Panaji, June 14, 2018 … Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Bambolim has recently designated  Officer under the Food and Safety and Standard Act, 2006 for compounding of offences committed under the above Act, by Food Business Operators and in the first case of compounding, the Designated Officer (South Goa), Smt. Iva Fernandes, has imposed a penalty of Rs. 30,000/- on the proprietor of the manufacturing unit of ‘Suraj Sweet Mart, Canacona for manufacturing for sale, food items, in unhygienic and insanitary conditions, and directed to shut down the manufacturing unit, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards  Act, 2006, Rules and Regulation, 2011.

Panjim, June 13: It is this time of the year, when life starts originating in the forests and adventure begins in the monsoons. Like every year, this year too GTDC has taken the initiative to make the rainy season more interesting and exciting for its tourists and locals.

Monsoon trekking expeditions are conducted every year as an exercise to keep the spirit of Goans and tourists alive. These expeditions give one and all a unique experience of adventure and monsoon thrills.

One can experience the lush greenery, gurgling waterfalls, dense forestry and monsoon delicacies at its best.

GTDC is all geared up to begin its trekking season from Sunday, 17 June 2018 at Barazanacho in the Chorla Ghats.

With a distance of 65kms from Panjim one way, this trek promises to be interesting with adventurous terrains and rocky streams.

Come and give a kick- start to this interesting trek this Sunday in the Chorla ghats.

Transport arrangements have been made from  Mapusa and Margao Residency at 7:30 am, Calangute at 8:00 am, and from Paryatan Bhavan, Panjim, at 8:30 a.m.

The expedition will also include delicious Veg and Non-Veg lunch.

The charge per head is Rs 750 which is inclusive of lunch, transport and guiding.

Please note: Interested trekkers are requested to carry along an extra pair of clothes, rainwear, trekking shoes, snacks and binoculars. Smoking and consumption of alcohol will not be permitted.

Please contact:  Mr. Anil Dalal, GTDC, 9422057704 or 8379022215-  for Registrations & more information

Panaji, June 12, 2018 … “All of us should bear in mind that sustainable growth and development is the only mantra that will ensure that the aspirations of growth and development are met along with the concerns of ecology and the environment,” said the Governor of Goa, Dr. (Smt.) Mridula Sinha at the inauguration of the Second International Conference on ”Sustainable Growth Through Universal Practices in Science, Technology and Management-2018,” held at Dona Paula, recently.

                While speaking further, the Governor asked the academicians, researchers, and those working in the field of technology to take sustainable steps to utilize their vast pool of knowledge, skill, resources and time to uplift the lives of the common man and utilize their resources for the benefit of humankind to provide sustainable solutions to problems. “Research should not remain limited to books and papers,” the Governor remarked.

                The Governor said “We should all strive to present a better life on this earth to our future generations, than what we have inherited. This is possible only through sustainable development.”

                    The Director, Directorate of Technical Education, Shri Vivek Kamat said that a paradigm shift in technical education was desirable, which would take into account employment, ability to innovate, nurturing innovation in students and faculty.

                Scientist and the Guest of Honour, Dr. V.K. Aatre, highlighted the environmental concerns society was facing. He said that society is running out of resources. He further said, “Technology is not the problem. What is the real problem is lacking the method of using technology in a sustainable way and lacking the wisdom to use technology wisely.”

          The conference was organized by the Directorate of Technical Education in association with the Sanjay Ghodawat University, Kolhapur.

Panaji, June 11, 2018 …. Minister  for Tourism Shri Manohar Azgaonkar yesterday during  his visit  to Pernem constituency laid the foundation stones for several infrastructural  development Projects. In Dhargal village at Gavwada he laid foundation stone for the reconstruction  of stage for Ravalnath Devasthan for a estimated cost of Rs. 9.93 lakhs. Thereafter at Pernem he also  laid foundation stone for the urgent improvement of water logged portion of Municipality market for a cost of 5.46 lakhs. A foundation also laid for the  construction of protection wall for MDR-17 near St. SFX church at Kargao for a estimated cost of Rs. 25.96 lakhs and at Gawadawada Korgao for  the widening of road for a estimated cost of Rs. 43.37 lakhs.

            Shri Azgaonkar while speaking on the occasion said there is a vast scope for infrastructural development in Pernem which requires cooperation of people. He said  the work of Pernem bus stand is under completion.  The beautification of work of road leading from national highway to Pernem city will be taken up soon. It has been also decided by the Government to build Ravindra Bhavan, a recreation centre for Pernem  Taluka  he informed.

            Fr. Joseph Vaz thanked the Minister for undertaking developmental work in their area.

            Smt. Pramila Desai, Sarpanch of Village Panchayat, Korgao also spoke on the occasion.

            Earlier, Shri  Azgaonakar called the meeting of officials of various Government Departments at Government Rest House, Pernem  to readdress the woes of the people pertaining to power supply, water supply, road safety low and order etc.

            Miss Shraddha Mashelkar, Chairperson PMC, Shri Prashant Gadekar, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Vasudev Deshprabhu, Ex-Chairperson, Shri Kerkar, Dy. Collector Pernem Taluka and others were also present on the occasion.

Panaji : June 10, 2018 … The eleventh Goa Marathi Film Festival was recently inaugurated by the Governor of Goa Smt.(Dr) Mridula Sinha  in the presence of noted film director, Shri. Madhur Bhandarkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Shri.Govind Gaude, Shri. Sanjay Shetye at inaugural ceremony held at Kala Academy, Panaji. The film festival organised by Vinsan World is being held till June 10, 2018

          On the occasion the popular Goan diva, World acclaimed Singer Smt. Lorna was presented prestigious Krutadnyata Puraskar (lifetime achievement award). After receiving the award Lorna mesmerized audience as she sung konkani`kantar` with her evergreen voice.  

          Popular film personalities Priya Bapat, Mohan Agashe, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Chayya Kadam, Ravi Jadhav, Sumit Raghvan, Trupti Toradmal, Mrinal Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Gajendra Ahire, Prasad Oak and many others from the films which will be screened at the film festival were made their presence at inaugural ceremony.

          Governor Smt. Sinha in her address lauded the efforts taken by organizers and film fraternity to make the Goa Marathi Film Festival a success. Governor who is noted writer has informed that, she has also contributed towards film fraternity by writing screenplay and lyrics for a Hindi film.

          Minister for Art and Culture, Shri.Govind Gaude also spoke on the occasion. Famous film actress Priya Bapat was awarded by Godrej Face of the Year award. Inaugural Ceremony concluded with the Dance show performed by the prominent artist Smt. Radhika Phanse and her team.

          ‘Welcome Home’, a film directed by Smt.Sumitra Bhave and Shri.Sunil Sukthankar raised the curtain for the three days long 11th Goa Marathi Film Festival which is being held till June 10, 2018.

          The  film festival will be screening  around 20 Marathi feature films, six short films and a documentary on the life and works of Satyajit Ray. The festival has a bunch of very acclaimed marathi films such as ‘Pimpal’, ‘Palashichi Peti’, ‘Idak’, ‘Gulabjaam’, ‘Aamhi Doghi’, ‘Kaccha Limboo’, ‘Baban’, ‘Lathe Joshi’, ‘Ranangan’, ‘Bucket List’, ‘Redu’, ‘Farzand’, ‘Dhappa’ and ‘Whats Up Lagna’. The closing film of the festival will be ‘Savita Damodar Paranjape’.

Panaji, June 8, 2018 … Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration(FDA) has organized training program on June 27, 2018 for Manufactures of Food Products and  June 28, 2018 for Packaged Drinking Water and Water Based Beverages, in the Directorate’s  Conference  Hall, at Bambolim Goa. The training will be conducted  in association with the training partner M/s. Envirocare Labs, Mumbai.

            The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, New Delhi has mandated the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) which  stipulates that, atleast one trained and Certified Food Safety Supervisor must be available per 25 employees or part thereof, for every licensed Food Business Operator in the State of Goa.

            The Food Business Operators engaged in manufacturing  of Food articles and in the Food Business of Packaged Drinking water and water based beverages are requested to contact the Directorate to book their seats for the said training on first come  first  serve basis after payment of the nominal training fee.

            FDA has further stated that considering  that the availability of the certified trained personnel under the Food Safety  and Standards  Act 2006, is a mandatory requirement from January 1, 2019, all the Food Business Operators are  requested to get their persons trained; at the earliest.

 Panaji, June 7, 2018  …  22 out of 77 Government High Schools in the state has achieved glorious 100% results in the recently held SSC exam in 2018. The schools, most of them belong to the rural population have proven that with sheer hard work, resilience, and dedication, nothing is impossible.

While these 22 schools have raised the standards of Government school, which may play a key role in changing people’s attitude towards them, more than 40 schools fall between 80% – 90% of the result chart.

This is a depiction of the combined efforts by the student-teacher fraternity, which, when utilized in a positive spirit, can yield results alike. Parallel to this, the schemes and facilities by the Government have proven to be immensely resourceful and its teachers equally dedicated and ardent towards their duty.

As said above, the schools which have scored a Century are mostly from the village areas. While Bardez has Govt. High School, Nadora, Revora ; Govt. High School, Mulgao, Govt. High School, Amona , Govt. High School, Tarmatha Bhile, Surla hail from Bicholim Taluka. Canacona, the taluka towards far south of the state and considered most remote has four school viz.  Govt. High School, Agonda, Govt. High School, Gaondongrem, Govt. High School, Sadolxem and Govt. High School, Khotigao scoring a cent. Other scorers are Govt. High School, Agarwada, Pernem, Govt. High School, Savoi Vernem, Govt. High School, Kundaim, Govt. High School, Gajem, Usgaon, Govt. High School, Junabazar from Ponda taluka, Govt. High School, Netrolim, Sanguem, Govt. High School, Dayanandnagar Sanguem, Govt. High School, Valpoi, Shri. Sharada Vidyalaya  Govt. High School, Cumbharjua, and Govt. High School, Dona Paula  

The Government of Goa, since past many years, have worked tremendously to take education at the doorstep of its public. Considering Education as the foundation for human development, it has worked toward the objective of universalization of education and has almost achieved its target at the elementary school stage. Upgradation and qualitative improvement of education, the orientation of teachers to keep them abreast with modern techniques of teaching, skill-based training to students and strengthening the administrative machinery for effective implementation of policies have been the key emphasis of the Department of Education, Govt of Goa.

The shake-up of the system has resulted in better Government school education within a short span. The current scenario definitely will help to bring a change in people’s attitude towards the Government schools.

Panaji: June 6,2018 … Minister for Revenue Shri Rohan Khaunte has called for the need of mass awareness among the people on the importance of environment essential for the existence of human being on the earth and exhorted the village development committees to keep this issue on  fore front  of   their agenda.   

This was stated by the Minister Shri Khaunte while speaking as the chief guest at a  tree saplings distribution function organized by Penha De Franca Bio-Diversity Management Committee to mark the celebration of ‘World Environment Day’at  Porvorim yesterday.

Shri Khaunte said that the existence of every species in the environment is important as they have a important role in environmental balance. The over interference of man with nature is causing threat to the environment. The garbage problem especially of plastic around us is increasing day by day. Therefore, he appealed to the people to reduce and reuse  the plastic.

Shri Khaunte further said that the Government has constructed overhead water tank to make  water supply  for Porvorim  area   round the clock by 24×7 hours. The problem of power in this area would also be resolved by laying underground cabel which may start in the month of November of this year, he added. He appreciated the members of the BMC for their endeavor for organizing the function to sensitize the masses about the importance of the environment and congratulated the recipients of prize winners of the competition organized by BMC on the topic ‘’ Bio-Diversity in  Porvorim,

The Sarpamch and Chairman of BMC Shri Swapnil  Chodankar in his  address said that the role of every citizen is important in preserving environment. Protection of trees and plantation will help to enhance the bio-diversity  of Porvorim. He called for the cooperation of people to keep Porvorim clean and support BMC during plantation drive.

Dr. Narayan Hede  said that the clean air is must for  healthy living and  will be  possible only if we keep our surrounding garbage free. Burning of plastic causes air pollution and   therefore  we should reduce the  use of plastic, he added.

Shri Gupesh Naik, Zilla Panchayat Member also spoke on the occasion.

The first prize of the completion  was won by Mast. Swapnil Lotlikar, Second by Mast. Viddesh Gosavi, third by Miss Nikita Lotlikat, Miss Tanuja Naik and Miss Priyasha Phatarpkar both won consolation prizes.        

Shri Gupesh Naik, ZP Member, Shri  Shetye , Retd. Judge, Smt. Manisha Naik , Deputy Sarpanch,  Smt.Safar Phadte, Shri Gabriel Vaz, Smt. Gulab Vernekar, Shri Sandesh Mandrekar  all Panch Members were those who attended the function.

Shri Ganpat Siddhaye compered the function while Shri Avinash Mhapankar, Member of Bio-Diversity Management Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, June 5, 2018 …. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi as part of celebration of the International Day of Older Person (IDOP) on October 1, every year,  has been conferring ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’ on eminent Senior Citizens and Institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens.

Nominations are invited for  Best Institution for research in the field of Ageing. For institutions with a record of outstanding work in research and dissemination of knowledge in the field of ageing. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 5 Lakhs rupees.

Award for Best institution for providing services to Senior Citizens and Awareness Generation. For institutions with a record of providing services to the elderly especially indigent senior citizens. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 5 Lakhs rupees.

Award for Best District Panchayat in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens. Any  district Panchayats, which have done outstanding work for senior citizens. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 10 Lakhs rupees.

Award Best Urban Local Body in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens: municipal bodies, which have done outstanding work for senior citizens. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 5 Lakhs rupees.

Award for  Best Private Sector Organization in promoting the wellbeing and welfare of Senior Citizens: Corporate Houses, addressing the problems of elderly either by providing them gainful employment, or utilizing their skills and experience to the benefit of the society or creating infrastructure in geriatric medical care or any other similar step for the benefit of senior citizens as a community. The activities taken for benefit of senior citizens should be away from the mainline business of the organization. The award consist of Citation  and Memento.

Nominations are also invited for Best Public Sector Organisation in promoting the wellbeing and welfare of Senior Citizens: Any Public Sector Undertakings undertaking service to the community through activities under corporate social responsibility and also through programme for retired employees. The award consist of Citation and Memento.

In Individual  Category Nominations are invited for Centenarian Award: Any renowned individual who are above ninety years and are still physically active independent and contributing to the society. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

Awards for Iconic Mother: For women senior citizens who in the face great odds, brought up their children and supported them in being high achievers in the field of their choice. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

Award for Lifetime Achievement: Any Senior Citizens, preferably above seventy years, who have worked in the field of ageing and made significant contribution in the field. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

Nominations are also invited in Creative Art Category: For winners of National/International acclaim for their contribution to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. and who continue to be active in their field well into their old age. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

Awards for Sports and Adventure (One each for Male and Female): To senior citizens who have won international acclaim and who continue to contribute in the field of sports and adventure. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

Awards for Courage and Bravery (One each for Male and Female): To senior citizens who have displayed extra ordinary courage in the face of grave danger. The award consist of Citation, Memento and Cash award of 2 Lakhs and 50 Thousand rupees.

The prescribed format is available with the Directorate of Social Welfare. Two each selected in each categories will be recommended to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, New Delhi.

Interested individuals or Organizations may apply for the National Award on or before  June 19, 2018, along with supporting documents, photographs and Biodata (in soft copy, CD) of the applicant. For any more details may kindly contact the Director of Social Welfare or Assistant Director of Social Defense Branch, Panaji on any working day on Ph.No.2232257/9764685512. The application format shall be collected from  the Office of Directorate of Social Welfare, Panaji.