Panaji, June 01, 2018 .. “One must be optimist and passionate. Passion takes us forward by sidelining the obstacles. When such passion is combined with right attitude and positivity, success follows. The department of Art and Culture will always be with such passionate artistes, who want to take their art worldwide,” stated Minister for Art and Culture Shri. Govind Gaude. He was speaking  at the 60^th episode of ‘Prayog Sanj’, a unique monthly theater activity started by Department of Art and Culture, Patto in 2013. The function was organised at the Multipurpose Hall of Department of Art and Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, recently.

 “Prayog Sanj’ is an amazing platform for Goan Directors and actors to showcase their talent. The idea must also be spread in rural area, so as to reach the local audience,” the Minister said. He also appreciated the directors who presented their plays in ‘Prayog Sanj’, for their interest and hard work in making the program a success.

Playwright Shri. Shafaat Khan, Deputy Director of Art and Culture Shri. Ashok Parab and President of ‘Prayog Sanj’ Shri. Deepak Amonkar were present among others.

The program began by lighting the tradition lamp by the dignitaries. The Minister then visited the exhibition displaying stills from the plays performed in ‘Prayog Sanj’. An informative booklet based on ‘Prayog Sanj’ was also released by the dignitaries. The Minister later felicitated 37 directors whose plays were performed in ‘Prayog Sanj’ since 2013. Shri. Deepak Amonkar gave the welcome address while Shri. Parab proposed the vote of thanks. Shri. Pradip Naik compered the program.

 The formal program was followed by a lecture by Shri. Shafaat Khan and Marathi play ‘Palshetchi Vihir’ directed by Shri. Vijaykumar Naik. The program was attended by theater lovers in large number.

Panaji, May 31, 2018 … Folk Tales and Folklores are rich with knowledge and values which can play instrumental role to educate children stated Governor of Goa Smt. (Dr) Mridula Sinha recently.

Governor was speaking at the function `Sah- Spandan` organised by World Konkani Centre, Mangalore and Institute Menezes Braganza , Panaji to release the first illustrated Konkani- English Bilingual set of 12 konkani folk tales for children published by World Konkani Centre.  

Governor said that children like to listen folk tales through which they are first introduce to physical knowledge and nature.  Story telling can also become a medium to know emotional status of children wherein children can be imparted with good values through such exercise.

`I find lot of similarities between Konkani and Maithili languages. Many words in Maithili  prevails in Konkani too. So also literature produced in these languages are very much relates to our pristine culture` Governor further said.

Dr. Kiran Budkule, co-ordinator, Sah-Spandan explored  idea behind the exercise and informed about various initiatives taken  to explore Konkani language at global arena. President, World Konkani Centre Shri. Basti Vaman Shenoy informed about efforts taken by their institute to promote Konkani.

President, Institute Menezes Braganza Shri. Sanjay Harmalkar welcomed the gathering.

Panaji, May 30, 2018 … The District Magistrate, North has directed not to dig or cut the road or shoulders of the roads, of  any lane or access in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission of the District Magistrate  within the jurisdiction of the North Goa District, under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure  1973.

District Magistrate has also ordered that the provisions of the Section144 of the Cr. P.C. 1973  promulgated came into force w.e.f. May 15, 2018 and shall remain in force for a period of 60 days i.e  upto July 13, 2018.

 The person or an agency contravening the order will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal  Code.

 Panaji: May 29,2018 …. Minister for Urban Development Shri Francis D’Souza launched Plastic Recycling Initiative at a function held at  Donapaula today.

This is a multi-stakeholder partnership to ensure a circular economy for plastic, kicked off in Goa. It is a result of an in initiative by United Nations Development  Programme ( UNDP ) and Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages  ( HCCB )to support sustainable plastic waste Management practices across 50 Indian Cities. While improving the socio economic conditions of waste pickers, especially women. Through this critical partnership, the aim is to better manage over 85.000tonnes of plastic waste per year and improve the lives of 37,500 waste pickers or safai Mitras.

In Goa UNDP India and HCCB with the Goa Waste Management Corporation will manage all matters related to waste, including plastic waste, to create a sustainable value chain in plastic recycling in Goa.

 Speaking on the occasion Shri D’Souza said that the disposal of garbage is a matter of concern across the world which is   increasing day by day.  It has led to pollution and contamination   of   water and environment too. Plastic garbage has become a problem which requires cooperation of people. Proper waste management, segregation   of garbage,  reducing  the use of plastic through which we can overcome the problem of plastic.

Shri D’Souza further   appreciated   the initiative of the UNDP India and HCCB partnership to create a model that ensures a circular economy for plastic waste by generating value of used plastic thereby reducing plastic litter.

Managing Director of  Goa Waste Management Corporation while addressing  said that, It is a welcome initiative to establish circularity in plastic waste management and holds immense promise in tackling the plastic management issue in the state.

Mrs. Christina Ruggiero, CEO, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd.Mrs. Marina Waqlter, Country Director, UNDP, Sater pickers  among  others who attended the function.

Shri Richard Dias welcomed and compered the function. 

 Panaji, May 28, 2018 …   The 21^st statuary meeting of the Central Building and other construction Workers Advisory Committee, Western Zone was held on May 24, 2018 at Mormugao Port Trust, Guest House, Headland Sada, Vasco-da-Gama.

The meeting was chaired by Shri Vedurlapally Srinivasa Naidu, Chairman Central Building and Other Construction Workers Advisory Committee.

The Committee meet focused on collection and utilization of BOCW welfare cess by the State Government, amount spent on various welfare schemes, volume of registration of workers etc. It also discussed the ways and means to streamline the BOCW Act by way of amendments to improve cess collection, registration of workers and to implement various schemes for the welfare of construction workers. It would also explore to install awards of excellence to the best performing State Welfare Boards.      

 Panjim: May 27,2018 …. Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd has set up a office at south  Goa in Old Secretariat building, Margao.

Minister for Tribal Welfare Shri Govind Gaude recently inaugurated the Office on May 24, 2018 in the presence of Chairperson, Goa Commission for SC/ST Shri. Prakash Velip, Chairman GSSTFDCL Shri. Durgadas Gaude.

The Office at South Goa would mitigate the hardships faced by the people in talukas of South Goa especially from Sanguem, Canacona, Quepem, Salcete in availing benefit of different schemes of the Corporation.

Margao:  May 26, 2018 … Goa State Biodiversity Board in association with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and National Biodiversity Authority observed International Day for Biological Diversity at a full day programme held at Parisram Damodar Raikar Hall, Daivadnya Bhavan, Margao recently. 

The programme was inaugurated by Secretary, Environment, IAS, Shri Daulat Hawaldar.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Daulat Hawaldar underscored the need of conservation of biodiversity. Every citizen should understand the importance of conservation of Biodiversity and the damage caused to it. Urgent problems faced by humanity in the world like war, terrorism, climate change and others are not the cultural problems, culture is only the part of these problems and not the core to these problems, he said.

Shri Hawaldar lauded the efforts initiated in various parts of the State by activists for conserving biodiversity and also arresting the damage wherever done.

Speaking further, he said Goa is a civilised State and civilisation mainly denotes a material development. Core to the civilisation is the central theme of desire that is unending. Material development has the impact on the biodiversity, he pointed.

Expressing concern about the human tendancy of mortgaging the future life for their present day needs he said sacred groves which exist in many parts of State are the part of goan culture that needs to be preserved. Western lifestyle is aspirational and addictive lifestyle has dangerous consequences. Major consequence of wesern lifestyle gives rise to global warming, he remarked.

Chairperson, National Committee on Access Benefit Sharing, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, IAS, Dr Giridhar Kinhal said, people should stand up for the conservation of Biodiversity. People should understand the gravity of the development that is going as a result of which many species are lost. There is a need to protect the Biodiversity not only with conservation but with sustainable and potential use of this Biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation has no exception, he exhorted.

Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board Shri Pradip Sarmokadam welcomed while Director, Department of Environment, IAS, Shri Ravi Jha, IAS proposed vote of thanks.

Environmentalist, Shri Rajendra Kerkar was among the prominent persons present on the dias.

Members, Goa State Biodiversity Board; Chairpersons, Secretaries and Members of Biodiversity Management Committees; Village Panchayat Members and stakeholders concerned with Environment and Biodiversity attended the programme. “Sacred Groves of Goa” a book written by Environmentalist Shri Rajendra Kerkar was released on the occasion.

Prizes were presented to winners of various competitions. Representatiives of various Biodiversity Management Committes were recognized for their contribution towards Biodiversity conservation.

Sessions on Importance of Mangroves and Involvement of Biodiversity Management Committes for conservation efforts, Centre of excellence for sustainable development on mainstreaming of biodiversity in business learning and best practices and Role of ICAR in supporting Biodiversity Management Committes for conservation of local species were held during the course of the day.

Panaji, May 25, 2018 …. Matrubhumi Seva Pratisthan. Goa in association with Dr. Manoj Sharma’s Ayurvedic Neuro Therapy Hospital and Research Centre, Rajasthan have organised a free Ayurvedic Neuro Therapy Medical Camp at Dr. Dhakankar’s Hospital, Pilar junction, Goa Velha. The camp which is open for general public till May 26, 2018, from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00p.m was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for AYUSH(IC) Shri. Shripad Naik, recently.

A team of more than 30 doctors headed by Dr. Manoj Sharma and Dr. Venu Sharma will endow facilities such as Neuro Therapy, Caping therapy, Acupuncture, Acupressure and Agnikarma to its visitors. People can also avail treatments for all types of Neurological problems such as frozen shoulders, cervical pain, back pain, slip disc, ankle pain, migraine pain, vocal cord problem, paralyzes, knee joint pain and tennis elbow.

MLA Shri. Francis Silveira, Parish Priest of Pilar Fr. Britto, Principal of Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar Fr. Fredric Rodrigues, Prof. Ramrao Wagh, Dr. Avinash Dhakankar were present on the occasion. The program began with lighting the traditional lamp. Dr. Dhakankar gave the welcome address

In his address Shri. Shripad Naik urged people to avail the facility for better health prospects. “It is for the first time, such kind of a Neuro therapy Medical camp is organized in the state of Goa. Under AYUSH Ministry, there are distinct techniques of medicines. However, treatments like Naturopathy and Ayurveda cure ailments without having any side effect. Ministry of AYUSH will soon undertake the work of 50 bedded hospitals in each district of Goa to give the best of medical treatments in all systems of medicine,” he said.

MLA Shri. Silveira and Fr. Rodrigues also spoke on the occasion. The dignitaries later inspected the camp area. Shri. Ravindra Borkar compared the program while Shri. Ramrao Wagh proposed the vote of thanks.

           To register for this Camp contact 0832-2438501, 9422441300, 8806890179 and 7498686860.

Panaji, May 24, 2018  … ‘Balotsav’, the concluding ceremony of summer camps held at 52 Bal Bhavan centers all over Goa, was organized at Kala Academy, Campal recently. The program was a colorful amalgamation of music, dance, art, and craft displayed by participants. Minister for Power Shri. Pandurang Madkaikar was the Chief Guest for the function.  Chairman of Bal Bhavan Dr. Shital Naik, Managing Director Shri. Vinay Sahkari, Board Members Smt. Hemangi Golatkar, Smt. Anita Raikar, Smt. Devbala Bhise, Shri. Vishwambhar Gawas, Shri. Bhushan Bhomkar, Shri. Sudhir Malik and Program Officer Shri. Shashikant Punaji were present among others.

          The program began with lighting the traditional lamp. The students of Bal Bhavan Kendra, Panaji performed a welcome song and a welcome dance. The Chief Guest later presented ‘Gomant Bal Bhushan Award 2016’ to Kum. Tanisha Shenvi Maujekar, Mast. Somdatt Gaonkar, Mast. Nitesh Naik and Kum. Siddhi Gawde for being selected as ‘Balashree’ Awardees in the field of Creative Performance-Vocal, Theatre, Creative Art-Sculpture and Creative Art respectively. The Chief Guest also awarded Bal Bhavan Kendra, Chandel with the ‘Best Bal Bhavan Kendra Award’. He later released ‘Bal Varta’, an official newsletter of Bal Bhavan.

          Addressing the gathering Shri. Madkaikar appreciated the participants and their instructors for their efforts in making ‘Balotsav,’ a success. “Bal Bhavan has performed a revolutionary work of training more than 15,000 children during its summer camp. I congratulate every person associated with Bal Bhavan for achieving this milestone. Participants must make good use of the art learned during this camp to brighten their future. This is also an amazing platform for the students from rural areas to showcase and polish their talent,” Shri. Madkaikar said.

          Smt. Devbala Bhise proposed the vote of thanks which was followed by dance performances by the participants. The event was attended by Bal Bhavan instructors and parents of the participants in large number. 

 Panaji, May 23, 2018 … To ensure correctness in metering and to reduce losses due to not functioning meters, the Electricity Department has planned for replacement of all Electromechanical and Non working Electronic meters of LT domestic consumers in Goa. The meters will be replaced under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) of the Central Government for Rural and Urban areas respectively.

            Representatives from Electricity Department along with technician of meter manufacturers will visit each house for replacement of meters. These technicians will carry valid identity cards issued by Electricity Department.  The Department has requested all LT domestic consumers to provide cooperation during meter replacement work.

            Details regarding existing and new meters, seal details, etc. will be collected by the technicians in a format to be jointly signed by the consumer and the department representative. The format will also contain other consumers’ details such as email, mobile number, etc. for effective communication with the consumer during planned/forced outage and also to provide alerts regarding billing and payments. Existing meters owned by the consumers will be returned to consumers and department owned meters will be carried back by the technicians.