Margao:  September 13, 2018 … The District Magistrate and Collector, South Goa District has invited applications from eminent advocates for empanelment in the South Goa District Panel for conducting cases in Special Courts.  The applications should reach within two weeks.

The empanelment is sought in category Category ‘A’ comprising of advocates having practice for 10 years and above, fees for which would at the rate of Rs. 5000/- per hearing provided maximum amount per case shall not be more than Rs. 1.00 lakh and Category ‘B’ comprising of advocates with experience of 7 to 10 years, preferably with experience in criminal matters, with fees of Rs. 3000/- per hearing provided maximum amount per case shall not be more than Rs. 75,000/-

The criteria for empanelment being – an expert in the legal field with experience in dealing with the criminal matters preferably with a successful track record in the criminal matters related to the atrocities against SC’s/ST’s and conversant with the social and cultural background of the SCs/STs communities in the State of Goa with good standing and repute in the society

It may be informed that the Committee constituted for empanelment of eminent senior advocates under the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribes(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 during its last meeting had decided to prepare a panel of such eminent senior advocates who have been in practice for not less than seven years, as deemed necessary for conducting cases in special courts.

Panaji, September 13, 2018 … The Leader of opposition, Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, has extended his best wishes to the people of Goa.

In his message, Shri Kavlekar said that Lord Ganesha is considered as a God of new beginning and remover of obstacles. May Lord Ganesh bless all with peace and love and destroy all evil. He hoped that the festival of communal harmony and brotherhood which is celebrated by all Goans brings the people of Goa more closer to each other, so that they celebrate it with greater enthusiasm and fun filled fervour.

 Shri Kavlekar urged the people to protect themselves and their surrounding from harm which may be caused, due to misuse of fireworks.

          He wished all a happy Ganesh Chaturthi and prayed that the almighty blesses all with prosperity, joy and happiness.

Panaji, September 13, 2018 … Governor of Goa Dr.(Smt) Mridula Sinha has extended her heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of Goa on the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi today.

The Governor in her message has said Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Ganesha with great enthusiasm and gaiety throughout the state and country. Lord Ganesha, as we all know, is celebrated as the god of all good beginnings and is worshiped at the start of any ritual or ceremony as he is known to ward off evil, remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Lord Ganesha is known as the Lord of arts and sciences and the epitome of wisdom.

The Governor has further said the practice of worshipping the Ganesha idol during the festival in our homes brings a different level of joy and contentment in our minds. In Goa it is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with true fervor and zeal. As I see the ‘Sarvajanik Ganesh’ idols, worshipped at every nook and corner in our state during this festival, it only shows the unity and harmony of Goa. Such Sarvajanik Utsav (mass celebrations), was 1^st started by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. The leader saw the need to unite Indians more and realized nothing can bond people more than a common idol, equally worshipped by all. He popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival ‘to bridge the gap between the people from different religions, castes, social backgrounds and status’. Thus, the festival served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities where everyone participated with great excitement.

Hence, a festival like Ganesh Chaturthi is an appropriate occasion to promote goodwill, friendship and unity among the people, which will enable us to maintain the harmony and amity in the State the Governor concluded.

Panaji, September 13, 2018 … Minister for Health Shri Vishwajit Rane has said that modern Emergency Care Centres will be set up in the State so as to provide prompt health care services to the people.

Shri Rane was speaking after inaugurating Emergency Care Centre at Urban Health Centre, Panaji in the presence of Shri Siddharth Kunkolienkar, Chairman, EDC at a function  jointly organised by Directorate of Health Services in association with GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute in the city recently.

The Health Minister further informed that efforts will be initiated to upgrade the existing Urban Health Centre at Panaji to provide Emergency Care services to the people from Panaji and its peripheries. He said necessary medical facilities will also be provided in all the Urban Health Centres in the State.

Acknowledging the services of 108 GVK EMRI Shri Rane said ever since the inception of the service the 108 Ambulance has succeeded in saving  lives of thousands of people in the state especially of those who met with an accident and other ailments. He also lauded the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar for his visionary guidance and support and said that earlier the service was started with basic facilities but now ambulance is equipped with advanced life saving systems, cardiac care among others to improve the health care facilities.

Expressing satisfaction Shri Siddharth Kuncolienkar, Chairman, EDC in his address said that with the setting up of Emergency Care Centre at the Panaji the long pending demand of the people of Panaji has been accomplished. He appreciated the efforts put in by the Health Minister to improve Health Care facilities in the State.

Present on the occasion were OSD to Minister for Health Dr. Rajnanda Dessai, Dr Sushant Patil, officials of GVK EMRI 108, Senior doctors, among others.

Ms. Purti Patkar Head of Operations, GVK EMRI 108 compered while, Shri Menino da Cruz, Councillor proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, September 13, 2018 ..The Community Development Through Polytechnic Panaji conducts short term course for 3 to 6 months in technical field that generate employments for the community.

The Scheme is sponsored by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the courses are offered free of cost and qualification required is basic tailoring.

The name of the courses is Fashion Designing and Courses will start by September 24, 2018 and application forms are available in community office of Government Polytechnic Panaji. Those who are interested should fill the application form by September 21, 2018.

Panaji :September 12, 2018 … Minister for Health Shri Vishwajit Rane launched 181 universal Women Helpline Number at a function held to mark completion of 10 years of 108 Ambulance services at Kala Academy in the city recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rane said with the mission of saving lives, 108 Ambulance service was started in the state in the year 2008. The service will continue to save thousands of the lives of the people of the state. He also lauded the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar for his visionary guidance and support and said that earlier the service was started with basic facilities but now ambulance is equipped with advanced life saving systems, cardiac care among others to improve the health care facilities. He also informed about the recently launched bike ambulances. 

Shri Rane also congratulated and appreciated the team of GVK EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute) for their dedication and commitment for their prompt and quality pre-hospital care facilities before admitting the patient to the hospital for further treatment.

Shri Ashok Kumar IAS, Secretary to health, appreciated the service rendered by GVK EMRI. He said that the fleets of 108 ambulances has increased manifold and services offered by GVK are being extended in the state right from urban to remote places.

On the occasion, the contract with 108 GVK EMRI was also renewed for another period of 10 years.

Shri K. Krishnam  Raju , Director ,GVK EMRI  also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Deepak Desai, Director of Women and Child Development said that toll-free helpline number will be operated under GVK EMRI for every woman in danger or in need. “It will help in having a positive impact on women empowerment and rights in the State of Goa.  He further said that Department of women and child is implementing various schemes like Ladli Laxmi and Griha Adhar for the betterment of women

Professor Shaila D’souza, Head of the Department of Women’s Studies,Goa University informed that to support women in need, 181 helpline has been initiated which will provide counselling, guidance, information and also to help in various threatening situations, including domestic violence.

On the occasion, two vehicles were provided to the services of 181 helpline. Shri Rane also flagged off 108 ambulance donated by Goa Shipyard limited.

Present on the occasion were, OSD to Minister for Health Dr. Rajnanda Dessai, Dr Sanjeev Dalvi, Director of Directorate of Health Services, Dr Pradeep Naik, Dean of Goa Medical College, Smt Deepali D. Naik ,Jt. Director, Women and Child Development, officials of GVK  EMRI 108,Senior doctors, among others.

Miss Namrata Vaigankar compered the function and Miss Purti Patkar Head of Operations, GVK EMRI 108, proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: September 11, 2018 … The Minister for Art & Culture,  Shri Govind Gaude  released  the first  Konkani video song  “Mangal Murti Morya” at a function held in art room of  the office of Art & Culture at Patto in the city recently.  

The lyrics  of the video is written by well known writer, author, poet and lyricist Shri John Aguiar and has been  composed and sung by well known musician Shri Mukesh Ghatwal.

 Shri Gaude while addressing the function said that he is  delighted to learn that first of its kind Konkani video song in praise of  lord  Ganesha is being launched. He said the making of video song on Ganesha in Konkani will be another  milestone  in  taking  up  Konkani  language ahead. He appealed to the people to welcome, appreciate the  Konkani video song on  Ganesha  as a token of response. He also appreciated  all the artistes who strived to make the video a reality especially Shri Mukesh Ghatwal for composing video song nicely.

 The Music Jockey of Big F.M. and film personality, Shri Aryan Khedekar  who was the guest of the honour  appreciated the Minister  Shri Govind Gaude for his endeavour to support those who are striving in the field of art. He also stressed the need  of support and cooperation  for those  artists who are  excelling at national as well as international arena.

 The renowned  Musician  Shri  Mukesh Ghatwal expressed his happiness over making a first Konkani  video song on Ganesha and also for working with talented people.

 The video has been directed and presented by Uday Kamat of Doordarhsan Kendra,  Panaji. Associate  Director Smt. Celesta Ghatwal The chorus artistes comprise Smt. Pooja Mandrekar, Shri Kedar Naik, Shri Palash Ghatwal and Shri John Aguiar. Conceptualized  by Shri John Aguiar the video has been shot at the Vara siddi Vinayak  Devastan, NIO Colony, Donapaula. The artistes are Sujata Kurtarkar Raikar, Savita Aguiar, Kalpesh Naik, Pralhad Mayekar, John Aguiar, Rakshanda Ghatwal, Shuban Borkar, Isha Naik, John  Aguiar , Mukesh Ghatwal,  Lazim Team comprise Rohit Manjrekar, Rihan Shaikh, Samer Bhikaji , Shubam Kautankar. The Video is choreographed by Basavraj.

Smt. Celesta Ghatwal and Smt. Savita Aguiar presented bouquets to the guests.

 Shri John Aguiar welcomed the guest and also proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: September 11, 2018 … Minister for Ports, Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar attended Blue Revolution Scheme Awareness Camp organized by Directorate of Fisheries held at Nerul Village Panchayat recently.

Director of Fisheries, Shri Vinesh Arlekar, Sarpanch of Nerul Village Panchayat Smt. Piedade Almeda,Deputy Sarpanch Shri Sandeep Hobli,  Smt. Shashikala Govekar were present on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, Shri Salgaonkar said this meeting has been arranged to guide the fishermen about the Central Sector Schemes on Blue Revolution for the benefits of fishermen. He urged the people to make themselves   aware of these schemes and avail benefit of this scheme and also make others aware about the same.

Shri Chandresh Haldankar, Superintendent of Fisheries briefed the fishermen about the scheme.

Shri Avinash Shirodkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji ::: September 10, 2018  … Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW), recently, held a half-day workshop for Police personnel at the Gazetted Police Officer’s Institute, Altinho on the topic ‘Sensitization of Police’. Retired Judge Shri. Desmond D’Costa, Prof. D.S. Rao and PI Sudiksha Naik were the Guest speakers spoke on topics like the role of a Police Officer in cases such as Child and Women Abuse, Use of soft skills while dealing with women complainants etc.

Earlier, Chairman of GSCW Smt. Shubhalaxmi Naik welcomed the gathering and briefed about the workshop.

While addressing the gathering, Shri. D’costa urged the Police personnel to maintain a clean image in the society and maintain discipline in the working environment. “Police force plays a vital role to keep law and order. You are the only civil remedy for crime; hence, people approach you with lots of expectations and trust. Give each complainant a patient hearing,” Shri. D’Costa told Police officers.

Prof Rao advised the Police to introspect themselves and work towards self-improvement. While speaking on the topic ‘Expectations of the public from the Police force’, Prof Rao said that being honest towards one’s duty and saying ‘No’ to the negative forces in the society will help in building a strong Police force. “Being sincere on duty can get you out of all the barriers. Police personnel is pressurized by politicians, NGOs, and others. However, never compromise with ethics and morals. Be in your limits and never opt for corruption,” he said.

PI Sudiksha Naik emphasized on importance Soft skills while approaching a lady complainant.  “Police staff remains busy and have to multitask. In this process, we tend to lose our temper and patience. Whenever a lady approaches with a complaint, we must ensure that she is comfortable and not scared. Building a rapport with a lady complainant helps. We must act patiently, softly and in a dignified manner.”

The speakers later answered the questions raised by the committee members and Police. Members of GSCW Smt. Neela Naik, Smt. Sameera Cardozo and Smt. Aslinda D’souza were also present on the occasion.