All is well in Goa, Guv tells House

PANJIM, JAN 31
While Goa has been grappling with  many pressing  issues, Governor  Dr S S Sidhu portrayed a rosy  picture of the state of affairs while addressing the five-day winter  session of  the Goa  legislative assembly, which began today.
Focussing on the economic condition of the State,  the governor in his 55 minutes speech, said  “Inspite  of the  global slowdown   the  economy of the State has done well in all spheres and has achieved  a gross State domestic product (GSDP) of 13.03 per cent at constant prices as against 9.46 per cent  in the preceding year.
The tertiary and secondary sectors have registered growth of 20 per cent and 7 per cent respectively while primary sector has seen an increase of 6 per cent during 2000-10, he said.
The government has laid higher emphasis on developmental activities, which is demonstrated from the fact that annual plan size for 2010-11 was increased substantially by 21 per cent, he pointed out.
Speaking about law and order problem, the governor said the State has taken some innovative measures to prevent and detect crimes.
“The number of heinous crimes like murder, attempt to commit murder, dacoity, robbery and rape have shown a significant decrease from 160 cases during last year to 139 cases in the current year,” the governor observed. 
He further said besides strengthening of police force, coastal  security of the State has been beefed-up and strengthened  further  under the Coastal  Security  Scheme  of the Central  government.
Digitalisation of birth records of six talukas completed —
Siddhu also highlighted about the ongoing digitalisation process of birth and death records.  About 8,77,160 birth records and around 5,96,000 death records are expected to be digitalised.  
Digitalization of  3,16,024  folios of birth records  of  six  talukas – Canacona, Mormugao, Sanguem,  Sattari, Bicholim and  Pernem has been completed , he added.
Increase in mineral export –
The export of iron ore to different countries during 2009-10 was to the tune of Rs 45.68 millions while total revenue collection from major minerals for 2010-11 is expected to touch Rs  600 crore.
The governor also spoke about extensive afforestation under taken up by the government. 
In 2010-11, 330 hectares land area has been covered under tree plantation including 85 hectare area under medicinal plants.
The governor also mentioned about e-services initiative of Directorate of Panchayats.  It will enable the citizens to submit their various applications electronically.
Evening/shift courts –
To eradicate  arrears due to pendency of  civil and criminal  cases,  South Goa  district  has proposed  three  evening /shift courts one each at Salcete, Quepem, and Sanguem taluka upon  recommendation of  the 13th Finance Commission, he said.
There were in all 10,104 civil and criminal cases pending in different courts of South Goa district as on December 1, 2010.