PANJIM: Goa Governor Dr Mridula Sinha on Saturday said that crime rate in Goa witnessed a decline of 8.26 per cent last year, with law and order situation being under control.
Governor was addressing Republic Day Parade at SAG sports ground in Panjim, after unfurling the national tricolour and inspecting the Guard of Honour. National BJP leader L K Advani, who is in Goa on a private visit, was amongst the dignitaries present for the function.
“I am happy to inform you all that during last year, the law and order situation was under control due to which there was no major untoward incident in the State. Due to appropriate actions and preventive measures, the crime rate has gone down by 8.26 per cent during last one year,” she said.
“Heinous crimes were reduced by 15 per cent while the incidents of rape have decreased by 21 per cent during that period,” Governor added.
In her 20-minute long speech, she said the State Police have taken an initiative and introduced self defence as a part of curriculum to the school and college going girls thus empowering them.
Governor announced about launch of State
government’s compensation scheme for girl/women victims of various crimes such as rape, acid attack, domestic violence, etc. and has also launched a toll-free helpline 181 and 1098.
Governor emphasised that Goa government should work to get dropout rates from schools to ‘zero’. “Government is committed to the continuous development of the educational sector. Stress should be given to improve the quality of curriculum, availability of potable water, clean toilets and also to reduce dropout rates to zero (nil),” she said.
Governor announced inauguration of third Mandovi Bridge on January 27 at the hands of Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari.
In an attempt to achieve Swachh Goa Mission, Governor urged the people to participate in ensuring a clean Goa.
With a focus to doubling the farmers’ income, Governor said the State government has been encouraging organic farming.
On the fisheries front, she said, the State government has banned fishing by bull trawling and use of LED lights.
Governor said that the Information Technology Policy, which was introduced in July 2018, will provide 10,000 jobs to the youth. She also said that the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) has attracted industrial investment of Rs 1,070 crore through 166 projects creating employment opportunities for 22,586 people.
Children from various schools presented a cultural programme. Union Minister for Ayush Shripad Naik and Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant were also present.
For the outstanding contribution towards promotion of agriculture, Shrihari Kurade was awarded with ‘Krishi Ratna’ award, Uday Prabhudessai and Dalgerio Fernandes were presented with ‘Krishi Vibhushan and Krishi Bhushan’ awards respectively. Rajesh Molu Gaonkar was presented with Fr Inacio Almeida Special Award for promotion of organic farming.
