parrikar recently held series of meetings throughout the day to review high impact infrastructure works in Goa as well as in Panaji.  The Chief Minister has also formed a team within CMO to review and troubleshoot ongoing as well as proposed infrastructural projects.

A meeting was held with Director of Civil Aviation to discuss in detail the status of Mopa Airport.

Chief Minister also met the members/corporators of CCP as well as Panchayat members from Panaji constituency. Govt officials and other experts were also present during discussions on various infrastructural issues pertaining to Panaji.

Shri Sidharth Kuncalienker, Chief Mentor, Panaji Smart City Mission and Shri. Swayam Chaowdhary from AMRUT updated Chief Minister with tasks undertaken under both the central Govt missions like improvement in water supply, command and control center, bicycle sharing project, underground cabling in Panaji and Ribander as well as market, fishermen wharf, pedestrian bridge connecting Manassa and a community hall for Ribander.

In a joint meeting held with Managing Director of Waste Management Corporation Shri. Sanjith Rodrigues as well as Commissioner CCP Shri. Ajit Roy, the Chief Minister discussed issues pertaining to garbage disposal in Panaji and instructed to expedite Baiguinim plans as well as fully operationalize the facility at EDC Patto plaza, St Inez and behind Hera Petrol Pump.

Chief Minister reviewed developmental projects undertaken by PWD, Electricity and WRD in a meeting held with the concerned officials. The Chief Minister discussed various issues raised by the officials in order to smoothen power and water supply.

He instructed PWD officials to expedite work on 27MLD water treatment plant at is as well as Maisel Dam so that Panaji including area on Kadamba plateau will get more water supply before onset of summer.

The Chief Minister also held a meeting with North Goa Collector Smt. Nila Mohanan and officials from Traffic cell and discussed various ways to improve traffic management, diversions and arrangements to be done in Panaji for smooth vehicular flow as well as to prepare Panaji for upcoming Tourist season.

Panaji: OCTOBER 28, 2017  … The newly elected office bearers of Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyaan (GPMSA) were felicitated by Minister for Panchayat Shri. Mauvin Godhinho at the installation ceremony of the newly elected GPMSA block members organized at the Seminar Hall, Secretariat Porvorim recently.

Director of Panchayats Smt. Sandhya Kamat who was the Guest of Honour, North Goa ZP vice-president Smt. Chitra Phadte, Vice president of GPMSA Smt. Ankita Navelkar, President of GPMSA Smt. Nelly Rodrigues, Secretary Smt. Diksha Dilip Kanolkar and Treasurer Ms. Hazel Fernendes were present on the occasion.

Shri. Godinho while addressing the gathering emphasized on the need to of women empowerment. “Women have played a vital role in the society till date. They can contribute a lot towards the betterment of the society. For that, they must educate themselves and keep themselves active.” He urged the women to participate in cleanliness drives and spread awareness.

Smt. Sandhya Kamat administered the oath to the newly elected members. In her address Smt. Kamat congratulated the GPMSA team. “Women are decisive and good at management. Today they have progressed considerably and with their skills and will to learn they can achieve heights in every sector.

While addressing the gathering Smt. Nelly Rodrigues said that life is an echo hence works with responsibility. “Self-development and motivation should be your eternal aim,” she said.

          The Minister then distributed cheques to GPMSA block leaders. Smt. Ankita Navelkar gave the welcome address. Smt. Farrel Furtado compered the function while Smt. Chitra Phadte proposed a vote of thanks.

Panaji: October 27, 2017 … The Major proposed  projects  which includes AYUSH Hospital, International Cricket Stadium, Mopa Airport and Ravindra Bhavan in Pernem  and its surrounding areas will create ample job opportunities for youths in coming years disclosed Minister for Tourism Shri Manohar Azgaonkar during his visit to various villages coming under the jurisdiction of Pernem which included Oxelbag, Dadachiwadi, Bhatpawni, Mopa and Hassapur.

Shri Azgaonkar  distributed sound system equipments and also laid foundation stone for protection wall at Mopa coming the Zilla Panchayat funds which is estimated to cost Rs. 556000/-.

The Minister also inaugurated protection wall at Hassapur under the  Directorate of  Panchayat.

 Speaking on the occasion Shri Azgaonkar stated that developmental works are in full Swing in Pernem. He urged people to extend their cooperation in carrying out developmental works. He appealed to the people to derive full benefit of Government Schemes which are meant for them. He also urged the youth to acquired required skills to gain employment in the upcoming projects and become self reliant in life.

Shri.Tukaram Harmalkar, Zilla Panchayat Member while addressing the gathering informed that six numbers of sound system equipment have been distributed through Zilla Panchayat funds of which three in Dhargal, two in Poraskada  and  one in Virnorda. He said all the developmental work is aimed for the welfare of the people .

 Shri Sachin Morajkar, Junior Engineer Directorate of Panchayat, Shri Pandurang Parab,Shri. Ramesh Sawal, Zilla Panchayat Member Pernem, Former Zilla Panchayat Chairperson, Sarpanch  and Panch Member of Oxel, Dadachiwadi, Bhatpawni, Mopa and Hassapur along with others were present on the occasion.