02/04/2016 ….   Goa Tourism’s coastal circuit proposal for Rs. 99.99 crore. under the Swadesh Darshan  Scheme has been approved by the  Central government, Ministry of Tourism and  funds will be allocated under various components for development projects to be undertaken in the first  phase along the  coastal belt of the state.

The Rs 99.99 crore Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is a record highest allocation received  by Goa Tourism since  2010 when it received  an amount of Rs 40 crore then.

The coastal circuit projects in the talukas of Bardez and Pernem, in addition to coastal areas across the state will be covered under the first phase of funding.

Goa was the first among the seven States to be considered for funding under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a meeting held recently in New Delhi on 18 March 2016.

Some of the projects   proposed in Bardez under the coastal circuit  development  plan  include improvement  of  infrastructure facilities like parking, illumination  and providing  handicap friendly access from the parking lot to the beach  at Calangute, beautification of  the Calangute market circle and  taxi stand, construction of  a parking lot near the annex  building  for buses and two- wheelers  near Calangute Residency, illumination of the  stretch from Calangute  to Baga, construction of  parking lot near the beach, a garden on Department  of Tourism land at Candolim and development of  tourism  property at Anjuna.

In Pernem, the projects include providing handicap friendly access and illumination across the creek at Junaswada beach and Mandren beach at Pernem, development of MorjimKhind and development of Ashwem beach.

The project components  also include providing  infrastructure  at various  coastal areas in the state like tourist information centers  at  Calangute,  Baga, Anjuna, Morjim and Ashwem, public amenities  at  10 beaches (37 blocks), providing CCTVs and wi-fi,  safety and security measures and  providing  tourism signages.

Another major component includes development of Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include up-gradation and Jail, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at Aguada Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, café and a lot more.

While Goa’s typologies covers  several facets such as Spiritual, Coastal, Eco-Tourism, Heritage, Backwater, Wellness as well as Tribal Tourism, it was felt that Coastal Tourism and Spiritual Tourism are the most pre-dominant sectors needing more attention in terms of basic infrastructure and creation of a clear circuit. Core requirements such as basic infrastructure around the coastal and spiritual areas, public amenities and innovative components were accordingly identified and projects accordingly categorized under themes to approach the coastal and spiritual circuits in a holistic manner.  While funds have been sanctioned under the coastal circuit, the proposal for funds under the spiritual circuit will be forwarded next to the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Once executed, the projects will enhance the future prospects of turning the coastal and spiritual circuits into a world class destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “Goa has procured funds under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to the tune of Rs. 99.99 crore for the development of coastal circuits.  This is only the first phase and we are eyeing more funds in months to come. This will give a big boost to our plans of improving tourism infrastructure under the coastal and spiritual circuits.

The Swadesh Darshan scheme is envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of the Ministry of Tourism with the aim to fund projects that fall under the gamut of touristic potential due to its history, heritage, cultural importance as well as innovation.  We are extremely thankful to the  Hon’ble Union Minister  of State for Tourism, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and his team  of  officials,  as well as  Hon’ble Union Minister for  Defence,  Mr. Manohar  Parrikar  for  ensuring that Goa is  considered  for   CFA  under the Swadesh  Darshan Scheme

hope to tap as much as we can under this scheme. We plan to tap  as  much as  we can  in the  months to  come which will give a  big  boost to  tourism infrastructure in the State.

I also  have to acknowledge  and  appreciate  the  hard work  put in  by the officials  of Goa Tourism Development  Corporation and  the  SPV Cell whose year – long efforts  have  finally borne  fruits  of the highest CFA  funding ever received  by Goa for tourism.”

Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC),Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “After disappointment faced in the Smart City  project, we are elated with the  success  achieved  by GTDC in obtaining  CFA under the Swadesh Darshan  Scheme.  This is due to the  tireless efforts  of  the  officials  and engineers  of the  GTDC  and SPV  of the  Corporation. Proposals  for additional  funding  to the tune  of  Rs 100 crore each will be submitted  under  river circuits,  spiritual  circuits and heritage and  tribal circuits.

Goa Tourism through its consultant Darashaw has prepared project components aimed at improving the public realm surrounding all important touristic destinations. The components have been designed to create additional infrastructure to enhance the future

potential for growth of the areas under the circuit. This in turn will attract footfalls, create job opportunities and create a sense of pride and ownership for the people as well as put the place on the national and international map as an attractive place for people to congregate and enjoy the culture and diversity of Goa.”

Darashaw & Company Pvt. Ltd., lead consultant Mr. Aalap Bansal informed us that this development proposal, submission and approval has been achieved in record time. “The Ministry approved it speedily, as the proposal creates infrastructure provisions in the state, and aligns with the Swadesh Darshan scheme’s vision, objective and mission. The second phase of the Detailed Project Report has been submitted and is under review by the Ministry. The third phase of the report will be finalized and submitted in the coming months. This is exciting and we’re looking forward to experience the results of all the innovative conceptualization and ideation.”

Panaji : April 1, 2016 ….  Directorate of Tribal Welfare has renovated the office premises at 5^th Floor , Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji-Goa through GSIDC Panaji-Goa.

 The inauguration of newly renovated office premises of Directorate of Tribal Welfare will be held on April 4,2016 (Monday) at 12.00 noon at the hands of Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister in distinguished presence of Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Tribal Welfare Panaji-Goa.

 All are cordially invited for the inaugural function at Directorate of Tribal Welfare 5^th floor, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji-Goa .

Panaji:March  31, 2016 …. The Newly erected 100 KVA Transformer Centre along with 11KV overhead HT line and 11KV underground HT cable to Sheetal Residency at Ansabhat, Mapusa, Bardez- Goa, and also the 400 KVA plinth mounted Transformer Centre along with 11KV over head HT line and 11 KV underground HT cable near Navtara hotel at Bodgini Mapusa has been test charged on March 31, 2016 and will remain charged thereafter.

 Interference, touching to poles, stays, etc. or kite flying at the vicinity will be dangerous. Hence general public of the area are requested to keep away from the line and equipment at their own interest.

Panaji: March  30, 2016 … The State Government has accepted the revised Commission to whole sellers as per decision of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Government of India and accordingly has revised the wholesale prices of the kerosene for Public Distribution after factoring in the revised commission.

The Government has also further decided to increase the commission of kerosene retailers consequently the retail sale price to the consumer’s stands revised Taluka wise. All the changes shall take effect from April 1, 2016 onwards.

PANAJI, March 29, 2016 ….  The 4 day National AROGYA fair began at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa University Road, Bambambolim.

The fair is jointly organized by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa & Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Government of India, Government of Goa and by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The fair was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar along with Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush and MoS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare by lighting traditional lamp.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister appreciated the work of Ayush Minister Shri Shripad Naik and said Ministry of Ayurveda is doing good job in the field of Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, & Homoeopathy.

Chief Minister said, 38 posts have been created in order to give good medical facilities in the various hospitals in the state and these facilities will be introduced in district hospitals at the initial stage and later in sub-district hospitals and in other health sector.

Chief Minister further said, medical tourism is growing in the state, in order to develop Goa as a health destination hub the Government is keen to attract investments by giving them attractive facilities in order to draw more medical tourists to Goa. He appealed the people to practice Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy as alternative medicines.

           Others Present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Anant Shet, Forest Minister Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Minister for Science and Technology Smt. Alina Saldanha, Leader of Opposition Shri Pratapsing Rane, Shri Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary for Health, Goa, Shri Anil Ganeriwala, Jt. Secretary of Ayush, Govt. Of India and Shekhar Sardesai, Chairman of CII.

Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said that India can bring in a revolution in healthcare and be a teacher to the world if we capitalize on our strengths in the traditional systems of medicine. He said, the World Health Organization (WHO) also wants to join hands with India to spread awareness about AYUSH.

Shri Naik further said, the fair is being organized in Goa with the objective of promoting & popularizing Indian Medicine Systems to the general public and update industry of the latest developments in the sector, to promote & propagate the Indian Medicine Systems namely Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy.

Shri Naik further explained that, for last several years, there has been a tremendous resurgence of World’s interest in the AYUSH Systems of Medicine, including countries in Europe and USA. This is mainly because of holistic approach towards preventive, promotive and positive health and multi-dimensional aspects of disease management in these traditional systems of medicine. 

Shri Naik said alike All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, the ministry is working towards setting up AYUSH AIIMS in each state of the country soon.

Some of the major highlights of the fair include free medical check-ups, distribution of medicines and technical sessions will be organized. The fair would be an excellent platform to promote Indian Medicine Systems & Healthy living to the general public as well as sharing the latest research work in sector and showcase the true potential of State in the sector.

         The fair has been organized across various states Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Calcutta, Bhubaneswar, Kozhikode, and has received an overwhelming response and successfully met its objective to spread awareness about Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) so as to integrate it with the mainstream healthcare delivery structure.

          Technical Sessions will be held on all days on emerging trends in industry and Live Yoga Demonstration, Demonstration of Home Remedies for treatment of common ailments and Display of medicinal plants, Ayurvedic, Unani Medicines for common ailments would be some of the attractions for all the visitors.

          Dr. Nilesh Korde, Dr. Anuradha Bale, Dr. Mahesh Verlekar, Dr. Satyavan Naik, Dr. Francisco Fernandes and Dr. Datta Bhat were felicitated at the hands of Chief Minister by offering them showl and a mementoes.

          Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza and Shri Anil Ganeriwala also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier Shri Sudhir Mahajan, IAS, welcomed the guests. Shri Shekhar Sardesai proposed vote of thanks.

Panaji:  March 28, 2016 …. Chief Minister, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar announced that the New South District Hospital at Margao a flagship project of the Government of Goa will be inaugurated on December 1, 2016 and the Nursing Institute with 100 seats will also be start functioning from July 2017 onwards.

The District Hospital will have two super specialties units – Orthopedic and preferably Cardiac, Shri Parsekar said and added that the same will be made operational as per the schedule.  The hospital will also have a trauma unit which will be made operational in 5-6 months time. The general hospital with basic facilities will be made available initially, he remarked.

 Shri Parsekar made this announcement during his visit and inspection of the ongoing works of the District Hospital at Margao, today. Minister for Fisheries, Shri Avertano Furtado; MLA’s, Shri Nilesh Cabral, Shri Subhash Fal Dessai, Shri Subash(Rajan) Naik; Director, DHS, Dr. Sanjeev Dalvi were amongst those who accompanied the Chief Minister.

 Directing the DHS to move necessary application and comply with the formalities for starting of the Nursing Institute with 100 seats in July 2017 within the prescribed time limit, he said there is an acute shortage and big demand for nurses within the country and outside, due to limited seats.  The opening of the institute will address all this issues to a large extent, he added.

 Shri Parsekar also informed that the tenders for the L.V. Systems, Steel OT, interiors, medical gas and equipments will be floated by April end to ensure that the hospital starts with all requisite facilities. Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing work, he said the work is as per schedule.

Panaji: March 27, 2016 …. Applications are invited for Dalit Puraskar and Dalit Mitra Puraskar , the State Government will award Rs. 25000/- cash, a shawl, a shrifal and a certificate on the occasion of  Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, 2016 to a person who has worked for the welfare of Scheduled Caste for 25 years or more.

The objective of the Scheme is to encourage individuals creating social awareness and to encourage the society, in general, to work for the up- liftment and welfare of Scheduled Caste which will improve their socio- economic condition, education, education, standard of living, etc.

Individual should be a Goan above the age of 60 years and who has rendered at least 25 years of remarkable service for the up-liftment of Scheduled Caste in Goa in order to improve their socio- economic condition, education, standard of living, etc.

Interested may obtain prescribed application form from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Panaji- Goa. The last date for submission of duly filled application is on April 6, 2016 along with all the relevant documentary evidences. For further information, contact Director of Social Welfare, Panaji- Goa.

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Panaji : March. 26, 2016 … The Governor of Goa Dr. (Smt.) Mridula Sinha has declared Award of Rs. 1lakh to the Corporation of City of Panaji and Municipalities like Mapusa, Ponda, Margao, and Vasco which will achieve excellence in cleanliness by December 2016.

Dr. Sinha was addressing a meeting of large number of people comprising members of  various groups like Self Help groups, voluntary organizations, Heads  of educational institutions like Principals, Headmasters, Lecturers, Hoteliers, industrialists, media persons, real estate developers, Chairmen of Municipality Councils, religious heads etc.

Dr. Sinha speaking further informed that, a committee constituted to assess the activities undertaken by concerned stakeholders and will recommend the  name of concern city for the award. The winning city will be awarded at the Goa Liberation Reception to be hosted at Rajbhavan on December 19, this year.

Dr. Sinha also appreciated work done by the various groups and appealed to them to continue to contribute for the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ie; Clean India Mission. She further mentioned that Goa is comparatively clean for which the credit goes to the people of Goa.

Dr. Sinha on this occasion felicitated Shri P.C. Chacko, Station Supdt. Railway station Vasco, and Shri Avadhesh Kumar, Health Inspector Vasco Railway station for their excellence in cleanliness and thus contributing to mission Swachh Bharat. Thereafter the Governor interacted with participants of the meeting and received the report submitted by the people devoted to the cause of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Dr.N. Radhakrishnan, Special Secretary to the Governor in his introductory remarks gave an account of SBA activities undertaken from last eighteen months after the Governor Dr. Mridula Sinha was declared as brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

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25/03/2016 … panaji … Goa is all set to adorn the colourful spirit of the Shigmotsav festival from 24th March to 7th April 2016. Shigmotsav is celebrated as Goa’s biggest spring festival where the state witnesses several colourful parades, fairs and competitions. A highlight of the parade includes traditional folk dances and enactment of mythological scenes. During this festive celebration, the streets of Goa will be decked with colorful buntings, life size characters dressed in traditional Goan attire and artistic displays of Shigmo themed décor. The float parade will begin at Ponda on 24th March 2016. The city of Panaji will witness the float parade on 26th March 2016. The float parade will culminate in Canacona on 7th April 2016.

Renowned Marathi film actress Mrinal Dev-Kulkarni is expected to attend the festivities in the state on 31st March 2016. Several tourists are anticipated to flock into the state to witness this majestic affair and indulge in true festive spirit of Goa.

Shigmotsav depicts the rich culture, folklore and traditions of Goa and Goan men and women proudly exhibit this heritage through song and dance in the parades and live plays. The parade is a vibrant display of multi-coloured flags, decorated umbrellas, large musical instruments and other colourful elements. This mesmerizing larger-than-life celebration brings fantasy and folk to form a fusion in the floats that parade through the streets. Participants also perform the ‘Rommatamel’, ‘Ghode Modni’ and ‘Fugdi’ dances during the parades

A Mega Performance Entertainment Programme based on the theme of Shigmotsav will be held at Curchorem. The programme will be a vibrant celebration of colour, music and dance and will take place from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm on 29th, 30th and 31st March 2016.

Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “Shigmotsav is expected to draw in lakhs of locals and tourists (domestic and international) to witness the grandeur of the festival. The festival brings out Goa’s heritage and culture and is listed as one of the must-attend festivals in Goa. Shigmotsav is an initiative of Goa Tourism in association with Local Shigmotsav Celebration Committees. The Director of Tourism, Mr. Sanjeev C. Gauns  Dessai was also present for the media briefing.

Panaji: March 24, 2016 … Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’souza has said that there is vast demand and scope for home nursing in the state. The students who have secured training should always remember that they are the ones who have to render services to the needy people.

Shri D’ souza was speaking as Chief Guest at the valedictory function organized by Indian Red Cross Society in the city today. The Indian Red Cross Society conducted three month course of Home Nursing in their office where in 35 students were participated in the course. The students participated in the course were given certificates of course at the hands of chief guest.

Shri D’ souza further speaking said that learning never ends therefore everybody should keep on learning. He advised the students to treat patients with love and care so that they feel happy in their time of agony. He also told the students to be patient and opt for enhancing their experience and knowledge of nursing to render better services to the patients. He also congratulated the students for successfully completing their course.

Dr Avinash Dhakankar advised the students to cherish help and cooperative attitude which he said is a must in this profession. He advised the students to respond to those who are in need of medical services. The students he said has been given basic teaching about anatomy, physiology, intramuscular injection, sugar testing, pressure and  various tips of first aid need to start their practice and opt for enhancing their medical knowledge hereafter.

The Deputy Chief Minister presented certificates and kitbags to the students and later on administered oath of cleanliness ( Swachh Bharat ) to the participants.

Dr. Kalpana Mahatme, Health Officer DHS, Dr. Sitakant Ghanekar Trainer, Shri Gangaram Morajkar, Shri Chandrakant Gawas Staff of IRCS, Shri  Rajesh Agarwal Patron Member IRCS and staff, Students attended the function.

Shri Gaurish Dhond Chairman IRCS- Goa welcomed the gathering.

Dr.Suvarna Fonseca,Principal Santo Minguel Higher Secondary School Taleigao, compered  the function.Whereas Shri Mario Pinto De Santana, Treasurer IRCS , proposed the vote of thanks.