PANJIM: Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday informed that the State Government is trying hard to make Goa plastic and pollution free but the efforts can bear fruits only with the active participation of citizens.
In absence of ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Sawant unfurled the National Flag at the official 57th Liberation Day function held at SAG ground in Panjim. Sawant informed the gathering that Parrikar, due to his illness could not attend the function.
Parrikar, 63, has been recuperating at his private residence since October 14, after he was discharged from Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
In his Liberation Day speech, Sawant said, “On this day, let us take the pledge to make Goa plastic and pollution free”. He also said, “Let us also pledge to create a clean Goa”.
Sawant listed out various developmental programmes, infrastructural works, employment generation initiatives and other social welfare initiatives taken up by the BJP-led government with the help of the Centre.
“I feel proud to announce that the third Mandovi bridge construction is nearing completion and the work of second bridge over River Zuari is also in full swing. Both the bridges will help streamline flow of traffic from North Goa to South Goa,” he said.
On employment generation, Sawant urged youth to benefit from the Chief Minister Rojgar Yojana, wherein low interest loan is provided for setting up business.
He said that for the current calendar year, Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB) has approved 16 projects worth Rs 1,054 crore with a total employment potential of 2150. Sawant said the government is working towards developing Goa as Information Technology (IT) hub and the proposed IT Park at Chimbel is one such example.
He also announced that the tertiary-cancer-care hospital at Goa Medical College Complex will commence soon.
Earlier, Sawant said during 450 years of colonial rule, the Portuguese had adopted divide and rule policy in the name of religion and power. He said despite this, Goans continue to remain united and fought for Liberation without any fear.
“We need to stand united, maintain peace and work together towards the development of the State,” he said.
The Speaker, after unfurling the tricolour inspected the guard of honour.
Chief Minister’s Police Gold medals were presented to DySP Edwin Colaco, DySP Dharmesh Angle, PI Dattaguru Sawant, PI Navlesh Dessai, Lady Assistant Sub Inspector Anita Girap, Head Constable SMAS Suleman and Lady Head Constable Disha Mapari.
Chief Minister’s Fire Personnel Gold Medals were awarded to leading fire fighter Arvind Desai and Ulhas Gaonkar and fire fighter Shaikh Hanij and Home Guard medals were presented to Diksha Khawtankar, Sakshi Desai and Vasudev Sonurlekar.
Dr Amit Dias, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Savita Mascarenhas, Raj Shetye, Jorge Menezes, Mohan Dicholkar, Ramkrishna Naik, Deepak, Desai, Lakhi Kharat, Sridhar Verekar, Pundalik Parab, Suvarna Shetkar, Gopal Kerkar, Mahadev Sawant, Sharvari Kulkarni and Fr Maverick Fernandes were presented awards for their contribution towards society,
