Panaji: March 18, 2026::The Government of Goa organised Campus to Career 2026, an Academic-Industry Meet to strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and industry. The aim is to create better pathways for internships, apprenticeships, and employment for domiciled Goan youth. The programme was held in Panaji and organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Education, GSHEC, GIDC, and DITC.

The event brought together academic leaders, industry representatives, and government officials to deliberate on bridging the gap between education and employment through a more structured and outcome-driven approach. The programme also included the felicitation of beneficiaries under the Ramp Programme, along with the distribution of certificates of appreciation in recognition of their achievements.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that the Government is committed to building a strong ecosystem for skill development and employment in the State. He highlighted that the apprenticeship programme launched through a Government portal is expanding opportunities for youth to gain practical industry experience, while emphasising the importance of work culture in preparing students to be industry-ready. CM Dr. Sawant also appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, noting that such initiatives align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and contribute to Goa’s roadmap towards Viksit Goa 2037.  “Preparing Students to be Industry-Ready is Key to Goa’s Growth,” Chief Minister added.

CM further emphasised that career counselling should begin at an early stage within educational institutions, with teachers playing a crucial role in guiding students towards suitable career paths. He noted that Goans are increasingly making their presence felt across diverse sectors through GHRDC-led efforts, including areas where representation was previously limited. Referring to the Prime Minister’s Internship Programme, he also highlighted the role of EDC and EDII in promoting entrepreneurship and skill-based training, while underlining the importance of continuous skilling to address emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence.

The programme also highlighted forward-looking initiatives such as Converge 2.0, encouraging industries to develop sector-specific clusters and promote knowledge-based industries in the State. The Government reiterated its commitment to supporting industrial growth and fostering a conducive investment ecosystem, while appreciating the role of IDC and IPB in attracting investments and strengthening Goa’s industrial landscape.

The programme was attended by Secretary (Education), IAS Shri Prasad Lolyekar; Secretary (Industries), IAS Shri Santosh Sukhadeve; Secretary to Chief Minister & Director, DITC, IAS Shri Ashvin Chandru; Managing Director, GIDC, IAS Shri Pravimal Abhishek; Director of Higher Education, Shri Bhushan Savoikar; Programme Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Dr. Niyan Marchon; President, GSIA, Shri Pradip Da Costa; Vice President, GCCI, Shri Yatin Kakodkar, along with senior officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

Panaji: March 18, 2026

The recently concluded session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, held from March 6 to March 16, witnessed a mix of substantive legislative business alongside moments of disruption, including an incident of sloganeering from the Visitors’ Gallery and instances of disruptions by members during proceedings.

Against this backdrop, the role of the Speaker, Dr Ganesh Gaonkar, came into focus, with the Chair intervening at various stages to ensure that the business of the House continued in accordance with established parliamentary norms and procedures.

While disruptions are not uncommon in legislative bodies, the need to maintain decorum was repeatedly emphasized during the session. The Speaker was seen cautioning members across party lines to allow orderly debate, particularly when a member had the floor, reinforcing the principle that every elected representative must be heard without interruption.

The Secretariat of the Assembly also indicated that maintaining order is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation from both the Treasury and Opposition benches. The interventions by the Chair were viewed as necessary to uphold the standards expected of a legislative institution and to ensure that proceedings reflected the mandate entrusted by the people of Goa.

The broader principle of neutrality associated with the office of the Speaker was also echoed in recent remarks by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, in the Parliament of India, who observed that the Speaker belongs to the entire House and acts as a protector of the rights of all members. This perspective resonated with the conduct of proceedings during the Goa Assembly session.

As the session concluded sine die, there was general recognition that, while moments of disorder did arise, the proceedings overall continued with a degree of firmness and restraint under the Chair, reflecting the ongoing effort to preserve the dignity and effectiveness of the House.

Panaji: March 18, 2026::A power shut down has been arranged on March 20, 2026 from 09.00 am to 02.00 pm at 11 KV sodiem Keri feeder to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are VP Keri, Terekhol, VP Palyem and surrounding areas.

Also, a power shut down has been arranged on March 21, 2026 from 09.30 am to 05.00 pm at VP Socorro HTC to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Village Panchayat Socorro Building and surrounding areas.

Panaji: March 18, 2026::The Election commission of India has issued order directing the identification requirements for voters in the upcoming general Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and bye-elections to eight Assembly constituencies in six states which includes Ponda Constituency in Goa.

ECI has directed that all electors who have been issued EPIC are expected to produce the EPIC for their identification at the polling stations before casting their votes. Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall produce one of the 12 alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity, such as Aadhaar Card, MGNREGA Job Card, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour/Ayushman Bharat Health Card, Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RG1 under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension document with photograph, Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

In the case of EPIC, clerical errors, spelling mistakes, etc. should be ignored provided that the identity of the elector can be established by the EPIC. If an elector produces an EPIC which has been issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another Assembly Constituency, such EPIC shall also be accepted for identification provided that the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station where the elector has turned up for voting. If it is not possible to establish the identity of the elector on account of mismatch of photograph, etc. the elector will have to produce one of the above said alternative photo documents.

Overseas electors who are registered in the electoral roll under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, based on the particulars in their Indian Passport, shall be identified on the basis of their original passport only (and no other identity document) at the polling station.

Panaji: March 18, 2026

The Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.

Governor in his message said that, “Gudi Padwa heralds the beginning of the traditional New Year and symbolizes new beginnings, hope and prosperity. The festival reflects the rich cultural heritage of our country and reminds us of the enduring values of harmony, unity and collective progress.”

“In our diverse nation, this festival is celebrated under different names in various regions. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is observed as Ugadi, while members of the Sindhi community celebrate Cheti Chand, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal. Though the names and customs may vary from region to region, the spirit of the festival remains the same celebrating renewal, hope, prosperity and the vibrant cultural unity of India,” Governor added.

“May this auspicious festival usher in peace, happiness and prosperity for all. I once again extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the joyous occasion of Gudi Padwa,” Governor concluded.

Panaji: March 18, 2026::Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant extended his heartiest greetings to the people of the State, on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa. Chief Minister Sawant wished happiness, prosperity, good health on Gudi Padwa which marks the commencement of the traditional New Year.  Dr. Sawant in his message said, “Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra to mark the beginning of New Year as per the Hindu calendar. It is considered a day of cultural significance.” Chief Minister emphasized on preserving our cultural traditions, aiming for a successful and peaceful year ahead.

The Chief Minister further said, “Gudi Padwa is celebrated with great splendour in different styles in different States and Regions with a diverse set of rituals. On this day people renew their social and spiritual values and rededicate themselves to work for a better and more fruitful life. Let us strengthen the spirit of unity and work hard to take our nation to new heights contributing towards the ‘Viksit Bharat’ & ‘Swayampurna Goa’ with greater passion.”   I hope Gudi Padwa will bind us all in one bond of harmony and affection. May the festival mark the foundation of immense happiness, new opportunities and successes to one and all. Let this wonderful year bring success and good health. I wish everyone a year filled with positivity and progression,” the Chief Minister concluded.  Wishing everyone a Happy & prosperous Gudi Padwa !