Panaji, November 21, 2017… Governor of Goa Dr Smt. Mridula Sinha released three Konkani books written by Smt. Jyoti Kunkaliekar a Konkani writer at Raj Bhavan today.

 Shri Suresh Amonkar, Shri Suresh Kudchadkar,Shri Vaibhav Fondekar, Shri Pundalik Naik,Kum. Sampada Kunkolienkar, Smt. Vini Tandon Keni, Shri Vinayak Khedekar, Smt. Yashodhara  Katkar, Shri Audhut Kunkaliekar  were present on the ocassion.

The books “Agantuk”, “Shambhar Takke Budhwantrai” and “Mayuri” were released by the Governor.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor appreciated the initiative taken by the author and said that today’s literature based on history will be a source of information for future generation. She further stressed to lay more emphasis in creating new literature for posterity.

 Dr. Kiran Popkar welcomed and compered the function while Smt. Jyoti Kunkaliekar proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, November 21, 2017 …. Minister for Housing Board Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar distributed Laptops to students at Village Panchayat hall Reis-Magos, Bardez.The function was organized by Directorate of Education in collaboration with M/s. Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd yesterday.

 The students of the educational institutions which received the benefit of this scheme are V.M. Parulekar Higher Secondary School, Verem and Kendriya Vidyalaya I.N.S. Mandovi.

 Deputy Director of Directorate of Education, Shri R Samant ,Joint Managing Director ITG, Dr. Vijay Borges,Reis Magos Sarpanch Shri Shailendra Parulekar, Reis Magos Deputy  Sarpanch, Smt.Siya Nagvekar, Pilerne Sarpanch, Shri Amarnath Govekar,Nerul Sarpanch,Shri Piedade Almedia were present along with others  panch members.

 Shri Salgaonkar while addressing the gathering said that Government has implemented the Cyberage scheme with intention to make students well versed with computer knowledge so that they can prepare themselves to compete with  global world. He called upon them to become knowledge seekers by making  proper use of the  laptops and thus fulfil the very purpose of the scheme. How to reach Dudhsagar falls from Bangalore by car

 Deputy Director of Directorate of Education, Shri R Samant welcomed the gathering Smt.Sangeeta Naik compered the event and Joint Managing Director ITG, Dr. Vijay Borges proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: – November 20, 2017 … The concluding Function of the 64th National Cooperative week and Presentation of Cooperative awards,organised by The Goa State Cooperative Union Ltd.and National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi held at Sanskruti Bhavan,Multipurpose Hall ,Directorate of Art and Culture today .

Power Minister Shri Pandurang Madkaikar was the chief guest for the function. Other dignitaries present were Shri Narendra Sawaikar, M.P South Goa Chairman of Goa state Cooperative Union Shri Ramchandra Mule, Shri.P.G.Mandrekar C.E.O., and Vice Chairman Shri Uday B Prabhu

     Addressing the gathering Shri Madkaikar said the government will come up with cooperative policy to revive the cooperative sector. Policy for cooperative sector need of an hour” he added. He also appeal to all self help group to avail benefit of all the government schemes in various Department such as Directorate of Social welfare, Women and Child Development etc.

                Dr Sanjay Sawant Desai, Vice Principle of VVMs Shree Damodar College Margao Goa was the keynote speaker and he spoke on the topic ‘Cooperatives as the key partner for skill development.

   Souvenir was released on Goa’s cooperative sector and awardees were also felicitated at the hands of Chief Guest.

     List of  Awardees includes the best co-operator Shri Pradeep Gajanan Naik, Best society- Karamali Corlim Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Best Chairperson- Bicholim Urban Cooperative Bank, Shri Umesh N P Zantye , Best secretary- Vijaya Sahakari Dudh Vyay Saunstha Maryadit Dharbandora, Shri Harishchandra Y Gaonkar, A special award to Sai Self Help Group Cooperative Society Ltd Tonynagar Sanvordem-Goa, Chairperson-Kum.Priyanka P Dessai, Sai Vaishnavi Self  Help Group Cooperative Society ltd.,Mulgao,Bicholim Goa Chairperson Kum.Pravina Parab, Award of Appreciation  to Omkar Mahila Multipurpose Cooperative Society ltd Sakhali,Chairperson Kum. Nisha Devdatt  Pokle and Certificates of appreciation to The Orgao Urban Coperative Society Ltd.Marcel and Murgao Education Society’s Employees Coperative Credit Society Ltd.Zuarinagar.

     Shri Narendra Sawaikar congratulated the awardees and emphasises on the importance of skill development.

 Shri Pradeep Gajanan Naik spoke on behalf of the awardees.               

  Chairman of Goa state Cooperative Union Shri Ramchandra Mule welcomed the gathering .Shri Vinayak Narvekar compered the programme while Shri Uday B Prabhu proposed vote of thanks.

November 20, 2017 … The 48^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2017) was inaugurated at Dr Shama Prasad Mukhrjee stadium in Dona Paula today in the presence of Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Smt. Smriti Irani, Governor of Goa Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Shri. Monahar Parrikar were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister welcomed the delegates to the state. “The Film Festival will complete 50 years in 2019. We are hopeful to host that festival in a completely new multiplex specially meant for IFFI. A special place is planned to welcome more than 6000 delegates,” he said.

          As Canada  is the country of focus for this year’s IFFI, a special feature showing life and nature in Canada was also presented. Actor Shahid Kapoor and actress Sridevi also spoke on the occasion. Director of opening film ‘Beyond the Clouds’ Shri. Majid Majidi along with its cast Malvika Mohanan and Ishaan, Music Director A.R. Rehman spoke on the occasion.  

The function began with a dance performance. Actors Radhika Apte and Rajkumar Rao compered the function.

 Panaji, November 20, 2017 …  The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs will be conducting the State Level selection trials to select the State Archery Teams to Participate in the 63^rd National School Games in Archery U-19 Boys & Girls Indian Round which will be Held on November 24, 2017 at Sports Complex Campal, Panjim.

The players are requested to report at the respective venues at 9.30 a.m. in proper playing kit and along with their I-Card and report to Shri. Ashok Gouda, A.P.E.O. Tiswadi Taluka.

 Panaji, November 20, 2017 … The State level Crib Competition organized by Directorate of Art and Culture from December 26 to 31, 2017 in Goa.

The competition will be held in two categories, Institutions/Group (Cribs made by institutions, clubs, parishes or by a group of people) and Individuals/Household (Cribs made at a house or beside the house by an individual or within a family.)

The winners of the competition will be awarded cash prizes along with the certificate. The prizes for Institution/Group Category are as follows: 1st Prize- Rs. 25,000/-, 2nd Prize- Rs.20,000/-, 3rd Prize- Rs. 15,000/- and Five Consolation Prizes of Rs. 7,000/- each. For Individuals/Household Category, the prizes are as follows: 1st Prize- Rs. 15,000/-, 2nd Prize- Rs.10,000/-, 3rd Prize- Rs. 7,500/- and Five Consolation Prizes of Rs. 5000/- each.

The interested may collect the application forms from November 22, 2017 from the office of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Ravindra Bhavan-Margao, Fatorda and Ravindra Bhavan-Curchorem, Curchorem, Ravindra Bhavan, Baina-Vasco, and submit the duly filled forms on or before December 11, 2017 at the above mentioned offices during working hours.

Panaji/20th November 2017 … Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI)  is organizing a workshop on “ Sustainable & Responsible  Tourism’ with a special focus on ‘Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India’  ( STCI) for the Tourism stakeholders. This is a part of a series of such regional events organized by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India and is in partnership with TTAG  and Goa Tourism.  These workshops are useful for all stakeholders, professionals and practitioners in the Industry .This includes- Hoteliers, Individuals from Travel, Tours  & Transport Industry, Resort Managers, Tourist Guides, Adventure Tourism Providers and Community representatives who are involved in sustainable tourism models . The details are;

 DATE     : November 21 & 22, 2017

TIME      : 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM

VENUE : ABOLIM HALL, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE GOA (ICG)

This workshop aims to demystify the concept of Sustainability in every day Tourism business- by breaking it into steps that are easy to emulate and apply.

We all know that the way forward involves setting corrective and curative measures with regard to Tourism practices with ecological sensitivity and conservation of nature and community development in the Goan region.

These practices will be highlighted by speakers who practice them in their businesses and yet benefit financially along with creating a lighter footprint and supporting the local communities and environment.

ESOI is the nodal body of  ‘Eco Tourism’ supported by Ministry of Tourism , Govt of India – to further the cause of Safe, Sustainable & Responsible Tourism. Being the national body for Responsible Tourism, we work in partnership with other stakeholders, the state governments and other national and regional bodies.  Recently, we have signed an MOU with the Ministry of Tourism to help deliver Sustainability in Tourism across the country. MOT recognizes ESOI as its partner in driving and advocating Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) initiatives across the country.

Agenda:

 Registration- 9 ‘o clock onward

Day 1;  Inaugural session      – 0930-1100

• Welcome: Dr. Anjuna Dhir, Director of Program – ESOI

• ESOI & Workshop agenda- Shri Steve Borgia Hon. President, ESOI

• Special Address – Shri Dharmeder Sharma Chief Secretary, Govt of Goa
• Special Address – Shri Suman Billa, JS , MoT, Govt of India
• Chief guest address- CM/ Minister Tourism
• Keynote address– Shri Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF India

 Tea ;  1100-1115

Technical Session – 1: Setting the Context 1115-1315

• Converting Tourism into Responsible Business- Mr. Steve Borgia, CMD, Indeco Hotels
• Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India- Genesis & Current status, Dr.Anjuna Dhir, Director Programmes, ESOI
• Ecotourism & Community based initiatives in Goa- Mr. Parag Rangnekar,
• Heritage / Conservation – Mr. Ketak Nachinolkar, Conservation Architect
• Ecological Approach to Planning – Mr. Dean D Cruz, Mosaic

 Session conducted by Mr Rakesh Mathur

Lunch: 1315-1400

Technical Session-2 : Technology of Being Responsible – The issues -1400-1600

• Pollution issues– Mr Roland Martin ,
• Community Solid Waste management- Mr.Varun Rupela, Smarter Dharma

• Managing Cleanliness, Waste, Beach front – Mr. Sanjit Rodrigous ,Chairman, Goa State Waste Management Corporation
• Coastal tourism in Goa: issues of environmental concern—Dr.Antonio Mascarenhas, former Scientist , NIO Goa

• Impact of marine Tourism on marine megafauna and ecosystems- Ms. Pooja Mitra, Founder Terra Conscious

 Session conducted by Mr Savio Fonseca

 Tea ;  1600-1615

Technical Session-3 : Scope of Being Responsible 1615-1745

• Responsible Kerala- Mr. Jose Dominic, MD, CGH Earth

• Sustainable Tourism – the Govt support- Mr. Suman Billa, JS , MoT, Govt of India

DAY – 2 Technical Session -4: More Goa; Responsible Goa; 930-1115

• Adventure Goa/ Trekking– Ms. Bianca Diaz, Offtrail advnture
• Adventure  & White water rafting- Mr. John Pollard- Off the grid
• Farm/spice tourism- Mr. Ajit Sukhija, Panjim Inn
• Birding- Mr. Savio Fonseca, Keystone

 1115-1130 Tea Break

Panel Discussion1130- 1245 

Issues facing Tourism industry & Way Forward

M/s Savio/Francis Braganza- TTAG,  Dr. Antonio Mascerenhas- CRZ issues, Mr.Ajai Saxena- PCCF Goa,  Mr.Sanjit – Waste Mgt ,  Mr. Jose Dominic-Responsible Practices, Mr. Ajit Sukhija-, Ms. Puja Mitra- The Tourism master plan

Q & A; 1245-1315

Concluding Session   – 1315- 1400

Recap – Mr Rakesh Mathur

Pledge- Safe & Honourable Tourism

Vote of thanks – Dr Anjuna Dhir

Panaji, November 19, 2017 …. To ensure the smooth movement of vehicular traffic during the 48^th International Film Festival of India which will be held from November 20-28, 2017, elaborate traffic arrangements have been made. 

The Opening Ceremony and the Closing ceremony will be held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao and all the remaining events will be held at Kala Academy, Inox and Maquinez Palace. The open screening for public viewing will be held at Joggers Park, Altinho during the festival.

 Those attending the Opening and Closing Ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao Plateau (November 20 and 28) and coming from North and South Goa (except Panaji) are requested to come via NH 17 and on reaching GMC Bambolim take Goa University road and come up to the function venue.

 Those coming from Panaji will, may come to the function venue via Taleigao or Dona Paula. The INOX lane (General Bernard Guedes Road) i.e. road leading to D.B. Marg from Panaji market along INOX complex will be closed near CCP market complex for entire period of 09 days.

 Car passes will be issued by ESG indicating the category of the pass and respective parking lots. The parking lots identified for the Opening and Closing Ceremony are:

 Zone – A: Parking lot inside Dr. Shyama Prasad Stadium.

Zone –A1: Parking lot inside Dr. Shyama Prasad Stadium (Gate 3)

Zone – B: In the open space adjacent to the stadium towards GMC side.

Zone – C: Cricket Ground next to SPM Stadium.

 During the screening at Kala Academy on November 20, vehicles with Zone – A Passes will be parked in the Kala Academy parking lot and the other vehicles will be parked at Bandodkar football Ground Campal.

 On other days during the festival period, the vehicles with car pass only will be allowed to park in the Kala Academy parking lot, the service lane along INOX theatre and remaining vehicles can be parked at Bandodkar football ground.

 No vehicles will be allowed to be parked on the D.B.B. Marg. The motorists are requested to note the same and co-operate with Traffic Police to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city and at the venues of the festival.

 Panaji, November 18, 2017…… The Election Commission of India is conducting a Special Drive till the end of this month, during the ensuing Special Summary Revision, to improve the health of Electoral Rolls by enrolling all eligible citizens and deleting  the dead/absentees/shifted voters. The Booth level Officers (BLOs), shall visit houses to collect the information.  

          The objective of the Special Drive is to maximize registration of eligible electors, to remove entries of dead and permanently shifted electors, to correct errors in the electors details in all languages of Electoral Roll, obtaining family details/ contact details etc to provide better Electoral Services, to identify overseas Indian electors/ unenrolled Indian Citizens living abroad and to obtain information about the existing Polling Station.

          During the field visit BLOs will prepare a date base for the prospective electors, who would become eligible for enrolment, as a voter on or before January 1, 2019.   

          In view of the above, the Collector and DEO South has appealed to the general public to avail the facility of the said Special Drive by cooperating with their respective BLOs by correctly sharing all the relevant details. Voters are also informed that services being offered under Special Drive are available at online portal i.e NVSP http://www.nvsp.in and ht tp://eci.nic.in which can be accessed at a click of a button.

Panaji, November 17, 2017 … The Office of the Executive Engineer Division IV, Public Work Department (PWD) has informed the general public that all non-working lifts in Junta House, Panaji will be replaced on priority.

          Work order has been issued to replace Lift No. 1 and 2 by February 2018. It is advised that the public may use Lift No.3 and 4 till the lifts are replaced.           

          Lift No. 3 has already been replaced while Lift No. 4 connecting Annex Building is in working condition.