Panaji, December 08, 2019 …Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launched a dedicated website (www.birdfestival.goa.gov.in) on bird festival recently at his official residence Altinho, Panaji. Forest Department of Goa, will   be organizing its third edition of Bird Festival from January 17 to 19, 2020 at Valpoi and Surla of Sattari taluka.

Minister for PWD Shri. Deepak Pauskar; MLA’s, Shri. Pratapsingh Rane, Smt. Alina Saldanha, Shri. Prasad Gaonkar, Principal Secretary, Forest Shri Punit Kumar Goyal IAS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Shri. Subhash Chandra, IFS ; Chief Wildlife Warden, Shri. Santosh Kumar IFS, Members of State Wildlife Board and others were present on the occasion.

Goa is home to over 450 species of birds both residents and migratory.  The Bird Festival aims to generate awareness towards wildlife and their habitat conservation with special emphasis on birds. Delegates from all over the country and abroad will be joining in the event. It is open to the general public with a nominal registration fee. Experts and renowned speakers will share their knowledge and experiences on birds and wildlife conservation.

Day trips to forests will be conducted for those unable to attend entire events.

Bird walks and field trips in forests of Valpoi, Bondla, Molem and Mhadei harbouring rich bird diversity will also be conducted.

Various Quiz competitions, Wildlife Film shows, videography and photography competitions will be conducted in the festival, entries for which can be sent to Forest Department. For more information interested participants can visit http://birdfestival.goa.gov.in

Panaji, December 07, 2019 .. Mahatma Gandhi had firm conviction in whatever he did. He had no pride or arrogance. He introduced morality in politics said Governor, Shri Satya Pal Malik, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the ‘Gandhi Katha’ programme organised by Raj Bhavan and Directorate of Art and Culture at Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji, recently.

Shri Malik said that Gandhi staunchly supported human rights and living with dignity. Some of the significant contribution of Mahatma Gandhi has been his fight against injustice said Shri Malik sharing anecdotes of Gandhi’s life which highlighted his principles and values.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chandrakant Kavlekar, in his address said that Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of India and Indians cannot forget his contribution in the Independence Movement of the nation. Shri Kavlekar said that Gandhi’s far-sighted vision and principles such as ‘Ahmisa’ (Non-Violence) and teachings regarding cleanliness, helped bring a consciousness among the people.

‘Gandhi Katha’ is a programme to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi. The inaugural was followed by ‘Gandhi Katha’, presented by Shobhana Radhakrishna, Chief Functionary of the Gandhian Forum for Ethical Corporate Governance, SCOPE (Standing Conference of Public Enterprises-an Apex body of Central Government owned Public Enterprises), India. ‘Gandhi Katha’ is a narration of many unpublished and little known incidents on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and is aimed at inspiring people in nation building.

Earlier, Director, Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Gurudas Pilarnekar, in his welcome address said that the aim of the function is to propagate the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi among the young generation.

Present on the occasion were Secretary to Governor, Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS; Vice-Chancellor of Goa University, Prof. Varun Sahni, and others.

Panaji: December 06, 2019 ….Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently launched DIKSHA, a digital service inspired program. The program is made by the efforts of teachers in many states to enhance and elevate school education in the country. The service which is a brainchild of MHRD and NCTE was launched at the official residence of Chief Minister in Altinho in the presence of Secretary Education, Smt. Nila Mohanan IAS, Director Ms. Vandana Rao IAS, Dy Director (Academic) Shri. Shailesh Zingade, SCERT Director Shri. Nagraj Honnekari were present for the same.

DIKSHA has introduced Energized (QR code imposed) textbooks which will allow for contribution and access to curated digital content for every chapter of the school textbook. There will be interactive audio-visual content, assessments and illustration aligned to school syllabus to make learning interesting and effective for state board students and teachers.

Students, parents and teachers can follow the instructions that will be provided in the textbook to download the mobile application to scan the QR code and access the state-of-the art content syllabus from the android smart phones.

For the academic year (2019-20), the QR codes will be imposed on two classes 5^th class EVS and 6^th class Mathematics in English Medium.

         Goa is also the first state to launch the first DIKSHA Content Creation Competition which was held in March 2019. The winners of the competitions were felicitated by the Chief Minister on the occasion.

      Teachers Smt. Trupti Umesh Mandrekar, Smt. Sulakshna V. Gadekar and Smt. Angela Monteiro were awarded 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively for creating valuable content for EVS in 5^th class.

      Teachers Smt. Sulakshna V. Gadekar, Smt. Maria Manisha D’Silva and Smt. Mafel Manscarenhas were awarded 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively for creating valuable content for Mathematics 6^th class. Along with the winners, the State DIKSHA Content Review Committee members were awarded Certificates for appreciation by the Chief Minister.

Panaji: December 05, 2019 … The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Goa, is organizing the Start-Up India Global Venture Capital Summit-2019, a special curated event for Fund Managers and Limited Partners of top Global Venture Capital Firms on December 6 and 7, 2019 at Cidade de Goa Resort, Panaji.

The event envisages showcasing the diversity – width depth and scale of the Indian Market opportunity and the cutting-edge innovation originating in India.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on December 7, 2019 will attend the event along with many Global Venture capital Fund Mangers from over 15 countries and reputable corporate.

Panaji: December 04, 2019 …. A training programme for Cook-Cum-Helpers under the Mid Day Meal Scheme for the State of Goa covering North Education Zone, Central Education Zone and South Education Zone held recently.

The purpose of the training programme was to train the Cook-Cum-Helpers and the Self Help Groups, Mahila Mandals, P.T.A on Food Handling, Serving, Personal hygiene, Use of Local Seasonal Vegetables, Kitchen Gardening and Nutritious cooking practices.

 Nutrition experts Ms. Varsha Bhide and Ms. Manasi Kudchakar were the resource persons for the training programme.

Ms. Varsha Bhide spoke on personal hygiene and different aspects of hygiene and food safety and food handling. Ms. Manasi Kudchadkar spoke on importance of nutritious cooking practices, use of local seasonal vegetables and kitchen gardening. Shri Vijendra Naik provided technical expertise during the training programme.

Set of aprons, head gears and hand gloves were distributed to the participants.
Assistant Director of Education Mrs. Maria Rose Grace D’Souza welcomed the participants and spoke on the importance of health and hygiene. Vocational Education Officer Shri Jaywant Naik explained the importance of quality of Mid Day Meals and proposed the vote of thanks.

The function concluded with Prize distribution by the A.D.E.I’s at the taluka level dealing with mid -day meal scheme.

Panaji, December 03, 2019 …Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in the presence of Panchayat Minister, Shri Mauvin Godinho; MLA and Chairman, Goa Housing Board, Shri Subhash Shirodkar inaugurated the new building of Village Panchayat Panchwadi in Shiroda Assembly constituency, constructed under Upgradation of Infrastructure in Rural areas under Deendayal Panchayat Raj Infrastructure Development (Golden Jubilee) Scheme 2013, recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sawant said, with the visionary leadership of Ex-CM late Manohar Parrikar all round development of the State started in the year 2012. The major projects standing tall in the State today and some of which are nearing completion is the vision of late Parrikar. Shri Parrikar laid due emphasis to develop the infrastructure of rural areas along with the cities, he added. The infrastructure being undertaken in the field of Government education in the State is much much higher compared to other States, he said.

Dr. Sawant urging the people, mainly youths, to focus on revival of the traditional business of agriculture and farming said that the rural economy of the State can only increase with agriculture and farming. Government is ready to provide all the necessary support and technical know-how. One just needs to take one step forward and show interest in this field, he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated the Government commitment to make all out efforts to make every Goan self sustainable and stand on their own feet. Panchayats should take the requiste initiative to give a fillip to the agriculturists. Farmers should ensure to add value to their local produce apart from looking at proper upgradation and marketing techniques to earn higher returns, Shri Sawant remarked.

Shri Sawant applauded the efforts of MLA Shirodkar for his contribution in the field of education for the last 5 decades to educate the students and make them capable to face the challenges in this competitive world.

Shri Shirodkar lauded Governments vision for all round development of the State. He said keeping in mind the basic needs of the people – electricity, road and water 12 crores of electricity works in the Shiroda constituency are sanctioned apart from augmentation of water supply system, he said.

Zilla Panchayat Member, Shri Jaideep Shirodkar and panch member Shri Cristev Costa spoke on the occasion. Sarpanch, Anthony D’costa welcomed while panch member, Shri Vishant Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Deputy Sarpanch, Mrs Crista Fernandes; BDO, Shri Milindra Velip, panch members and Ex sarpanchas were also present on the occasion. Students of the Panchashil High School presented welcome song.

The ground plus two panchayat building consists of 6 shops on the ground floor to mop in additional revenue to the panchayat. The first floor consists of the Panchayat office, gymnasium, library, store room and pantry. Separate seating areas are provided for sarpanch with conference room. Second floor has a hall with a capacity of 300 persons. Two green rooms on either side of the stage are provided with attached toilets along with separate toilets for ladies and gents on all floors.

Panaji ::: 01st, December, 2019 …Minister for AYUSH (IC) Shri. Shripad Naik recently inaugurated ‘Pension Week’, organised by Office of the Commissioner, Labour and Employment, Goa to create awareness and Enrolment for Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana(PM-SYMDY) and Pradhan Mantri Vyapari Maan Dhan Yojana(PM-VMDY) at Sahakar Bhavan, Patto.

Dy. Director of ESIC Shri. N.M. Ojha, Collector, North Smt. R. Menaka, IAS, Secretary Revenue, Shri. Sanjay Kumar, IAS and Commissioner of Labour and Employement Shri. Vikas S.N. Gaunekar were present on the occasion.

While addressing the gathering the Minister urged people to avail benefits of the schemes and gain pension facility during old age. These two schemes will help a person to be financially independent during his old age,” the Minister said.

Earlier,  Shri. N.M. Ojha briefed about the schemes. Smt. R. Menaka also spoke on the occasion.

Unorganised workers like domestic helpers, landless labourers, agricultural and construction workers and similar other occupations whose monthly income is Rs. 15,000/ per month or less and belong to the entry age group of 18-40 years can avail the benefits of PM-SYMDY scheme while PMLVMDY is for small traders and retailers. Self-employed individuals, retail traders, restaurant and small hotel owners, commission agents, rice mill owners and other small traders are eligible for the scheme. People who would like to enrol can contact the Office of Commissioner, Labour and Employment.

Shri. Prakash Marathe compered the function while Shri. Gaunekar proposed the vote of thanks.

In another function at Miramar, Shri. Shripad Naik inaugurated the Arogya Mela organised by AASUCHAM in association with Ministry of AYUSH. The three day program which is set up at the grounds of Youth Hostel in Miramar will be open for all and will provide free health check-up, advice and medicine.

Stressing on the importance of Indian pathies for better health, the Minister stated that it’s important that we must preserve Indian traditional medicine as it does not have any side effects nor expensive. It helps us to be one with nature and cures a disease from its roots. The Minister further informed that the AYUSH ministry is planning to open a hospital in every district of India.

Secretary Health Shri. Nila Mohanan IAS, AYUSH Dy Director Dr. Datta Bhat, ASSOCHAM representatives Smt. Perminder Kaur and Shri. Kauvar were present on the occasion.

Panaji: November 30, 2019 …Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in the presence of Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Babul Supriyo, PWD Minister, Shri Deepak Prabhu Pauskar; Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral and MLA, Canacona, Shri Isidore Fernandes recently inaugurated the Canacona Bypass on National Highway (NH 66) today.  The By-pass has been named after the Ex Defence Minister and Ex CM of the State Shri Manohar Parrikar as ‘Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass’.

This bypass is on the National Highway 66 from KM 68/00 (CH 00/00) to KM 85/740 (CH 7/740)  on P.M. Section in the State of Goa and built at a cost of Rs. 294 crores including civil cost of Rs. 227 cores. The work of the Bypass includes 3 bridges namely Talpona, Galgibag and Mashem at a length of 1.5 kms and has 6 underpass for local transport. The total length of the road is 6.21 kms.

While speaking on the occasion Chief Minister, Dr Sawant said, the bypass was the dream of the Ex CM Manohar Parrikar which has been realized today. The present major infrastructure projects which are nearing completion were planned by the visionary leader, late Shri Parrikar he said. Mopa Airport, Patradevi – Karaswada – Bambolim Road, Zuari Bridge, Anmod Highway, Khadepar bridge and other projects which are on the verge of completion were the dream projects of Shri Parrikar, he added.

Canacona Bypass will not only save the travelling time but will save lives as the accident prone zones will be near to zero percent he said. Canacona Constituency has many resources like beaches and forest area which should be judiciously used to generate income for the local people. He said Forest and Beaches are the God gifts. Government is working for the welfare of every person of the society he said. Care will be taken to ensure that people who reside in the Eco sensitive zone and buffer zone are not affected or suffer, he pointed.

Upgraded facilities will be given to Canacona Primary Health Centre. The trauma centre will be upgraded. All issues will be solved in next two years. Government is contemplating of acquiring some land on both sides of the bypass road to provide suitable to market the local produce to the people affected by this Bypass, he said.

Shri Babul Supriyo assured that Union government will always support the development of Goa and Goans. He said State, Government is working in the right direction for achieving their set goals. As Forest Minister he is working to provide basic amenities to the people residing in Forest area. I am honoured to be part of this scenic bypass project inauguration, he added.

Shri Dipak Pauskar said union government has provided funds to the tune of around Rs.15,000 crores to various infrastructure projects likes bridges and roads presently being undertaken in the State. All round development is going on with the support of union government. He said, major projects which are going on will be completed by December 2020. While the other works which are in pipeline will be completed by December 2022.

Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral said Electricity Department is working for the underground cabling of 11 KV and 33 KV power system in the State. Goa is attracting state in the country and also in the world. He said development is taking place with due care protecting the nature and the natural beauty. Development is for the people of state and Government should not be blamed if one does not support development and infrastructure project.

Dy. Speaker, Shri Isidore Fernandes said the dream of Canacona people have come true with this bypass.

Chief Engineer, National Highway, Shri Umesh Kulkarni welcomed while Chairperson, Canacona Municipal Council, Smt Nitu Dessai proposed the vote of thanks. Zilla Panchayat Member, Smt Pushpa Ayya, Ex Minister, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Councilors, Sarpanchas and Panchas were present on the occasion.