Tag: Goa Government

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Building Safer Workplaces: Goa Hosts Health & Safety Training in Verna

Tanisha Cardozo

The Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers, Government of Goa, organized a comprehensive two-day training programme on health and safety for employees in Verna, held across two phases on February 16 and 17, and again on February 23 and 24. The initiative was designed to enhance awareness and understanding of occupational health and safety, while encouraging the adoption of safer practices within industrial and workplace environments.

The training sessions were conducted by experienced faculty members Govind Lotlikar, Suresh Sabnis, and A. A. Dsouza, who brought their expertise to the programme through detailed presentations and interactive discussions. The sessions covered key aspects of workplace safety, including hazard identification, risk management, and the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to health and safety in daily operations.

Employees who attended the programme actively participated in the sessions, contributing to discussions and gaining valuable insights into maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The interactive nature of the training ensured that participants could engage with real-world scenarios and better understand the practical application of safety measures.

The initiative reflects the department’s continued commitment to strengthening workplace safety standards across Goa. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and tools, the training programme aimed to build a culture where safety is prioritized and integrated into everyday practices.

Such efforts play a crucial role in fostering responsible work environments, reducing risks, and ensuring the well-being of employees. The programme in Verna stands as a step forward in reinforcing the importance of occupational health and safety and encouraging organizations to adopt a more safety-conscious approach in their operations.

Business

Alcobev Industry Urges Goa Govt to Delay DRS Rollout Amid Supply Chain Concerns

Tanisha Cardozo

The alcoholic beverage industry has urged the Goa government to defer the implementation of the proposed Deposit Refund System (DRS), citing serious operational, logistical, and economic concerns. The current rollout date of April 2, 2026, has been described by industry leaders as unrealistic and potentially disruptive.

Key industry bodies, including the Brewers Association of India, International Spirits and Wines Association of India, and Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies, jointly met officials from the Goa DRS Administration Committee, along with excise authorities and the appointed system operator, to discuss the framework.

While supporting the environmental intent behind the DRS, the industry has highlighted multiple gaps in the current proposal. One of the primary concerns is the lack of clarity around the Unique Serial Identifier (USI) specifications, which are critical for tracking and managing bottle returns. Without these guidelines, manufacturers are unable to begin essential preparations such as inventory buildup for the peak season.

The industry has also warned that existing production lines would require significant modifications, potentially reducing efficiency by 25–30 percent. This could lead to a shortfall of 10–15 lakh cases during the high-demand summer months. Additionally, high-speed technological alternatives would require up to five months for installation and validation—time that is not available under the current schedule.

Financial implications are equally concerning. Industry estimates suggest that disruptions could result in losses of hundreds of crores, including a projected ₹100 crore decline in excise revenue for the state.

Concerns have also been raised about the preparedness of the appointed system operator. With only 300 proposed return vending machines, the infrastructure is seen as inadequate to handle the volume of bottles recycled monthly. Furthermore, the proposal to impose a flat ₹10 deposit across all products—regardless of price—has been questioned as impractical.

Industry leaders have welcomed the formation of a joint taskforce to address these issues but emphasized that meaningful consultation requires adequate time. They have recommended deferring the rollout to post-October 2026 to ensure smoother implementation and avoid unintended economic consequences.

The development sets the stage for further discussions between policymakers and industry stakeholders, as Goa attempts to balance environmental responsibility with economic sustainability.

TechPulse

Goa’s AI Mission 2027 Turns Heads at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s growing ambition to position itself as a hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies took centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Over six days of high-level engagement, the Goa pavilion stood out as a dynamic showcase of innovation, attracting over 200 visitors, including global technology stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

At the heart of the showcase was the state’s forward-looking Goa AI Mission 2027, an initiative aimed at fostering responsible AI adoption, supporting startups, and building strong collaborations between industry and academia. The pavilion, set up by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, reflected a clear vision—one that positions Goa not just as a tourism destination, but as an emerging technology and innovation hub.

The Goa delegation was led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, along with senior officials who engaged directly with stakeholders throughout the summit. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation and strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem.

What made the pavilion particularly vibrant was the participation of Goan startups, which brought innovation to life through real-world applications. These startups showcased solutions across sectors, actively engaging with visitors and forging meaningful connections. From AI-driven enterprise tools to advanced imaging technologies, the interactions highlighted the depth of talent and creativity emerging from Goa.

The international interest was equally significant, with delegates from countries including France, Sweden, Japan, Canada, the United States, Ghana, and Cuba exploring potential collaborations. Representatives from national organisations and other Indian states also visited the pavilion, keen to understand Goa’s approach to AI and its rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Among the notable visitors was Defence Research & Development Organisation Director General Lal Chand Mangal, who expressed strong interest in indigenous innovations such as hyperspectral imaging technology developed by Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. He highlighted its potential applications in homeland security and defence, opening doors for further collaboration and real-world deployment.

Visitors at the pavilion also experienced Goa’s digital initiatives firsthand. One such highlight was the AI chatbot integrated into the GoaOnline portal, designed to simplify access to government services and provide instant responses to user queries. For attendees like Manisha Desai, the experience was both engaging and reassuring, offering a glimpse into how technology can enhance everyday governance.

For participating startups, the summit proved to be more than just an exhibition—it was a gateway to opportunity. Entrepreneurs shared how the platform enabled them to connect with global industry leaders, media companies, and policymakers. These interactions not only expanded their visibility but also opened avenues for international collaboration, particularly in markets like the United States and Canada.

As the summit concluded, the impact of Goa’s participation was evident. The state returned with valuable connections, potential partnerships, and a strengthened position in India’s AI landscape. The momentum generated at the event signals a promising future, where Goa continues to evolve into a centre for innovation, technology, and forward-thinking solutions, driven by a vision that extends well beyond its shores.

Business

Alcoholic Beverage Industry Urges Goa Government to Defer Deposit Refund System

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Industry associations from the alcoholic beverage sector have appealed to the Goa government to postpone the implementation of the proposed Deposit Refund System (DRS), raising concerns over its readiness and feasibility within the stipulated timeframe.


According to industry representatives, the current timeline for rolling out the DRS is too short for manufacturers, distributors and retailers to put the necessary infrastructure in place. They argue that implementing the system without adequate preparation could disrupt supply chains and create logistical challenges across the state.

The Deposit Refund System is aimed at improving waste management and boosting recycling rates by levying a refundable deposit on beverage containers. Consumers receive the deposit amount back upon returning the empty bottles or cans to designated collection points.

However, industry bodies claim that several operational aspects — including reverse logistics, storage facilities, barcode integration, retailer onboarding and consumer awareness — require more clarity and time before full-scale implementation.

Stakeholders have called for a phased rollout or an extended transition period to allow businesses to adapt smoothly. They emphasised that while the industry supports sustainable waste management initiatives, the framework must be practical and economically viable.

The Goa government is yet to respond formally to the industry’s request, but discussions are expected as stakeholders push for a balanced approach between environmental goals and business feasibility.

TechPulse

Goa Government Launches Digital Assistant AI Chatbot (Beta) to Enhance Citizen Services

Tanisha Cardozo

Altinho, February 17, 2026: The Goa Government has introduced Goa’s Digital Assistant – an AI-powered Chatbot (Beta version) designed to enhance citizen service delivery and simplify access to government services. The initiative has been launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited.

The AI Chatbot has been developed to make government services easy to understand, easy to access and easy to use. Acting as a single digital assistant, it enables citizens to interact with Goa Online Services through simple, conversational language, eliminating the need to navigate complex portals or make physical visits to government offices.

The chatbot is expected to streamline user experience by guiding citizens through service-related queries, procedures and documentation requirements in a structured yet user-friendly manner. By integrating artificial intelligence into public service delivery, the Goa Government aims to improve efficiency, accessibility and responsiveness in governance.

The launch of the Beta version marks a step forward in Goa’s digital transformation journey, reflecting the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter governance and enhanced public engagement.