Panaji: April 17,  2026

The Superintendent of Police, Traffic has informed that the Annual Jatra of Devi Lairai at Shirgao will be celebrated on April 21, 2026 and Kaulotsav from April 22 to April 25, 2026 and in view of the same traffic arrangements have been made.

Cars and two wheelers coming for the Lairai Jatra from Thivim side will be diverted at newly constructed bypass road at Assnora for parking along the newly constructed bypass road. Buses coming from Thivim side will be diverted at Assnora Bus Stand for onwards parking at open ground of Irrigation Department, Mulgao. Buses, Cars and Two Wheelers coming from Bicholim, Sankhali, Valpoi side will be diverted at Poira to proceed for parking at   behind Lairai Temple, Shirgao; premises of Salgaonkar Mining Site and  premises of Chowgule Mining site.

All motorists are requested to kindly take note of the same and plan the journey accordingly and cooperate with Traffic Police in ensuring smooth movement of vehicular traffic.

Panaji: April 17,  2026

The G-Food Festival was held at Zuari Hall, Lok Bhavan, bringing together key stakeholders from the food, hospitality, and rural sectors. The festival aimed to promote Goa’s traditional cuisine while creating structured market linkages for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), strengthening their access to formal markets and industry networks.

On the occasion, a video on the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana was launched, showcasing the success of women-led SHGs in managing canteens and building sustainable livelihoods.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasised that the festival goes beyond food, representing identity, opportunity, and women’s empowerment. He highlighted that women across Goa are actively engaged in food processing, catering, agriculture, handicrafts, and small enterprises, playing a vital role in strengthening the rural economy.

He further noted that under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, women-led SHGs are successfully operating canteens, ensuring steady income and financial independence.

The festival showcased Goa’s GI-tagged products, including Goan Feni, Goa Cashew, Mankurad Mango, and Bebinca, reflecting the State’s rich cultural heritage. Initiatives such as GoVan were also highlighted for promoting sustainable practices and enhancing livelihood opportunities.

Emphasising the importance of market access, the Chief Minister stated that the festival provides a platform for direct engagement between producers and buyers, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers. He urged the hospitality sector and industry stakeholders to collaborate with SHGs and actively promote local products.

The G-Food Festival marks a significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods, empowering women-led enterprises, and positioning Goan products in wider national and global markets.

The programme was attended by MLA, Dr Deviya Rane; NRI Commissioner, Shri Narendra Savaikar; Director, GCCI, Shri Sanjay Amonkar; Project Director, DRDA, South Smt. Deepali Naik; Project Director, DRDA, North, Dr. Sangam Patil, along with other dignitaries.

Panaji:  April 17, 2026

A power shut down has been arranged on April 19, 2026 from 6.30 am to 7.30 a.m at 110 KV Thivim I substation and Thivim II substation to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas is entire Tiswadi Taluka.

The Government of Goa will undertake the foundation stone laying ceremony for key infrastructure projects at Cuncolim Bus Stand on April 17, marking a significant step towards strengthening public infrastructure and service delivery.

The projects include the construction of Panchayat Ghars at Village Panchayat Guirdolim and V.P. Paroda under the Deendayal Panchayat Raj Infrastructure Development Scheme. These works are being implemented by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

The proposed Panchayat Ghars are designed to provide modern administrative facilities, including dedicated office spaces, meeting halls, and essential public utilities, thereby enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in local governance.

In addition, a 15-bedded Urban Primary Health Centre will be constructed at Cuncolim to cater to the growing healthcare needs of the area. The facility will offer outpatient services, diagnostic support, and inpatient care, ensuring timely and accessible healthcare services for residents.

These initiatives reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening core infrastructure, improving public service delivery, and promoting inclusive development across the State.

The programme will be attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Shri Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Panchayat; Shri Vishwajit P. Rane, Minister for Health; Shri Yuri Alemao, Leader of Opposition and MLA, Cuncolim; Shri Michael Lobo, MLA and Chairman, GSIDC; Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary; Ms. Cheshta Yadav, IAS, Secretary (Panchayat); Shri Mahadev Araundekar, Director of Panchayat; Shri Yetindra Maralkar, IAS, Secretary (Health); Dr. Rupa Naik, Director of Health Services; along with other dignitaries and officials

The Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (GHRSSIDC) distributed Cobbler Kits to needy cobbler artisans under a special welfare initiative aimed at empowering traditional artisans and improving their livelihoods.

The Chairman, GHRSSIDC, Shri. Pravin Arlekar distributed the kits containing essential tools and equipment to the beneficiaries.

The Chairman, GHRSSIDC, thanked the State Government,  especially the Chief Minister for their continuous support in implementing such welfare activities. He said, I am always ready to help the poor and needy sections of society. The distribution of these Cobbler Kits is a step towards their economic empowerment,” he added.

Chairman further expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for laying the foundation stone for Ambedkar Bhavan in Goa- The first such initiative after liberation, undertaken by the BJP Government.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Sant Haralayya Samaj, Shri Kartik Lokapure, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Goa Government and the Chairman of GHRSSIDC. He said that this is the first time in the history of Goa that such quality tools have been provided to cobbler artisans. These kits will definitely increase our production and make our work much easier,” he added.

Board of Director, GHRSSIDC, Shri Satish Korgaokar, also thanked the Goa Government and the Chairman for this thoughtful initiative. He echoed that the provision of these tools is a historic first for the cobbler community in the state and will significantly boost their productivity and economic condition.

The distribution programme is part of GHRSSIDC ongoing efforts to support traditional artisans by providing them with modern tools and enhancing their skill, increasing productivity and improving their overall economic conditions.

All beneficiaries expressed happiness and optimism about the positive impact. These kits will have on their daily work and income.

The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), has informed that Door-to-Door Survey has been initiated from March 21, 2026.

The survey has been launched on a pilot basis in Sanguem and Bicholim Talukas with the objective of identifying Persons with Disabilities, assessing their needs and facilitating access to various government schemes and services.

This initiative of Survey aims to create a comprehensive and updated database of PwDs in the State, to ensure inclusion and outreach to all eligible beneficiaries and to facilitate timely delivery of benefits, assistive devices and support services.

The survey is being carried out by field workers of the Directorate of Social Welfare, who will visit households to collect relevant information.

The general public is requested to extend full cooperation to the field workers and provide accurate information to ensure effective implementation of welfare measures.

Persons with Disabilities and their family members are encouraged to participate actively in the survey to avail the benefits of various schemes implemented by the Government.

Further phases of the survey will be conducted across other talukas in due course.

For any queries or assistance the public may contact the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Government of Goa.

Panaji, April 15, 2026

The Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation has announced the House Listing Operation (HLO) phase of the upcoming Census will be carried out across Goa from April 16 to May 15, 2026.

During the phase, approx. 3000 trained enumerators will visit every household to collect essential information related to housing conditions, household amenities and assets. Data will be collected digitally by enumerators using mobile applications ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This data will form the foundation for the subsequent population enumeration phase, which will be conducted across nation from February 9 to 28, 2027.

In addition to the traditional enumeration process the facility of Self Enumeration was made available to the public from April 01 to 15, 2026.This digital initiative enabled residents to submit their household information online in a convenient and secure manner. Goa has witnessed an encouraging response to this initiative with a significant number of households-approximately 12000+- already completing their self-enumeration.

In cases where residents have completed self-enumeration, they are requested to share their unique Self Enumeration (SE) ID with the enumerator during the visit for verification and completion of the process.

Citizens are bound under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 to provide correct information for the 33 questions to be asked by the enumerator, as notified in the official Gazette. Residents are also requested to cooperate with enumerators in allowing the writing of the Census House Number on the front door or front wall of their house for official census purposes.

Residents are requested to extend full cooperation to census officials by providing accurate and timely information. All enumerators will carry valid identification and the data collected will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes.

The Census is a vital national exercise that helps in planning and implementation of Government policies and welfare programs. Public participation is crucial to ensure the accuracy and success of this initiative.

For any queries or assistance citizens may contact the toll-free helpline number 1855.

Panaji, April 15, 2026

The Institute Menezes Braganza will be organizing “Bahubhashik Mahila Sahityik Melava” on April 18, 2026, at Preeyal Farm House, Campa, Khandepar, Ponda.

The inaugural function of the Mahila Sahityik Melava will be held on April 18, 2026 at 09.30 a.m. It will be inaugurated by Smt. Sulakshana Sawant, Social Worker in presence of other dignitaries. Renowned female personalities who have contributed in the field of literature will be participating in the Melava. The sessions will be comprised of renowned female poets/writers, Panel discussion, Guidance to the upcoming writers etc.

The concluding function will be held on same day i.e. April 18, 2026 at 04.30 p.m. The Institute Menezes Braganza, has requested the female writers, poets from Goa to attend the Bahubhashik Mahila Sahityik Melava.

Panaji, April 15, 2026::         Electricity Department has informed that the address of the office of Assistant Engineer, Electricity Department Sub-Division III (R) has been officially changed as Survey no. 44/4, Cujira, Village Panchayat St. Cruz, Tiswadi-Goa.

All future correspondences, documentation and communication should be submitted to the new name and address with immediate effect.

Panaji, April 15, 2026::       The prestigious Gomant Gaurav Sanman will be conferred upon eminent scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar in recognition of his exceptional lifetime contributions to science, innovation, and nation-building. The award will be presented at the Goa 2037: Knowledge, Industry & Sustainability Conclave to be held on April 16, 2026, at Kala Academy, Panaji.

The programme will commence at 4:00 PM and the felicitation ceremony is scheduled between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

A former Director General of CSIR, Dr. Mashelkar is widely respected for his pioneering work in inclusive innovation and for strengthening the link between science, industry, and society. A proud son of Goa, his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to global recognition continues to motivate generations.

The Gomant Gaurav Sanman recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions and brought pride to the state through their achievements at national and international levels.

The conclave is jointly organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and MIT World Peace University. It aims to bring together leaders from industry, academia, and policy-making to deliberate on Goa’s roadmap towards becoming a hub for knowledge, industry, and sustainability by 2037.