Panaji ::: March 30, 2020 :::: The NRI Commission, Government of Goa has informed all the NRI’s and PIOs settled across the globe not to panic over the current situation and take precautionary measures as advised by the Government. It urges the people to remain mindful and vigilant in the face of the outbreak. In the wake of prevailing COVID-19 (Corona virus) situation taking place in many countries across the world.

Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa Adv. Narendra K. Sawaikar  has informed that the Government of India is constantly monitoring the situation and accordingly issuing travel advisory guidelines and restrictions as precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Indian Embassies across the world are advised to facilitate any kind of assistance to the NRIs and PIOs in their concerned countries. The NRI Commission, Government of Goa is also concerned about the well being and safety of our fellow Goans based abroad and would like to assure necessary support and assistance wherever required.

The Health Department, Government of Goa has set up a sophisticated quarantine ward to deal with suspected cases of the novel Corona virus. People are kindly requested to contact the helpline number 104 for dealing with Corona virus for the State of Goa.

In case any NRI / PIO needs any further help and assistance, may contact the NRI Commission on email IDs co******************@*ic.in / di*********@*ic.in or twitter handle : Goa NRI Commission.

Panaji ::: March 29, 2020 :::: The Directorate of Health Services has forwarded Social distancing measures issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Social distancing is a non-pharmaceutical infection prevention and control intervention implemented to avoid/decrease contact between those who are infected with a disease causing pathogen and those who are not, so as to stop or slow down the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community. This eventually leads to decrease in spread, morbidity and mortality due to the disease.

In addition to the proposed interventions, the State/UT Governments may prescribe such other measure as they consider necessary.   

All these proposed interventions will be in force till March 31, 2020. They will be reviewed as per the evolving situation.

The interventions proposed: Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities etc), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres. Students should be advised to stay at home. Online education to be promoted. Possibility of postponing exams may be explored. Ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one  meter amongst students. Encourage private sector organizations/employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible. Meetings, as far as feasible, will be done through video conferences. Minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary. Restaurants to ensure hand washing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Ensure physical distancing (minimum 1 metre ) between tables; encourage open air seating where practical with adequate distancing.

Keep already planned weddings to a limited gathering, postpone all non-essential social and cultural gatherings.Local authorities to have a dialogue with organizers of sporting events and competitions involving large gatherings and they may be advised to postpone such events. Local authorities to have a dialogue with opinion leaders are religious leaders to regulate mass gathering and should ensure no overcrowding/at least one metre distance between people.Local authorities to have meeting with trades associations and other stakeholders to regulate hours, exhibit Do’s and Don’ts and take up a communication drive in market places like sabzi mandi, anaj mandi, bus depots, railway stations, post-offices etc., where essential services are provided. All commercial activities must keep a distance of one meter between customers. Measures to reduce peak hours crowding in market.Non-essential travel should be avoided. Busses, trains and aeroplanes to maximize social distancing in public transport besides ensuring regular and proper disinfection of surfaces.

Hospitals to follow necessary protocol related with COVID-19 management as prescribed and restrict family/friends/children visiting  patients in hospitals.Hygiene and physical distancing has to be maintained. Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting to be avoided. Special protective measures for delivery men/women working in online ordering services to be avoided. Keep communities informed consistently and constantly.

Panaji : March 28, 2020 …. The office of the District Magistrate, North Goa has informed that the Enforcement Squad of North Goa District is re-constituted for enforcing effective implementation of illicit drug/Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of trade Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 in North Goa District.

The Enforcement Squads of all the Talukas have been directed to take action on illicit tobacco products which are in circulation without paying taxes including other sections under COTPA Act, 2003.

Panaji : March 26, 2020 …. The Third batch of Certificate Course in Library and Information Science (6 months) will begin from May 4, 2020 at Goa College of Engineering Library, Farmagudi, Ponda. The course is of 6 months duration which includes 45 day internship in a reputed library.

          This course is mandatory for the applicant who wishes to seek employment in School Libraries, Public Libraries (Gr I and II Librarians) and Library assistant’s in other libraries. The admission for the course will be given on first come first serve basis as there are only 30 seats available. Those who are employed in the library will be given preference. The candidate has to pass standard XIIth in any stream to apply for the course.

          Interested students may collect the prospectus which will available in the college library from April 6, 2020. For more details you may contact the course co-ordinator, Dr. Sandesh B. Dessai on 9823978438 / 08322336391.

Panaji: March 25, 2020 :::: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently paid floral tributes to former Defence Minister and Ex-Chief Minister of Goa late Manohar Parrikar on the occasion of his first Death Anniversary at the ongoing site of late Parrikar`s Smriti Stal, Miramar.

Minister for PWD Shri. Deepak Pauskar, Minister for Revenue Smt. Jennifer Monserrate, Minister for Water Resources, Shri. Filipe Nery Rodrigues, MLA, Panaji Shri. Atanasio Monserrate, MLA Fatorda, Shri. Vijay Sardessai, Mayor, Corporation City of Panaji Shri. Uday Madkaikar, Advocate General Shri. Devidas Pangam, Chief Secretary Shri. Parimal Rai IAS, Collector,North Goa Smt. R. Maneka IAS, Chairman of EDC Shri. Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Secretaries to Government, other Senior Government Officers and family members of late Parrikar were present on the occasion.

Panaji :: March 23, 2020  …To abide by the security measures mentioned in the Government advisories and considering the safety and welfare of all the litigants, lawyers, staff members and the parties appearing in-person, security, maintenance, support staff and interns, the Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice has directed that the functioning of the Courts in High Court as well as its Benches functioning at Nagpur, Aurangabad and the High Court of Bombay at Goa will be restricted presently for a week commencing from March 16, 2020, to urgent matters only.

              The Advocates, litigants and parties in persons may mention their matters showing the urgency before the concerned Courts and upon satisfaction about the urgency, the Court will hear such matters. CMIS dates would be given to the rest of the matters. Orders of Ad-interim and interim relief subsisting in the matter will continue to operate.

It is appealed to all the Bar associations and the Advocates that they will endeavor to restrict the entry of the litigants in the Court and only in cases where the presence is unavoidable, one person may be called.

              Advocates and Party in person are requested to provide number and stage of matter on daily board which they want to be taken up urgently to the concerned Court Sheristedar/Associate prior to 11.00 a.m. The rest of the matters on the Regular Board will stand adjourned.

              Considering the importance of the safety measures for health, all concerned are requested to cooperate with the instructions of the staff on duty, in the interest of all.

Panaji : March 21, 2020 …. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services, Campal is organising a rap battle and Zinger (original one liner) making competition on March 18, 2020. The theme for the competition is ‘World No Tobacco Day’. Winners will receive a prize money of Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 5,000/- respectively. The competition will be held at the Goa Dental College and Hospital.

The last date for entries is March 15, 2020. Further queries regarding the competition may be mailed to go**********************@***il.com.