Panaji, february 01, 2020…. A group of artistes from Goa alongwith Smt Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director of Information and Publicity, Shri Prakash Naik, Information Officer and Shri Shanto Naik, Assistant Information Officer visited Rashtrapati Bhavan at New Delhi recently.

          During the visit the artistes and the accompanying officers met the President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind.

          The President appreciated the Goa Team of artistes and officers for having presented the Goa Tableau at the Republic Day Cultural Pageantry held at Rajpath, New Delhi on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26, 2020. The President interacted with the Goan artistes and officers and informed that he was impressed to see Goa Tableau which was depicted on the theme Sea shore of Goa along with bio-diversity and livelihoods. The work of Conceptualization, Fabrication and Presentation of Goa Tableau was executed by Shri Siddhesh Dessai, Proprietor M/s. Vinayak Decorators.

          It may be noted that the President of India interact with the artists of the various States, Union Territories and Union Government Ministries who have performed during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi and the Bharat Parv celebration wherein the Tableau’s of the participating States and Union Government Ministries were displayed in front of Red Fort, New Delhi for public view.

Panaji :: 30th January, 2020 ::: The Goa Union of Journalists under its new Executive Committee (2019-21) has submitted the draft of the much-needed ‘Goa State Journalists Protection Act’ to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

The Executive Committee which took charge in June 2019, had made several representations to the Chief Minister since June 2019 vis-à-vis the Goa State Journalists Protection Act. The Chief Minister was kept informed on the development on the Journalists Protection Acts in other states. Maharashtra became the first state in the country to implement the Maharashtra Media Persons and Media Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2017. The Act was first published after having received the assent of the President in the “Maharashtra Government Gazette”, on the November 8, 2019.

GUJ President Rajtilak Naik submitted the draft of the Goa State Journalists Protection Act to the Chief Minister in a specially convened meeting held at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, in Panaji on Monday. The Chief Minister was briefed on rules and punishment provision made in the draft Act.

The Goa Union of Journalists remains hopeful that the ‘Goa State Journalists Protection Act’ will be formally announced in the forthcoming Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Panaji:  January 29, 2020 …. Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has invited applications from interested and qualified Personnel willing to be empanelled as Jury, Experts for selections, Training Support required for the District and State Level   Skill   Competition which will be held in February /March, 2020.

Goa State is participating in 11 Skills at District and State Level Skill Competition, February /March,2020 in Patisserie and Confectionery, Restaurant  Service, Cooking,  Bakery, Hotel Reception, Hair Dressing, Beauty Therapy, Welding , Visual Merchandising , Refrigeration and Air Conditioning  and Plumbing and Heating.

Interested should have formal recognized qualification with proven industrial and practical experience in the skill of minimum 10 years.

Interested may forward their applications in the  prescribed format along with     brief C.V. via email only  to wo*****************@*ov.in.

Other details  regarding eligibility criteria and the prescribed format is available at  http://www.dsde.goa.gov.in. The Application shall reach on the above email on or before 4^th  February,2020.

For any queries interested may contact,  Shri.Abhijit Prabhugaonkar,  (M)-9730545526  Shri.Sukdo A. Gurav,  (M)8668349102 or Shri. Akshay  A. Shirwaiker  (M)-  9049566932

Panaji:  26 January, 2020 … Governor of Goa Shri Satya Pal Malik today on the occasion of 71^st Republic Day urged every citizen to keep up the spirit of unity and maintain the peace, communal harmony in the State. He appealed to people to put forth best efforts in spirit of comradeship, co-operation, dedication and dynamism towards achieving the ideals imbibed in the constitution. Governor was addressing the people of Goa after unfurling the national tricolour at State Level function held at Parade ground Campal, Panaji.

          The Governor speaking further stated that Goa is one of the fastest growing states in the country which has well developed social, physical, industrial, tourism, sports infrastructure and virtual connectivity. It has significant port infrastructure and will soon get its own international Airport, which would boost the tourism industry in the State and help socio -economic development in the region.

He also mentioned that state has an established base for the Pharmaceuticals industry and is also an emerging destination for knowledge based industries such as Biotechnology and Information Technology.

The State is progressing well towards achieving  sustainable development goals. It is a matter of pride he said,  for Goa to be ranked at 7^th position in SDG India index 2019-20 published by NITI Aayog. Goa is also a front runner in the areas of achieving zero hunger, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and sustainable economic growth. However, more efforts are needed to improve on the goals such as innovation, climate action and life below waters, Governor expressed.

Governor Shri. Malik further stressed on sustainable development of Agriculture sector. He said that efforts will be made to take high density plantation of commercial crops like mango, cashew etc with an aim to target export market. The State now has vision to focus on the concept of organic farming for which 10,000 hectares area will be converted into organic farming.

On the occasion Governor Shri. Malik presented awards to those who have excelled in varied fields. Police sub Inspector Shri. Chandrakant Gawas received Union Home Minister`s Medal for excellence in Police Training for the year 2017-2018. Assistant Divisional Officer, Fire and Emergency Service Shri. Ajit Kamat was awarded with President`s Fire service Medal for meritorious service. President`s Fire service medal for meritorious service was also presented to Station Fire Officer Shri. Marveyn Bosco Ferrao, Leading Fire fighter Shri. Rohidas Parab and Leading Fire fighter Shri. Prakash Kannaik.

Earlier Governor Shri. Satya Pal Malik reviewed the guard of honour and inspected the parade which included contingents of Indian Navy, Army, Indian Coast Guard, Karnataka Police (Women contingent), Goa Police (women/Men contingent), Home Guard, NCC cadets and Students from various schools of surrounding areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was present on the occasion. Function was attended by leader of opposition Shri. Digamber Kamat, MLA Shri. Francis Silvera, Mayor of CCP Shri. Uday Madkaikar, Advocate General Shri. Devidas Pangam, Chief Secretary Shri. Parimal Rai IAS, North Goa Collector Smt. R. Menaka IAS, South Goa Collector Shri. Ajit Roy IAS, Secretaries to Government, Senior Defence Officers and Heads of Departments.

Function concluded with various cultural programme, Dance  by  students from various schools in the State. Malla Khamb was the special attraction.

Panaji: January 26, 2020 … Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Satya Pal Malik was the Chief Guest at the 10th National Voters Day celebrations held  at Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji recently. The function was organized by Office of the Chief Electoral Office, Goa in association with the District Electoral Officer, North Goa. The function was attended by large number of students, officials and persons from media. In the beginning National Anthem was played and Voters Pledge was administered.

Thereafter, Message from Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Sunil Aroraon the occasion of 10^th National Voters Day was screened.The theme for NVD 2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’. The theme sets the tone for year-long activities which focus on voter education and renewal of citizens’ faith in the electoral process.

          Present on the occasion were State Election Commissioner, Shri R. K. Srivastava, Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai, Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Kunal, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Narayan Sawant.

 Hon’ble Governor while addressing the gathering said that India is the largest democracy in the world. The voters are biggest stakeholders in the democracy and they should ensure that they cast their vote on merit and must see the program and policies of the candidates and political parties without getting influenced by caste, creed or religion. The exercise of elections aims participation of all the citizens, which he said will help to strengthen the democracy.The Governor also said right of voting is a weapon to decide between right and wrong and on the day of voting, everyone is equal and such an important right has to be exercised with proper care. He appealed to the people to participate in large number to exercise their voting right. He stressed upon the need for voter education and appreciated the efforts of Election Commission of India in this regard.

The State Election Commissioner Shri R. K.Srivastava appreciated the efforts of election machinery in Goa. He explained the difference between roles and responsibilities of Election Commission of India and State Election Commission. He stated that after 73^rd and 74^th Amendment to the Constitution of India, State Election Commission has been established to conduct elections to the Local Bodies Viz Zila Parishad, Municipalities, Panchayats. He requested all to participate in large number in upcoming Zila Parishad elections.

 The Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai congratulated the election machinery led by CEO Goa in successful conduct of Parliament Election, 2019 and being the first to complete Elector Verification Program. In his address he said that we have to congratulate ourselves for having the right to govern ourselves which is the strength of democracy. We derive this right from our Constitution. Our Constitution provides us the platform to live with liberty without any barrier of caste, creed, language and religion that’s why this day is very important for us. Along with this right, another strong right which we derive from Constitution is adult franchise,a right to vote irrespective of caste, religion, language, sex, race or community. This right we must exercise in every election.Shri Parimal Rai also said that a right without responsibilities would make it an authoritarian society and responsibilities without rights leads to bonded labour. Therefore while enjoying rights we cannot overlook our responsibilities. So it our bounden duty to participate in the process of election and make proper choice based on merits.   

Shri Kunal,Chief Electoral Officer in his welcome address welcomed all the dignitaries and explained in brief the activities of election machinery in last one year. He stated that great emphasis was laid on accessible and eco-friendly conduct of Parliament Election, 2019. He thanked all NGOs working in the field of accessibility, Social Welfare Department and Public Works Department in ensuring maximum tagging of Persons with Disabilities in electoral roll and also in creating Assured Minimum Facilities in all polling stations. He further stated that with intervention of Chief Secretary, sufficient number of wheelchairs have been procured to ensure availability of wheelchairs at every location. These wheelchairs have now been distributed to all public institutions to ensure accessibility in Goa.

 The State NVD Awards for the Best Electoral Practices were conferred on District and State level Officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. First time voters were felicitated and prizes were given to the winners of essay competition. Similarly state icons and state level award winners were felicitated during the voter’s day celebrations.

Hon’ble Governor of Goa Shri. Satyapal Malik released the colourful State Document for 2019 Parliament Election in Goa. It comprises of the entire State profile and all aspects of the General Election to Lok Sabha 2019 conducted by State of Goa.

Best DEO, ERO, AERO, BLO were given awards based on their meritorious performance in the Lok Sabha Elections while judging on the parameters of Electoral Roll management, SVEEP, voter enrollment, turnout etc.

 Hon’ble Governor of Goa presented Special Awards to the National level award nominees.

 Disability Rights Association of Goa, Goa Deaf Association, Public Works Department, Social Welfare Department were given special recognition awards for their contribution in Accessible elections.

 Awards were given to the Best Electoral Literacy Clubs and student members of the ELCs along with the Nodal Officers and Campus ambassadors as the theme of this year’s NVD is Electoral Literacy for stronger democracy.

 List of Award Winners

Panaji: January 25, 2020 … Shri John Aguiar, Hon. Company Commander of Home Guards, Panaji Division has been awarded the President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished services on the occasion of Republic Day. The award has been announced by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Independence Day on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from New Delhi.

Shri Aguiar who is Information officer in the State Department of Information & Publicity has been earlier  recipient of President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for “meritorious services” in appreciation of his commendable services in Home Guards which was presented in 2012 (Independence Day). He was presented Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for meritorious services in the Home on December 19, 2007 (Goa Liberation Day).  He was conferred with  certificate and Commendation Disc of Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi  in the year 2013. He was awarded Commendation by Deputy Director General NCC (Karnataka and Goa Directorate) in June 2016. He was also Public Relations Officer of the Goa Police department from June 13, 2011 to December 8, 2017. During his tenure as PRO,  he displayed professional competence and liaised with Press/media personal and carried out image building of the police department successfully. He also Assisted in editing the  Goa Police News Bulletin.

Shri Aguiar is the first Home Guard personnel from Goa to be decorated with the “distinguished services” medal. He is  a product of St Mary’s School, Ponda and Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science , Margao.  During his college education he was adjudged “Best all Round Student”. He did his “Masters in Journalism” from Tilak University , Pune.

Shri Aguiar is a poet writer and has written six books, four on Konkani poetry one about essays in English and another one on essays in Roman Konkani script. He bagged Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s literary award for his Konkani poetry book “Olyo yadi” in 2017. He is also a shooter and has represented the state of Goa at the Maulankar National Shooting championship at Chennai in 2003.

                        Shri Aguiar has thanked the Inspector General of Police Shri Jaspal Singh and Director of Information & Publicity, Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director , Information & Publicity  for their encouragement and support.

Shri Aguiar since his enrolment in the Home Guards Organization has displayed utmost dedication and professional competence of a very high order while carrying out his duties. His idea to organize cycle rallies to commemorate the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking consequently in 2005, 2006 and 2007 was well supported by his superiors. This brought good PR to the organization. He also organised and participated in several skits/Street Plays on message against Narcotic drugs and also presented some on Doordarshan Panaji on behalf of the Home Guards organization. It was because of his initiative/proposal and support by Shri Umesh Gaonkar that CM’s Medals were instituted in the Home Guards organisation. He wrote inspiring articles on Home Guard and Civil Defence in Local newspapers  and periodicals.

Shri Aguiar has also conducted lectures on several occasions for Civil Defence volunteers, College students and during NCC Annual Training Camps and NSS camps for the benefit of the students. He has been awarded cash rewards and GST’s, participation certificates of sports, blood donation and several appreciation letters.

Shri Aguiar is Journalist/Media official by profession. He also worked in New Delhi as Assistant Private Secretary to former Union Minister Shri Eduardo Faleiro in the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance, Chemicals & Fertilizers. He is outstanding, hard-working, punctual and highly devoted officer. He has worked for local newspapers like Herald, Gomantak and erstwhile West Coast Times, Goencho Avaz. He is also a Konkani poet and lyricist. His songs are on All India Radio and on CD’s.