CHIEF MINISTER APPEALS GOANS TO AVOID MASS GATHERING

Panaji, March 22, 2020  … Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has appealed Goans to avoid mass gathering as a precautionary measure from spreading of the COVID-19, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has asked the people of Goa to avoid mass gatherings in public places. “All the educational institutes in the state will be closed from Monday till March 31, 2020, however all the exams including the SCC Board will be held as scheduled. Spots such as Public Swimming Pools, Gymnasium, Casino, Spa, Cinema Halls, Cruises, Pubs/Discotheques will be closed from the midnight of March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2020,” the Chief Minister informed.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference held at the Official Residence of the Chief Minister at Altinho today. Minister for Health Shri. Vishwajit Rane was also present on the occasion.

To restrict the entry of persons infected with Corona virus in the state, the Government will place Thermal Scanners, initially one each at the Airport, Marmugao Port Trust (MPT) and railway stations, the Chief Minister told. “The scanners will be purchased by the Government on priority to screen every individual entering Goa. Also, a fully equipped Virology laboratory will be set up at the Goa Medical College (GMC) so the state will not have to seek help from neighbouring states for early detection and tests regarding COVID-19,” the Chief Minister said.

            Decision regarding Shigmo float parade which is yet to happen in few talukas in the state will be taken by the local Shigmotsav Committees, however, the Government appeals people to be safe, make use of sanitizers and avoid public meetings, the Chief Minister said.

            He directed the Office of the Collector of both districts to not to permit any public meetings or gatherings pertaining to the upcoming ZP elections. “To maintain the hygiene at the election booth, the voters will be provided with hand sanitizers and the staff on election duty will be provided face masks. Hence, people need not panic. Do come to cast your vote,” the Chief Minister informed.

            Dr. Sawant further urged the shop and pharmacy owners to stop stocking sanitizers or selling them at high price as malpractices like such will be viewed as a punishable offence as per the Advisory. He also urged the general public to adhere to all the Guidelines and Advisories issued by the Govt. from time to time for the safety of individual as well as the state. If any person suspects of infected with Coronavirus in the vicinity, they may call 104 helpline of the Government, the Chief Minister said.

GDC TO HOLD ANTI –TOBACCO COMPETITION  

Panaji : March 21, 2020 …. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services, Campal is organising a rap battle and Zinger (original one liner) making competition on March 18, 2020. The theme for the competition is ‘World No Tobacco Day’. Winners will receive a prize money of Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 5,000/- respectively. The competition will be held at the Goa Dental College and Hospital.

The last date for entries is March 15, 2020. Further queries regarding the competition may be mailed to go**********************@***il.com.

GOVERNOR PATS NCC RDC CADETS AT RAJ BHAVAN

Panaji : March 20, 2020 … The Governor of Goa, Shri Satya Pal Malik felicitated Cadets of Karnataka and Goa NCC Directorate who participated in Republic Day Parade at New Delhi on January 26,2020 and secured fourth place in the event with cash incentives and certificate of appreciation at home function at Raj Bhavan yesterday.

The felicitation function was hosted by Governor at Raj Bhavan to acknowledge outstanding performance of NCC Cadets from Karnataka and Goa Directorate to boost their morale and Passion to strive for further excellence.

Speaking on the occasion Governor congratulated the NCC Cadets for their outstanding contribution and excellent performances in the Republic Day Competition held at New Delhi and hope that, similar commitment and efforts will be shown in personal career path by them.

Speaking further, the Governor said that NCC has moulded  youths to be disciplined and motivated human resource to take up leadership in all walks of life and lead the Nation to the pinnacles of glory and mentioned that growth of the Nation is directly related to the growth of the youth and said that, NCC Cadets have additional responsibility to helping others to be responsible citizens of the country.

Air Commodore L K Jain, Deputy Director General of Karnataka and Goa NCC Directorate also spoke on the occasion.

The Governor awarded Cheque of Rupees two lakhs to the team of Song “Navbharat”, (New India) the song which becomes best group song in Pre- Republic Day Camp 2020.

Brigadier Sanjay Rawal, COMDT 2 STC, Commodore Ajay Singh Bisen Representative of FOGA, Commodore TVN Prasanna VSM, CO, Manndovi were also present on the occasion.

Col. Daniel Abraham, CO, 1 Goa NCC Battalion compered and proposed vote of thanks.

Goa Premier League 2020

Panaji :: 19/03/2020 ::: Goa Cricket Association will be organizing the Goa Premier League One Day matches from 15th March 2020 to 11th April 2020 at Porvorim, Sanguem, and MCC (Margao) ground.

Six teams will be participating in the tournament.

The teams are:
1. Salgaocar Cricket  Club
2. Dempo Cricket Club
3. Chowgule Sports Club
4. Margao Cricket Club
5. Karimabad Sports Club
6. Geno Sports Club

TRAVEL ADVISORY  FOR  COVID-19  FOR INDIANS INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD

Panaji : March 18, 2020 ….. Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa has issued an Office Memorandum on travel advisories dated March 10, 2020, issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for information of general public.

It is informed that more than 100 countries across the world now have reported cases of COVID – 19. People travelling to these countries or people who have travelled abroad might come in contact with people affected with COVID-19 during their stay or even while in transit at the airports. Within these countries, few countries have reported very large number of cases and deaths putting passengers from these countries particularly at higher risk of infection.

     In view of the above, Indian citizens are advised to avoid non – essential travel abroad, they are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain and Germany.

    All incoming international passengers returning to India should self-monitor their health and follow required Do’s and Dont’s as detailed by Government.

   Further, all passengers having travel history to China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Malaysia, France, Spain and Germany are advised to undergo self-imposed quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their arrival. If such passengers are working in some organizations/institutions, their respective employers are advised to facilitate work from home during this period.

  With respect to restrictions on visa, besides the already issued instructions, all regular Visas (including e Visas) which have been granted to nationals of France, Germany and Spain on or before March 11, 2020 and where these foreigners have not yet entered India stands suspended.

       Regular visas (including e Visas) granted to all foreign nationals who have travel history to these countries on or after February 1, 2020 and who have not yet entered India also stands suspended.

      Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and they may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc of their visa or grant of any consular service, if they choose to do so. A detailed notification to this effect is being issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI).

RATION QUOTA FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2020

Panaji : March 17, 2020 …. The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs has informed that the ration quota allotted for the month of April 2020  under National Food Security Act 2013 is as under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders 35 kg. rice per card for Rs. 3/- and Sugar 1 Kg for Rs. 13.50/-, and Annapurna (ANP) cardholder will get 10 kg. rice per card (Free of cost). The Welfare Institution Scheme cardholder will get (as allotted 15 kgs per inmates either rice/wheat) Rice for Rs. 6.15/- and wheat for  Rs. 4.80/- as allotted.  Similarly the Priority Households (PHH) will get 5 kg. rice per card for Rs. 3/-, Above Poverty line  (APL) will get 8 kg. rice per card for Rs. 12.50/- and 6 kg wheat per card for Rs.10/-

All the fair price shops owners are informed that the quota lifting should start with immediate effect and to lift their released quota on or before March 31, 2020. It has stated that, no extension would be granted for lifting.  The fair price shops are required to display the details of stock as well as sample quality of grains for consumer information.  The ration cardholders are required to take their entitlement for April 2020 from their respective Fair Price Shops. 

All cardholders/consumers are advised lodge their complaints if any to their respective Mamlatdar of the talukas or Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Junta House, Panaji.

WCD LAUNCHES POSHAN PAKHWADA AT PANAJI

Panaji: March 16, 2020  …. In combating malnutrition in the Society, State level program “ Poshan Pakhwada “was launched by the Directorate of Women and Child Development (WCD)  in association with Collectorate North Goa. Program was launched by the Director, Education Department Smt. Vandana Rao IAS, in the presence of Collector North Shri. Gopal Parsekar, Director, Women  & Child Development Smt. Dipali Naik at a function held at Panjim recently.

During the function Chief Guest Smt. Vandana Rao spoke on the importance of nutrition for the child and women. She also urged women to give importance towards their own health while looking after the family and ensure their good nutritional status.

Speaking further Smt. Rao stressed upon need to eliminate gender discrimination in the society. She said that, women should not discriminate their child in the family and treat their girl and boy child equally in every aspect of life.

Shri. Gopal Parsekar mentioned about various aspects of  public health and sanitation. As Aganwadi workers play significant role in spreading awareness about nutritional importance, it is high time now that they also ensure public hygiene and sanitation among the society on account of spurt of  Corona virus, he added.

Smt. Dipali Naik in her welcome remarks elaborated on objectives of Poshan Pakhwada, which is being celebrated nationwide from March 8th to 22, 2020.

It was informed that Poshan Pakhwada will be celebrated in State of Goa till March 20 , 2020 in view of Zilla Panchayat Election.

Poshan Pakhwada aims to bring improvement in the nutrition level of children, pregnant and nursing women and also focus on sensitizing  people regarding importance of nutritional food.

Swastha Bharat Prerak Shri. Sachin Sangle presented the scenario of  Poshan Abhiyan and Poshan Pakhwada in the country and its achievements so far.

Celebration of International Women’s Day was also held wherein Kumari. Ishita Raikar and Kumari Tanisha Raikar gave stunning dance performance.

Team leader, 181 women helpline Smt. Apoorva  informed regarding 181 helpline and its features. Child Development Project Officer, Tiswadi Smt. Chaya Melchior and other Officials were present on the occasion.

District Programme Officer of WCD Smt. Lynette Viegas proposed vote of thanks.

DOCTORS PLAY  IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HEALTH CARE OF SOCIETY: GOVERNOR

Panaji:  March 15, 2020 ….. The profession of doctor is most noble profession and is look upon  as saviour therefore doctors  has a important role in the health care of the society said the Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik.

Shri Malik was speaking as the Chief guest at a concluding session of the seminar on Health Care Executive Management Development Programme organized by AIIMS New Delhi at Arpora yesterday.

The Governor said that many a times good communication and patient doctor relationship leads to cure half of the disease. Therefore he emphasized on proper human behaviour in the health sector. The Governor suggested the doctors to work to reach their welfare services to the people with their prompt action which giving solace to the patients.       

 Dr. Keshav Prasad Chintari , Nepal, Mr. Lakmal Osandapriya, Sri Lanka, Dr. Mohammad Jalaluddin, Bangladesh  also spoke on the occasion.

Dr. D.K. Sharma, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS, Dr.K. Shakti Kumar Gupta, Medical Supdt. were those who present on the occasion.

Dr. Pawan Kapoor, compered the function. Dr.Subhashish Panda DDA, AIIMS welcomed the guests.

 SEARCH AND RESCUE MOCK EXERCISE CONDUCTED

Panaji: March 14,2020 …. The  Search and Rescue Mock Exercise was recently conducted by the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority at Caranzalem beach.  North Goa Collector Shri Gopal Parsekar was present along with Addl. Collector Shri Mahadev Arondekar. The exercise commenced with involvement of activation of SAR agencies followed by mass rescue operation due to simulations of Air Crash. The mock exercise was witnessed by international Observers from 36 countries.

                   The mock exercise was conducted in cooperation with Goa Coast Guard headed by Comdt. Dipak Yadav and his team members. Two hovercrafts of Coast Guard were engaged in the operation besides other boats and helicopters.  Other who were participated in the exercise were Deputy Captain of Ports headed by Captain Ajit Sirsaikar, team of Fire & Emergency Services was headed by Director Shri Ashok Menon. Superintendent of Fisheries Shri Chandresh Haldankar from Fisheries Department. Shri Ganesh Teli, Assistant Director Department of Tourism and team of life guards,  Dr. Neeta Kakodkar , Health Officer , PHC Panaji and her team, Smt. Manisha Mardolkar , LPSI, Panaji Police station and her team members among others.

                 Shri Arondekar said that the mock exercise was conducted from various places and was successful. This preparedness was part and parcel for future if there is any emergency. We do not know when disaster occurs and therefore we have to prepare in advance. This is an exercise for all stakeholders to know and to prepare, co-operate, coordinate on how to respond in such kind of situation. He thanked all those who participated in the exercise.

PROSPECTUS FOR DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM MARCH 12

Panaji : March 13, 2020 ::: District Institute of Education and Training, Porvorim has informed that the prospectus for admission to two years Diploma Course in Elementary Education will be available in the Office of the Principal, District Institute of Education and Training, Alto Porvorim from March 12, 2020 to April 8, 2020. The last date for submission of duly filled in application form is April 13, 2020.

          It is further stated that minimum qualification required for admission is 12th pass (10+2 pattern with average of 50%. Those who have appeared / appearing for XII Std. Examination in March/April, 2020 may also apply.