28/05/2016 …. Goa, Daman and Diu became liberated after four and half centuries of foreign rule on 19^th December 1961 by operation Vijay launched by Indian Army. From that day till 30th May 1987, Goa enjoyed the status of a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu.

Goa was bestowed with Statehood on 30^th may 1987 and it became the 25^th state of the Indian union. Education and that too “Quality Education” is the need of the hour and the territory has seen it all in the last five and half decades. Advancement in education at all levels was a key for Goa’s progress.

From 1961 to 1987, the education system saw a qualitative expansion and betterment. The focus was on advancement of school education and its expansion, diversification and improvement. Later the focus shifted towards the advancement of Higher education in all the talukas of the state at every hook and corner.

Goa, Daman and Diu’s first Chief Minister Shri D.B. Bandodkar arranged to open government primary schools even in the remotest Villages of our state. High Schools and colleges followed due to lot of private initiatives and governments liberal grant-in-aid policy.

Goa’s overall literacy stands at around 90% and is a testimony of the growth of education at grass root levels. At the time of liberation it was very poor. There is a quantum jump in terms of student enrollment since liberation.

After Statehood, qualitatively the education has seen a sea change. The establishment of Goa University in 1985 which today ranks at a very high rating as per the Ministry of Human Resource Developments recent ratings. Prior to the establishment of the university, all the institutions were affiliated to Bombay (Mumbai) University.

The university today boasts of a number of programs like Masters in Marine Biotechnology( conducted by open All India Exams of JNU), integrated five years, MBA course in Hospitality management, Masters in Financial services, Masters in  business administration besides the conventional courses in Arts, Science and commerce. The Phd’s conferred every year is on the rise and gross enrollment rate (GER) is on the rise in Higher education.

The implementation of the Central government programmes in Higher education like the Rastriya Uchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (R.U.S.A) has yielded rich dividends and there has been a sustainable expansion of facilities at Institutions of Higher learning in the state. There is an autonomous college in S.P Chowgule college Margao with government college Quepem on the verge of becoming autonomous.

The establishment of a National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Farmagudi and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Goa will take the standards of education in Engineering and Technology to a new high. The medicine branch has diversified with rise in seats for MBBS and Dentistry-BDS.

The establishment of five para-medical courses in the state like physiotherapy, optometry, etc has opened up new vistas. The  government schemes to promote education by providing loans like Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye (Bursery) scheme and scholarships like Goa Scholar Scheme has also seen a number of Goan students going overseas for higher education at Masters level in medicine, technology, management and various other fields.

The progress too has been immense at lower levels too. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA) has seen to it that all children in the age group of (6-14)years go to school and the recent announcement by the government  to introduce mid-day meals for event the IX and X standards will have good results especially in the rural areas.

At the Secondary level too, the Rashtriya Madhyanik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) has seen vocationalisation being introduced in a big manner under the NSQF wherein vocationalisation is promoted in 15 trades from standard IX onwards which is continued till 12^th standard through the vocational stream currently implemented in Goa through 49 Higher secondary schools at ‘+2’ stage.

The recent announcement of the establishment of a community college in Agriculture will facilitate Goans to take up agriculture. There is also the Degree course in Agriculture at Don Bosco College in Sulcorna. Such developments in various disciplines today open up new vistas for Goan youth.

Goan youth need to be more competitive and come in the Indian mainstram by appearing in the All India competitive exams by thorough preparation for exam like civil services exam, Banking Sector exams, Defence exams, NEET, IIT, etc to take Goa’s  name on the highest pinnacle of Indian educational scenario.

“Acche Din for Goa have timely come in educational sector which needs to be used constructively by Goan students to make it really big at All India levels thus proving the fact that Goan youth are second to none in the country in every vocation.

Ample job opportunities are created in Goa by the ‘Goa State Investment Promotion Board’ which ’facilitates employment.  Programmes like make in India, skill India, and Digital India start up India have to be made a reality by taking help of a number of government schemes like Dr. Verghese Kurian Chief Ministers Rozgar Yojana and the Prime Ministers Rozgar Yojana which will erase the unemployment problem and entrepreneurship will flourish and Goan youngsters will be seen as a more of “Job giver” rather than a ‘Job Seeker’ .

Wishing all Goans  on the occasion of Statehood and prosperous times ahead.

   Margao:  June 02, 2018 …. The sixth State Level Job Fair was organised at Shreesthal Hall Sanvordem by the model career centre of Regional Employment exchange under the office the commissioner of Labour and Employment.

 The Job fair was inaugurated by Minister for Labour and Employment, Rohan Khaunte. Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pauskar, sanvordem sarpanch Sandip pauskar, kalay sarpanch Kishor Dessai sarpanchas of Colem, Dharbandora, Molem and Dabal Kirlapal panchayat, labour Commissioner Jayant tari, Rajkumar Kamat and other were present on the occasion.

In his inaugural speech Minister Khaunte said that the Government is aware about the problems faced by mining effected people and it is leaving no stone unturned to restart mining activities in the State. The job fair not only provides job opportunities but also provides the youth a platform to interaction with different industries. It has been notice that the job fair received overwhelming response from the youths.

Observing that all the parents feel that their wards should get Government jobs which is not possible, he appealed to the youth not to run after Government jobs but to start their own enterprise and become self employed by availing the various schemes provided by the Government. The Government has started skill development courses in association with various industries, he pointed.

 He further said that the labour welfare centre is catering to the needs of women folk from Sanvordem area. Sewing machines are being provided to several women and they will also be provided with work to make them financially strong.

Sanvordem MLA Pauskar said that the job fair provides valuable information regarding the different types of jobs opportunities to the unemployed youths. The Government is trying its level best to uplift the common people. He informed that the interests of the people residing in private forest or reserve forest will be protected by the Government.

He informed that a delegation of Government has gone to Delhi to meet the Central Minister and the Prime Minister to solve the problem of mining ban in Goa and expressed his hope that positive results will come from Delhi. He further said that all the seven village panchayat in Sanvordem constituency will get community halls and panchayat office buildings and playground for recreation.

     Labour Commissioner, Jayant Tari said that the main objective behind organising the job fair is to provide information about employment opportunities existing in different industries. More than 2200 youths have done online registration for employment. The Government is shortlisting the candidates to provide them jobs. He appealed to the youths to show their capacity and efficiency to  companies for absorption on merit. The other intension of organising the job fair in Sanvordem area is to provide job opportunities to the youths of mining effected people. Online services will also be provided to the employers regarding the unemployed youths, he said

Regional Employment Exchange, Panaji has been selected as Model Career Centre (MCC) under the Union Government new scheme, National Career Service (NCS). NCS is a new initiative that aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and job providers through a well designed structure that comprises an ICT based portal, a country wide setup of career centres, a multilingual call centre and network of career, councillors. NCS brings job seekers, employers, councillors, trainers and placement organisation together on one platform by offering convergence of information.

 The objective of this fair is to increase employment opportunities for the job seekers and offer wide range of selection to the recruiters. The State has a large pool of registered job seekers with diverse skills and educational profile. This job fair will provide an excellent opportunity to participating companies to build brand image and procure potential employees as per their requirement in key skill areas.

 The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Goa, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), ASSOCHAM, National Institute of Personal Management (NIPM) – Goa Chapter, Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), BNI and Goa Technology Association (GTA) also partnered the job fair.

 MLA, Shri Prasad Gaonkar and prominent industrialists were among those persons present on the occasion.

Panaji, July 30, 2018 … The President of India will honour Freedom fighters Shri Madhav Yeshwant Mandrekar, Shri Keshav Ankush Sawant and Shri Sadanand Trivikram Kunde on August 9, 2018 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi during the ‘AT HOME’ function hosted by the President.

Panaji: September 11, 2015, The Directorate of Women and Child Development has informed that the beneficiaries availing the benefit of the Griha Aadhar scheme shall submit their Life Certificates every year only in the respective month, in which she was sanctioned/started receiving the disbursement/monthly installment under the Griha Aadhar scheme in the prescribed form at the Taluka level C.D.P.O.s offices.

 In case of a widow who is a DSSS beneficiary and having a child, the beneficiary shall also submit additionally a life certificate  in respect of such child every year in that respective month in which she was sanctioned/stated receiving the disbursement/monthly installment.

            Those beneficiaries who are availing the benefit of last three years since the implementation of the scheme are also informed to submit their income certificate by November 2015.

The beneficiaries may contact the CDPO at all taluka offices of the Directorate of Women and Child Development for any Queries/assistance.

Panaji, January 13, 2019 … The Directorate of Women and Child Development will amend the “Financial Incentives to mother who deliver a Girl Child” (MAMTA) Scheme.

Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs. 10000/- will be paid to all the mothers who deliver a girl child  (maximum 02 deliveries) in a registered medical Institution. The eligible mother who delivers a girl child may apply to the Child Development Project Officer through the local Anganwadi Centre along with a copy of the Birth report/Birth Certificate in the prescribed form within 45 days of the delivery of the girl Child. The benefits are directly credited to the declared Bank Account. The Scheme is aimed at improving the female Child Sex ratio in the state.

The benefits are:- the beneficiaries (mother) under the Scheme will be paid Rs.10000/-as one time financial incentive through Electronic Clearing System (ECS)/National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)/Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS)/Automated Clearing House (ACH) at birth of a live Girl Child. (apply within 45 days) similarly those beneficiaries who were paid the 1^st  installment of Rs. 5000/- under the existing scheme will be eligible for only balance amount  2^nd  installment of Rs. 5000/- (to apply within 45 days from the date of the Amended Scheme published in the official Gazette). Further those beneficiaries who had applied for 1^st Installment of Rs.5000/- as on the date of this Amended Scheme published in the Official Gazatte will be eligible for Rs.10,000/- as per the amended scheme. Similarly who were paid both 1^st and 2^nd Installments will not be eligible for any further incentives/benefit under the amended scheme and case shall be treated as closed.

The amended “Financial incentive to mothers who deliver a Girl Child “MAMTA” Scheme will be made effective with effect from April 1, 2015.    

For details about the Scheme contact respective Taluka WCD Block Offices of Directorate of Women and Child Development –Tiswadi  0832-2222562, Sattari 0832-2374235, Bardez 0832-2262963, Pernem- 0832-2201253, Bicholim -0832-2362179, Ponda 0832 -3213028, Sanguem 0832-2604226, Quepem 0832-2662251, Salcete 0832-2714083, Mormugao 0832-2518061, Canacona 0832-2643330,Dharbandora 0832-2348219 during office hours on any working days. The more details are available on website www.dwcd.goa.gov

Bahrain:16th August 2018 ::: The Young Goans Club , Ladies Wing organised the Summer Camp from 15^th July to 1^st August at the YGC premises in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain .

‘’It was a great pleasure to hold YGC Ladies Wing Summer Camp activities for our kids. The kids learnt our Goan tradition by basic konkani language speaking and traditional cooking classes. We wish them all happy holidays and a successful academic year ahead said Maria Pereira, Ladies Wing Co-ordinator , Young Goans Club.’’

‘Milushka Faria, Ladies Wing  Member, Young Goans Club ’stated ”’ I am extremely proud to be a part of Summer Camp Children participated and explored their creativity and Learnt Basic Music, Dance, Art, Paper Quilling, Craft, Stitching, Konkani speaking,  Goan traditional cooking and  Etiquette/social behaviour.

Besides games ,sports and a fun day outing. The children had a unique opportunity to spend their vacation in a relaxed and enriching manner.’

Maverly D’Costa, one of the participant at the Summer Camp shared her experience‘’ I did enjoy all the classes The best class was paper quilling and stitching. It was a good time with my friends and volunteers. Father Darel speech was very nice .I even liked playing and enjoyed my last day outdoor and made new friends in the Summer Camp. ‘’

Gwen Fernandes, another summer camp Participant expressed  her gratitude ” It was really fantastic and beautiful memories of the Young Goans Summer Camp, My favorite activities were  painting craft and cooking. I also learnt craft, cooking and more activities. The last day was my best day I enjoyed in Marina Mall Children Games section. I give thanks to our Volunteers Lina, Sofia, Lita, Hazina and a special thanks for Maria and Milushka for organizing the summer camp’’ 

Fr. Darel Fernandes, assistant parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, was present for the concluding ceremony and presented certificates to participants and volunteers. 

Panjim :July 01, 2018 … The Bharat Scouts and Guides, Goa State recently organised a one day General Information Course for untrained Scout masters and Guide captains on June 25, 2018 at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji

Around 69 teachers from various Schools from Goa attended the course. The teachers were appraised about the origin, fundamentals of Scouting, advancements of Scouts and Guides, Syllabus from Pravesh to Rashtrapati Puraskar and Skill of Knotting.

Speaking on the occasion Shri.P.R.Nadkarni highlighted the opportunities available to Scouts ,Guides and adult leaders at School , the District , State, National and also International level, he further urged to the teachers to create interest among themselves to train the Scouts and Guides following Scouting ideals for good Citizenship

Earlier  State Secretary Shri.James Fernandes welcomed the gathering  Shri. Diogo Fernandes, Shri.R.V.Rane , Shri.Mukund Kambli, Smt Shobha Mhadgut, Shri. Suraj George assisted in the Course.

Panaji, August 18, 2014 … Candidates, who have appeared for written test on February 09, 2014 for the post of Awal Karkun in Collectorate North Goa are informed that  those who have qualified in the written test for oral interview, are short-listed and their names are displayed on the notice board of Office of Collectorate North Goa. The oral interview of these  short-listed candidates is fixed on August 25,  to 27, 2014. Individual call letters to appear for oral interview have been dispatched. In case any qualifying candidates have not received intimation he/she may contact to Collector Office.

The qualifying candidates should bring the call letter alongwith  the original as well as Xerox attested copies of certificates  of Education qualification(marks sheet), Computer Knowledge, Birth, Caste,  Residential and Experience in any field of Office Work, Sports participation certificate in State level and National Level, if any or excelling in extra curriculum activities.

It may noted that candidates will be taken  for interview in the order of  application number and hence their turn may come anytime during the day, so they should come prepared accordingly.

Panaji:  July 8, 2014 ::……….. MINISTER for Women and Child Development, Shri Dilip Parulekar today, inaugurated a well equipped Anganwadi Centre  with modern facilities at Bethmordi, Curchorem in the presence of Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA and Chairman, GTDC.

Environment provides the perfect ambience to all things asserted Shri Parulekar and said that it is important to provide correct balance of things right from the initial stages of the child’s education. This helps attract students towards education and learning, thus molding them to become responsible citizens of the State and nation.  Parents too are encouraged and inclined to send their wards to such centres, he added. 

Shri Parulekar appealed to the elected representatives to identify available space within the existing Primary Schools in their constituecies to have such centres for which he assured all help to built Anganwadi centres.

Local MLA, Shri Cabral speaking on the occasion said that clean and hygienic environment motivates children to study and learn more.  Such centres will be proposed and undertaken in other parts of the constituency too, he informed.

The centre with a built up area of approximately 100 sq. mts. consists of spacious hall, kitchen, store, toilet, veranda and wide ramp built at an estimated cost of Rs. 18 lakhs under assistance from NABARD.

Smt. Carmelina Fernandes, Chairperson, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, Shri Pramod Gauns Dessai, Sarpanch, V.P. Xeldem, Councillors and Panch Members were among those present on the occasion.

Shri Vikas Gaunekar, Director, Women and Child Development welcomed the guest on the occasion.