August 13, 2014 …. The Home Department has made necessary transport arrangements for freedom fighters to attend Independence day celebrations at Panaji and Patradevi.

 Transport arrangement has been made from “Hutatma Chowk”, Mapusa for the benefit of Freedom Fighters to attend the Independence day celebrations at Panaji.  KTC bus bearing registration No GA 03 X 0246 will leave from “Hutatma Chowk”, Mapusa at 8.00 a.m. on August 15, 2014.

 After the function at Old Secretariat, Panaji, the above bus along with another bus with registration No. GA 03 X 0308 will be parked at Ferry Wharf, near Old Secretariat, Panaji which will proceed to Patradevi.  The buses will return to Panaji with the freedom fighters after the Patradevi function at 12.30 p.m.

 The contact details of the driver, Shri Santosh Volvoikar driving vehicle GA 03 X 0246 and Shri Sachit Parab for vehicle No. GA 03 X 0308 are 9823246151 and 8412877508 respectively.

August 13, 2014 …. The 5^th Executive Committee meeting of Special fund for reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen was held in the conference of Chief Secretary at Secretariat yesterday which was Chaired by Chief Secretary Shri B. Vijayan.

The meeting was attended by Station Commander 2STC Brig. Harvijay Singh, Additional Collector North Goa Shri Swapnil Naik, Additional Collector South Goa Shri D. S. Morajkar, Commander Anup P. Keny (Retd.), Lt. Col. K. F.D’Lima (Retd.) and others.

Matters like financial assistance and handicapped grant to the old infirm non pensioner Ex-servicemen/widows and  the handicapped wards of ex-servicemen/widows having 40 percent disability, financial assistance, Scholarship and Special Scholarship cases, Medical Reimbursement and other issues were discussed at the meeting.

Medical reimbursement to the non pensioner Ex-Servicemen and their dependents has been enhanced to Rs. 25,000/- from Rs. 10,000. Decision was also taken to organize contact programme with the help both the district collectorates.

Secretary of the Department of Sainik Welfare Major Venugopal Nair  gave a presentation.

The 19th meeting of Rajya Sainik Board was also held on  under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri B. Vijayan at Secretariat, Porvorim yesterday. The meeting discussed several issues pertaining to the welfare of retired personnel in the force including army, air force and navy and with due consideration to widows, their dependants and serving soldiers’ families of the state of Goa.

The  meeting decided to hold Armed Forces Flag day on December 7. Other issues discussed are mobilization of funds. Release of souvenir, Presentation of trophies during armed forces flag day, Achievers awards, Advertisements through local radio and news channels,  It was decided to hold Blood donation camp in the first week of December.  and others issues were discussed.

As regards  patriotic song during the AFFD function, the same of well know singer  Samiksha Bhobe Kakodkar was proposed and approved by the board for  this year’s flag day function at Raj Bhavan. 

The meeting was attended by Station Commander 2STC Brig. Harvijay Singh, Commander Indirijit Singh, HQ Goa naval Area, Vasco, Shri Arun Dessai , Director Transport, Shri Menino D’Souza, Comissioner of Excise, Shri J. B.. Bhingui, Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Panaji, Additional Collector North Goa Shri Swapnil Naik, Additional Colelctor South Goa Shri D. S. Morajkar, Director of Education Shri Anil Powar. Superintendent of Police (H.Q) Shri Vishram Borkar,  Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Yeshwant Tawade, DFES Shri A. Menon and others attended the meeting.

Secretary of the Department of Sainik Welfare Major Venugopal Nair  gave a presentation about the welfare projects and programmes concerning the Ex-servicemen and the and the issues pertaining to  them.

August 13, 2014 … The Librarian Day was celebrated in the city today by Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library by organizing various activities to mark the day.  August 12^th is celebrated as National Librarian’s Day in India in remembrance of national professor of Library Science, Dr. S.R. Ranganathan who had spearheaded library development in India.

 “Texts, Tomes, Treasures” book on the evolution of Goa’s Pubica Livrario by Smt. Maria Pia de Menezes Rodrigues, Ex-Curator of Central Library, Panaji was released on the occasion at the hands of Shri V.B. Hubli, Ex-Curator of Central Library, Panaji.

 Shri Hubli speaking as chief guest on the occasion stressed the need to make the library movement more vibrant by inculcating the habit of reading among the younger generation.

 Congratulating Smt. Rodrigues on her book release Shri Hubli felt that a lot more needs to be done to the library movement in the State.

 Readers of the Central Library like Dr. P. Phal Dessai, Dr. Kenkre, Dr. Celsa Pinto,Shri B. D’Cruz, Stmt. Archana Kakodkar were felicitated on the occasion.

 A motivation talk on communications & Stress Management by prominent personality and a quiz competition for participants on the topic “Events & Happening in India” was also held on the occasion.

 Shri Madhav Borkar, Ex-Director, AIR gave a brief synopsis of the book “Texts, Tomes, Treasures”.

 Dr. Teotonio D’Souza, Smt. Maria Pia de Menezes Rodrigues and Shri Ashok Parab also spoke on the occasion.

 Shri Carlos Fernandes, Curator welcomed while Smt. Sulaksha Kulmule proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.

Dated: August 12, 2014 …. The International Youth Day was organized by Goa State AIDS Control Society, Panaji in collaboration with NSS unit, St. Xavier’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mapusa and NSS unit, Goa University at St. Xavier’s College Mapusa today.

Minister for Health and Panchayat Shri Laxmikant Parsekar was the chief guest for the function. Other present were Dr. Vandana Patankar, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society, Smt. Ursula Pinto Barreto, Vice Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Shri Pradeep Morajkar, NSS Co-ordinator, Goa University, Shri Umakant Sawant, Dy. Director (IEC), Shri Carmelitto De Souza, NSS Programme Officer, Ms. Ruella D’Souza, Red Ribbon Club Convenor.

A presentation on, ‘International Youth Day 2014’ was delivered by               Dr. Narayan Kamat Dalal, Sr. Consultant, Goa SACS.

Smt. Ursula Pinto Barreto, Vice Principal, St. Xavier’s College welcomed the guests.

Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, in his speech highlighted the importance of the day and said that the students are future citizens of the nation.  He said stress, frustration, anxiety among other factors results in committing suicide. It is therefore necessary to express our feelings with parents, teachers or share views with others to overcome such mental health problems. He also said students should take interest in others in order to get solutions.

The Minister further appealed to the students to make awareness on dreaded disease HIV/AIDS. He said students should come forward to donate blood voluntarily to save lives of others.

Dr. Vandana Patankar, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society said there should not be stigma and discrimination and no children should be kept in isolation for HIV/AIDS.  She also said that people are reluctant to come forward for testing fearing that they might infected with the disease.

Smt. Jeunesse Dittosa Fernamdes, proposed vote of thanks.

 Panaji: Aug 12, 2014 … The Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar has said that Bhausaheb Bandodkar has done legendary work in the field of education which lead to educational revolution in Goa. He said Bhausaheb had worked tirelessly to reach education at the doorsteps of common people of Goa. 

Shri Parrikar was speaking after unveiling the life size statue of the first chief Minister of Goa late Shri Dayanand Bandodkar alias Bhausaheb Bandodkar on his death anniversary observed by the Government at Secretariat Porvorim today.

Shri Parrikar further speaking remembered the departed leader for his remarkable contribution in socio economic growth of the state.. He said Bhausaheb was a great visionary who laid down the foundation of state’sdevelopment therefore the Goa has earned accreditations in field of education and health all over. Therefore we need to emulate ideals of Bhausaheb Bandodkar. It was the dream of the Goan people to have statue here at this Secretariat has been fulfilled he opined.

The function was also attended by Speaker Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza, WRD Minister Shri Dayanand Mandrekar, Cooperation Minister Shri Deepak Dhavlikar, Industries Minister Shri Mahadev Naik, Forest Minister Mrs. Alina Saldanha, Fisheries Ministe Shri Avertano Furtado, Health  Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Commissioner NRI Affairs Dr. Wilfred Mesquita, ,  MLA & Chairman of Goa Handicraft Shri Lavu Mamledar, MLA St. Andre Shri Vishnu Wagh,MLA Porvorim Shri Rohan Khaunte, MLA Calangute Shri Michael Lobo,MLA Aldona Shri Glen Ticlo,  Ex-MLAs  Shri Sadanand Malik, Shri Luis Alex Cardozo, Shri Pandurang Raut, Shri Ramakant Khalap, Shri Prakash Velip, Shri Narahari Haldankar,Former Chief Minister Smt. Shashikalatai Kakodkar, Chief Secretary Shri B. Vijayan, DGP Shri T.N.Mohan  HODs and  Officers of Various Govt. Departments, Under Secretaries. prominent citizens 

Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar PWD Minister welcomed the guests. Dr. Pramod Sawant Vice- Chairman GSIDC proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, August 12, 2014 …. Goa  Board  has been implementing a Scholarship Scheme titled “Central  Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students” sponsored by Ministry  of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

The Scheme is applicable for those who passed out Std. XII in March/April 2014 from Goa Board in Science/Commerce/Arts or Vocational Stream. It will be awarded  to graduate studies in College and Universities. The total number of Scholarship is 113.

The number of Scholarships allotted to this Board will be distributed amongst pass outs (Boys and Girls) of Science, Commerce and Humanities (Arts and Vocational) in the ratio of 3:2:1. Students who are above the 80^th percentile  will be provisionally eligible to apply.

Interested students  should fill in detail the forms and forward the same to  the Board’s Office alongwith a joining report certified by the Head of the Institution in which the student has enrolled himself/herself for graduation. Student should attach a notarized income affidavit from all sources of his/her parents.

Students are required to submit the Bank details with Account Number and IFSC Code of only Nationalized Bank. Students belonging to Schedule Caste/Tribe/OBC will have to attach an attested copy of the Caste Certificate as well.

The rate of scholarship would be Rs. 1,000/- p.m. at Graduation level for first  three years of College and University courses and Rs. 2,000/- per month at  post-Graduation level. Students pursuing professional courses would get Rs. 2,000/- per month in the 4^th and 5^th  year. The scholarship would be paid  for 10 months in an academic year.

The final selection will depend on the students satisfying the eligibility  criteria and number of Scholarships available under each stream. The  selection will be purely on merit keeping in view the paternal income upto Rs. 6 lakhs and  not availing any other scholarship.

The last date for submission of application is September 01, 2014. The application forms can be downloaded from the Website of the Ministry  of Human  Resource Development (MHRD) or from the Official website of Goa Board of  Secondary and Higher Secondary  Education, (www.gbshse.gov.in). In case  of any query, may contact Goa Board’s Office on 2417593, of this Board or helpline 2413118 HSSC Exam/IT or email on sec-gbshse.goa@nic.in, Chair-gbshse.goa@nic.in and sa-gbshse.goa@nic.in

Panaji, August 12, 2014 …. Preparations are in full swing in Goa to celebrate the Independence Day on August  15, 2014. To mark the Independence Day Celebration various programmes will be held in the State. The main State level  function will be held infront of Old  Secretariat, Panaji at 9:15 a.m.  where  Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar  will unfurl the national Tri-Colour,  inspect  the guard of honour and address  the people. He will also present  awards to those who have contributed  and excelled in different fields. On his arrival at the venue the Chief Minister will be received by Minister for Health Shri Laximikant Parsekar, Chief Secretary Shri B. Vijayan and Shri T.N. Mohan, Director General  of Police.

The Independence Day Celebration  will also  be attended  by Dy. Chief Minister Shri Francis D’ Souza, Speaker Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Cabinet  Ministers, Leader of Opposition Shri Pratapsingh Rane, Dy. Speaker Shri Anant Shet, MPs, MLAs, Judges of High Court and other dignitaries.

As part of the Celebration the Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, Old Secretariat Building and Directorate of Accounts Building at Panaji and New Secretariat at Porvorim will be illuminated on  the nights of August 14 and 15, 2014. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will organize Prabhat Pheries  on August 15, 2014 involving children and citizens. It will also organize cycle  races and marathon  races after the function for children and citizens. Governor of Goa  Shri Om Prakash Kohli will host  a State Reception at Raj Bhavan at 1:00 p.m. on August 15, 2014.

Several programmes  have also been planned to celebrate Independence Day at District and taluka level. The  flag hoisting  ceremony at Margao will be performed by Minister for Labour and Employment, Fisheries Shri Avertano Furtado at 9:15 a.m. infront of the South Goa Collectorate Building Margao (Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex).

The flag hoisting ceremony at Ponda would be performed by Minister for Public Works, Transport and River Navigation Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar at 9:15 a.m.  at Kranti Maidan, Ponda.  Minister for Power Shri Milind Naik will hoist national flag at Tilak Maidan, Vasco at 9:15 a.m.

The Independence Day function in Mapusa, Quepem, Bicholim, Pernem, Canacona, Dharbandora, Valpoi and Sanguem  will be organized by respective Sub-Divisional Officers(Dy. Collector/Mamlatdars).

A function will also be held at the Martyr’s Memorial at Patradevi  at 11:30 a.m. on  August 15, 2014 where the Chief Minister will lay wreath at the Marty’s Memorial.

Besides the Chief Minister  the function will be attended by Speaker Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Minister for Health Shri Laximikant Parsekar, Shri Shyam Sundar Nagvekar, President of Goa, Daman  and Diu Freedom Fighters Association Panaji, Shri Chandrakant Kenkre, President of Freedom Fighters Association Goa, Ponda who will lay wreaths at  Marty’s Memorial and address the people on the occasion.