Panaji, December 26, 2019 …The Principal, Staff and Trainees at Vasco Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) undertook a Public-Service oriented Cleanliness Drive at the Baina Beach and its adjoining areas recently.  The trash consisting mainly of glass-bottles, cloth, plastic-bags, plates, cups, etc. were successfully cleared-off from around the entrance to the beach and its adjoining areas by the ITI Team consisting of about 150 trainees and 30 Staff-Members, including the Principal and two Group Instructors.

More than 20 bags of litter were enthusiastically collected from this vital coast-line by the young trainees and faculty under the leadership of Drive Co-ordinator Shri. V. Phadte and handed-over to the Marmugao Municipal Council Staff. The cleanliness drive was supported in kind by the Mormugao Municipal Council and the Rotary Club of Vasco.

The local Temple-Priest flagged off the Rally along with Sr. Group Instructor of the Institute Shri. S. B. Ahmed. Principal Shri. J. Caldeira in his welcome address extolled the trainees to each do whatever, even little, they could do to make this world a better place to live in for all. He further informed that Director of Skill Development has always been encouraging the ITIs to take up such social-responsibility bearing activities.

This Drive was followed up by a Walkathon-cum-Rally undertaken the next day within the Vasco City to create wide publicity about various skill training schemes and courses offered by the Vasco and other Government ITIS coming under the ambit of the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Chairperson of the Mormugao Municpal Council Shri. Nandadeep Raut flagged off the rally and  appreciated the trainees. About 300 Trainees, Staff and Principal of the Vasco Government ITI actively participated in this Awareness Rally.

The above two activities culminated with ‘Kaushalya Jagruktay’: A Skill Training Schemes related half-day Awareness Programme held at the Ravindra Bhavan – Baina jointly with the Directorate of Skill Development. Principals, Head-Masters, students of local Schools and Higher Secondary participated in this along with local Councillors, Prominent Citizens, key Industry-Representatives and other key stake-holders from the Mormugao Taluka. The program was held to understand how hands could be joined to further the “Skill Vasco, Skill Goa and Skill India” Mission.

Panaji, December 25, 2019 … Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant has extended his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message, the Chief Minister has said that Christmas signifies a time of love, joy and peace. He said, that it is a festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and reminds us to be compassionate towards one another.

Christmas is an occasion to propagate the message of love, peace and harmony and consolidate the bond of unity and fraternity, he concluded.

Panaji :: December 23, 2019  ..The meeting of Goa state Environment Protection Council was held at the Raj Bhavan today. Governor Shri. Satya Pal Malik chaired the meeting. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Minister for Ports Shri. Michael Lobo and Minister for Power Shri. Nilesh Cabral.

Leader of Opposition Shri Digambar  Kamat besides MLAs Shri Pratapsingh Rane,  Shri Churchill Alemao, Shri. Ramkrishna Dhavalikar, Shri Vijay Sardesai, Smt Alina Saldanha, Shri. Prasad Gaonkar and Shri. Dayanand Sopte also attended the meeting.

Issues such as proposed Solid Waste Management Facility at Cacora and Bainguinim, Solid Waste Management Facility at Verna and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Chicalim, Establishment of Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF) – Pissurlem, Establishment of Common Bio-medical waste treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTDF), Other Waste Management initiatives through GWMC to comply with the Rules notified by the MoEF & CC, Status of Construction and Demolition waste & sites in Goa were discussed.

 The meeting also took note of the current status of Mhadei river dispute. Status of Coastal protection initiatives to protect beach erosion in Goa, Mineral Policy, River Rejuvenation Action Plan, CZMP for the State of Goa, the study of tar balls surfacing on Goa beach and demarcation of ESA’s in the Western Ghats were also discussed in the meeting.

Environmentalists Dr. Nandkumar Kamat, Shri. Rajendra Kerkar, Shri. K.D. Sadhale, a scientist from NIO Dr. Sushant Naik gave their inputs on various issues.

The Chief Secretary Shri Parimal Rai IAS welcomed the dignitaries and Secretary Environment Shri Puneet Kumar Goel IAS proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was also attended by Collector (North) Smt. R.Menaka IAS and other officers of various Government Departments.

Panjim : December 22, 2019 … Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has called upon Shree Bhumika  Adinath Sanskrutik Kala Manch to reach last person in the society who is in need of help. He was speaking on the occasion of sixteenth Anniversary of shree Bhumika Adinath Sanskrutik Kala Munch at a function jointly organised by Kala Manch and Department of Art and Culture held at Usgao last evening.

Speaking further, he said Shree Bhumika Adinath Sanskrutik Kala Manch is providing opportunity to the youths of Usgao to come forward in the field of Art and Culture since last sixteenth years, he said such organizations are required to nurture and enrich talent among youths in the field of Art and Culture in the State.

Chief Minister Dr. Sawant futher said that firm decision,dedication and hard work can lead the person to achieve highest position in the field of his choice. In this context he cited the example of Dr.Uday Kudalkar attached to the Goa Medical College and Hospital. On the occasion Dr. Uday Kudalkar was felicitated for his valuable contribution in the field of Medicine and social work.

Sarpanch of Usgao village panchayat Kum. Asmita Gaude spoke on the occasion.

Replying  to the felicitation Dr. Uday Kudalkar urged youths from Usgao to come forward in the medical field and extended his support to them. He thanked his parents for educating him to become doctor. He also thanked organizers for felicitating him.

Earlier Chief Minister presented prizes and certificates to the winners of various competition organized by Shree Bhumika Adinath Sanskrutik Kala Manch.

President of Kala Manch Shri Govind Bagkar welcomed the gathering. Secretary Shri Santosh Naik read out annual report. Spouse of Dr. Kudalkar Smt. Sanjyot Kudalkar was present on the occasion.

Shri Sawant compered the function. Shri Chandrakant Naik proposed vote of thanks.

Panaji : December 21, 2019 … Goa Police celebrated its 58^th Raising Day with great zeal and enthusiasm recently. To mark the day parade was organised by the Goa Police which demonstrated discipline and enthusiasm of Police force. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Shri. Rajesh Kumar IPS who was the chief guest for the function inspected the Parade held at Police Head quarters, Panaji.

DIGP  Shri. Kumar while addressing the police personnel expressed that, Goa being tourist place and tourism industry is the main stay of the State, conduct and behaviour of Goa Police force needs to be always tourists friendly, he said.

Shri. Kumar lauded the efforts of all police personnel towards serving the people and maintaining law and order and peace in the State. He informed that, crime detection rate for this year is 85% which underscore hard work, dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the Police personnel.

Shri. Kumar also informed about various measures and initiatives undertaken by the Police Department against human trafficking, drugs peddling and other crime.

On the occasion DIGP Shri. Rajesh Kumar felicitated Police Officers with DGP Insignia for their excellence services and awarded Trophies for best Police Stations. Vasco Police Station received first prize, Collem Police Station received 2^nd prize and Calangute Police Station stood third.

 DYSP Shri. Kiran Poduval was the Parade Commander and Police Inspector Shri. Narayan Chimulkar was second in command.

    Among the Police Inspectors Shri. Chetan L.Patil, Shri. Tushar Vernekar, Shri. Narayan Chimulkar, Shri. Krishna Sinari, Shri. Prajyot S. Fadte, Shri. Tushar Lotlikar, Shri. Sudhir Redkar, Shri. Pradeep Velip, Shri. Sachin Lokre, Shri. Sherif Jaques were recipients of the DGP`s insignia. Also Police Sub Inspectors Shri. Vijaynath Kavlekar, Shri. Dinesh Gadekar, Shri. Pedro Fernandes were felicitated with DGP insignia. Assistant Sub Inspector Shri. Pradeep Kubal, Head Constables Shri. Damodar Mestri, Shri.Tukaram Shet Mandrekar, Shri. Bashir Mulla, Shri. Umesh Pawaskar, Shri. Sushant Sawant, Police Constable Shri. Mahadev Hatle,Shri. Sulesh Mapari, Shri. Mahesh Arondekar, Shri. Pramod Desai, Shri. Devesh kuttikar were received the DGP insignia.

Panaji: December 20, 2019 … “It is indeed a pleasure to see young girls taking up sports like football. Any game of sports keeps our mind sharp and body healthy. As students, you should pay equal attention towards studies as well as extra activities. The sports department will provide best facilities to young aspirants to motivate their sporting spirit,” said Minister for Sports Shri. Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar at the ‘Khelo India Girls Football League U-17’ opening ceremony held at Athletic Stadium in Bambolim today.

The league was kicked off by the Minister in the presence of MP South Shri. Francisco Sardinha. The function was held by Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and Goa Football Association (GFA) in association with Goa Football Development Council (GFDC).

While addressing the gathering Shri. Sardinha appreciated the SAG for their initiative in organising a girl’s football match and assured all the support from his end.

Present among others were Director-Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Shri. S.M. Tripathi IAS, Executive Director of SAG Shri. V.M. Prabhudessai, Nodal Officer Smt. Monica Durado, Member Secretary GFDC and Shri. Alexio F.Da Costa.

Panaji, December 19, 2019 …Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today said that the State Government will not compromise on Mhadei River Water. He said, Mhadei River is mother to him and that efforts are on to resolve Mhadei River issue.

Addressing the people of Goa, on the occasion of 58^th anniversary of the liberation of the State of Goa at the State Level function held at S.A.G. Ground, Near Swimming Pool, Campal, Panaji the Chief Minister said the matter pertaining to the letter given by the Union Government to the neighbouring Karnataka state is kept in abeyance and as such all efforts will be made to redress the issue in the interest of the state and its people.

The Chief Minister said that the Government is committed to give jobs to the children of freedom fighters and therefore appealed to them not to resort to agitation. He said, Government is aware of the contribution and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to liberate Goa from Portuguese regime and keeping this in view the Government is endeavouring to give jobs to their children taking into account the legal aspect.

The Chief Minister urged the people not to fall prey to the false propaganda and hue and cry made by some people over the Citizens Amendment Act passed by the Central Government since it is in the interest of the people belonging to all walks of life.

Stating that Goa is emerging as an educational hub the Chief Minister informed that adequate space has already been allotted to set up proposed IIT and NIT in the State. Moreover efforts are on to setup AIIMS and IIM and for resumption of mining activity in the state.

  Extending the greetings of Goa Liberation Day to the people the Chief Minister said Goa has remarkably progressed since Liberation in the field of Education, Art, Agriculture etc and is among the top states in terms of Health and Infrastructure facilities. He also listed the various works particularly in the infrastructure sector and said that efforts are being initiated to extend the benefit of the State and Centrally sponsored schemes to the people.

The Chief Minister presented awards to those who have contributed in various fields. These include Chief Minister Police (Gold ) Medals to Shri Ninad Ganesh Deulkar, Shri Tushar Gurudas Lotlikar, Shri Ratnakar A. Kalangutkar, Shri Roque Felipe Estibeiro, Shri Damodar R Mestri, Shri Sushant Shantaram Sawant, Shri Keshav Zilba Naik, citation for award of Chief Minister’s Home Guards and Civil Defence Gold Medal for Meritoriuos Services to Smt Kalpana S. Parab and Shri Surendranath C. Shetye,  citation for the award of Goa Chief Minister fire service medal for meritorious service to Leading fire Fighters namely Shri Ratanakar Gawas, Shri Rajan R. Parab, Shri Chandrakant M. Parab , Citation for award for Chief Minister to Shri Mangaldas P. Devesekar, RFO for outstanding work as Instructor, Shri Ashok S. Velip, Forest Guard for his outstanding contributions in conservation and Propagation of Forestry and Medicinal Plants, . State Agriculture Awards such as Krishi Ratna to Shri Nagesh Vishnu Samant, Krlapal Dabal, , Krishi Vibhushan to Shri Pandurang |Shntaram Patil, Revona, Sanguem, Krishi Bhushan to Shri Shyam Vishnu Gaonkar Satre, Sattari, Fr. Inanciao Almeida Memorial Speacial Award for Organic Farming to Shri Mohan Mortu Tendulkar, Molcornem, Quepem, besides State Award for Meritorious and dedicated Services, State Awards were also presented for best Social Workers and Persons with Disabilities.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade and March Past and took salute from the contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, Students among others. Students presented the cultural programme on the occasion. Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners of March Past in which 1^st prize went to Shree Shantadurga High School Bicholim, 2^nd prize bagged by Shri Bhumika High School, Parye, Sattari and 3^rd prize went to Shri Balaram Residential High School, Cancona.

The liberation day was attended by the speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Rajesh Patnekar, Leader of Opposition, Shri Digambar Kamat, Shri. Francis Silveira, MLA and Secretary to the Government, Government Officers, Councillors, teachers, Panchayat Members, Social Workers and large number of students. Earlier, Minister for revenue, Mrs. Jennifer Monserate and its Secretary Shri Parimal Rai received the Chief Minister at the venue of the function.

Panaji:  December 19, 2019 ….Tiatr Academy of Goa presented lifetime contribution awards to the tiatr personalities on the occasion of Late Joao Agostinho Fernandes (Pai Tiatrist) birth anniversary programme organized by Academy at Pai Tiatrist Hall, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao recently.

Awards were presented to tiatrists Shri Agnel D,costa, Mrs Betty Alvares, Shri Minguel P C Martins, Shri Ratnakar Govekar and Zeferino Dias. Veteran Tiatr artist, Shri C D’silva ; Smt Sharmila Fernandes; President, Tiatr Academy of Goa and Director, Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Gurudas Pilarnkar were present on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion Shri C D’silva said thar Tiatr is the form of art which is the medium to show right path for the society. Tiatr also teaches how to live the life. Father of the tiatr late Joao Fernandes worked hard to take this form of art to great level, which has now reached across the world he said.

Award function was followed by tiatr of Mario Menezes and troupe. Shri Gurudas Pilarnkar welcomed the gathering.

Panaji: December,18, 2019 … Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has said that the work for the development of Goa should be keeping in mind dream and vision of former Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa late  Shri Manohar Parrikar.

Dr. Sawant was speaking at a function organized at Saraswat  Vidyalay School, Khorli Mapusa recently to inaugurate Manohar Parrikar Pratishthan-Goa  and to launch  Manohar Parrikar Lecture Series to commemorate 64^th birth day of Shri Parrikar.

Dr. Sawant said his vision was to produce Goan Scientists and therefore keeping this in mind the Government is holding  Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotstav. Wherein noble laurettes, scientists would  be invited to extend an opportunity to Goan Students to listen   and to interact with them. He said the memorial which will be constructed would  be kept open for public for 365 days. To keep alive memories of Parrikar,  the Government has taken some initiatives like University road at Bambolim to be named as Manohar Parrikar road. A law school which is to be started in University would be named as Manohar Parrikar School of Law etc. .

The Guest speaker of the function Dr. Anirban Ganguly while  delivering  his talk on the topic Redefining Governance: Essays on one year of Narendra Modi Government said that the redefining governance means  purity of mind and clarity of thought gives surety of success. It means  a change from a politics of promise to politics of performance.  To provide good governance needs art of Accountability, Responsibility and Transparency, thorough planning coupled with the participation of people.

Dr. Ganguly further said Shri Parrikar while serving as Defence Minister did not compromise with the interest of the nation.  What is Parrikar? Clearm logic, Decisive action and comprehencive delivery defines Parrikar and his vision.   Appreciating the endeavour of the Pratishthan he said that  forming Pratishthan and launching lecture series is no doubt a best  Intellectual tribute to Parrikar.

MLA Mapusa Shri Joshua D’Souza,Ex-MP South Goa Shri Narendra Savoikar  Son of Manohar Parrikar, Shri Utpal Parrikar, President of Manohar Parrikar Pratishthan, Shri Rupesh Kamat, Founder Member of Pratishthan Shri Sukhaji Naik among others attended the function.

Earlier Dr. Sawant garlanded the portrait of late Shri Manohar Parrikar to pay floral tributes to the departed leader and lighted the ceremonial lamp to mark the formal  inauguration of the Pratishthan.

Shri Datta Kholkar Founder Member of the Pratishthan welcomed the gathering.