Tag: Goa Government

Events in Goa

“Konkani is Our Identity”: Vivek Naik Inaugurates Official Language Training for Government Employees

Tanisha Cardozo

In a resounding affirmation of cultural pride and linguistic heritage, Director of Art and Culture, Vivek Naik, inaugurated the second batch of Official Language Training for government employees in Goa. The initiative is part of the state’s ongoing effort to integrate Konkani — Goa’s official language — into day-to-day administration and governance.

The Official Language Training program equips government officials with the skills and confidence to use Konkani in written and verbal communication within the administration. The second batch includes employees from various departments who will undergo structured modules covering:

  • Administrative vocabulary in Konkani
  • Official correspondence formats
  • Grammar and usage
  • Cultural context in communication

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that Konkani is not just ceremonial, but functional and widely used in governance.

Goa has always been a unique cultural mosaic, and the state’s commitment to Konkani as its official language is enshrined in the Constitution. Yet, ensuring its use in everyday governance remains an ongoing challenge.

Naik’s emphasis on language training is a step toward aligning administrative practices with constitutional values and public sentiment. The Department of Art and Culture is playing a key role in mobilising resources, creating curriculum, and generating awareness among officials.

As more government employees are trained in using Konkani professionally, the state moves closer to a fully inclusive, culturally-rooted administration. Beyond efficiency, this initiative nurtures a deep cultural consciousness among public servants.

The Department aims to expand the training further in coming months, involving more departments and reaching rural administrative units where local language usage is vital.

📍 Organising Body: Department of Art and Culture, Goa
🗣️ Speaker: Vivek Naik, Director
📘 Program: Official Language Training for Government Employees

Human Interest

Goa Civil Supplies Department Urges Consumers to Stay Vigilant During LPG Deliveries

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Goa, July 3, 2025: In a move to enhance transparency and protect consumers, the Civil Supplies Department of Goa has issued a public advisory urging all LPG consumers to take precautionary steps during cylinder delivery to prevent any possible malpractice.

The department has emphasized the importance of checking the weight of the cylinder and ensuring that the safety seal is intact before accepting delivery. Consumers are also encouraged to verify their delivery through mobile apps or IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) provided by their LPG service providers.

Another important measure highlighted is to always demand a printed receipt or bill for the delivery. This not only ensures accountability but also provides proof of transaction in case of any future dispute.

To foster a transparent system and curb potential delivery fraud or underweight cylinders, the department has set up dedicated channels for lodging complaints. Consumers suspecting any malpractice in LPG delivery are encouraged to immediately report the issue to the department by:

📞 Calling: 0832-2226084
📩 Emailing:

This advisory is part of the department’s broader initiative to promote responsible consumer behavior, ensure safe usage of LPG, and protect citizens from fraudulent practices.

For more information or assistance, consumers can also visit the Goa Civil Supplies Department website.

Human Interest

Gramin Mitra Reaches Remote Corners of Goa, Bringing Govt. Services to 25,000 Citizens’ Doorsteps

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Panjim, June 28: In many parts of rural Goa, accessing government services often meant long waits, repeated visits, and missed workdays. Today, that is changing.

Through the Gramin Mitra Yojana by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, essential public services are now being delivered directly to citizens’ homes. The initiative has made it easier for senior citizens, women, and students to obtain important documents and access government schemes without the hassle of travel.

By focusing on remote and rural areas, Gramin Mitra is bridging the digital divide while contributing to social and economic development in rural Goa.

Whether it’s obtaining residence, EWS, or caste certificates, or applying for the Kala Samman Scheme for senior artists, services that once required multiple trips to Panchayats and government offices can now be accessed from the comfort of home.

Sneha Salgaokar, a resident of Sankhali, who availed services for her father, shared, “Earlier we had to visit the Panchayat repeatedly and face delays. Now, through Gramin Mitra, the documents come to us. It’s smooth and has made life easier.”

Sheetal Malik, an elderly resident from Sankhali, said, “I am unable to walk, so visiting government offices was not possible for me. Thanks to Gramin Mitra, the team came home and helped me get my Life Certificate. The experience was good, and I felt supported.”

The service operates through CSC e-Governance and is supported by a dedicated call centre (14471), available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. Citizens can initiate requests easily without facing digital barriers, making it accessible for all.

In 2024, CSC (VLEs) recorded over 1.15 lakh service requests through Gramin Mitra. By mid-2025, more than 25,000 transactions have already been completed, reflecting growing trust and demand for doorstep governance.

Mr. Nandraj Naik, a beneficiary from Pernem, said, “I received both my Divergence and Residence Certificates smoothly. Gramin Mitra has saved us time and made us feel more connected to governance.”

From North to South Goa, Gramin Mitra is bridging the digital divide and making public services inclusive and accessible to all. What’s taking shape here is more than digital innovation—it’s governance becoming visible, accessible, and embedded in everyday life.

As Goa continues to build its identity as a hub for IT, startups, and inclusive innovation, initiatives like Gramin Mitra demonstrate how governance is becoming simpler, more responsive, and closely aligned with the needs of its people.

TechPulse

Startup Ecosystem in Action as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge Enters Selection Week

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Altinho, June 2, 2025: Innovation in Goa is accelerating as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 enters its Selection Week—marking a significant milestone in the state’s mission to turn bold ideas into practical solutions by providing pilot opportunities and implementation of selected solutions.

Led by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, the Challenge has emerged as a unique platform blending real governance challenges with entrepreneurial problem-solving.

With over 550 applications from across India—including early-stage startups and student innovators—the initiative has attracted wide attention for its focus on deployable, tech-driven solutions across key public sectors such as Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, Public Services, NABARD, ITE&C and Industry.

The shortlisting process has been a collaborative effort between government departments and Technology Business Incubators, reflecting Goa’s commitment to co-creating public sector solutions with the agility of the startup ecosystem.

Day One of the virtual pitch sessions witnessed presentations from shortlisted startups to a high-powered Selection Committee, including senior officials Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director, DITE&C, Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO, SITPC along with Representatives from Implementing Departments, Goa Technology Association (GTA), Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and Technology Business Incubator from Goa.

“This isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Department of ITE&C. “We are creating a platform where innovation and governance converge. By bringing startups, students, departments, and incubators together, we’re unlocking solutions that are ready to pilot and scale—in Goa.”

“Through this Challenge, we are not just supporting innovation—we are creating access,” added Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of ITE&C, “Startups get a chance to solve real problems, and departments get agile, tech-based solutions. This is how we make governance future-ready.”

The Selection Week, running from June 2 to June 6, will see pitch rounds where each shortlisted startup presents to the committee, followed by a Q&A session.

Proposals are being evaluated on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and pilot-readiness within the Goan context.

Beyond being a startup challenge, the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 represents a paradigm shift in public sector engagement—where government no longer works in isolation, but as a catalyst for innovation.
By enabling collaboration between public departments and emerging entrepreneurs, Goa is not only solving for local needs—it is shaping a new model of impact-led innovation, reinforcing its vision of becoming India’s Creative Capital.

Entertainment

Pai Tiatrist Auditorium Remains Closed for Roof Repairs, Expected to Reopen by May 30

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Margao, May 29, 2025 – The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium in Margao, a prominent cultural venue in Goa, has been temporarily closed due to essential roof repairs. The closure, which started in mid-May, was expected to be a brief disruption but has been delayed due to unforeseen monsoon rains. Rajendra Talak, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, confirmed that the venue will likely reopen by May 30, once the repairs are completed. The unexpected rains hindered progress, and the work was paused for safety reasons, as the building’s structural integrity had to be prioritized.

The roof repairs at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium are necessary to maintain the building’s safety and functionality. Talak explained that the ongoing monsoon season led to delays, as the repair work could not be completed under rainy conditions. As a result, the auditorium has been closed for nearly two weeks. The repairs, while essential for the long-term upkeep of the venue, have unfortunately disrupted scheduled events, leaving the venue unusable for the time being. The government has ensured that the work will be completed as soon as possible, with a targeted reopening date of May 30, 2025.

As a result of the closure, all scheduled performances and events at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium have been either cancelled or postponed. This includes a range of cultural activities, theatrical performances, and film screenings that were expected to take place in May. Talak assured that efforts are already underway to reschedule these events. The Ravindra Bhavan team is coordinating with performers and event organizers to ensure that all postponed shows will be rescheduled for later dates, and audience members will be informed promptly.

In a positive turn of events, the Shyam Benegal Film Festival, which was initially scheduled during the closure, will now mark the reopening of the auditorium. The festival, an important cultural milestone for Goa, will be inaugurated on May 30, 2025, by Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo. The film festival will celebrate the works of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal and is expected to draw cinema lovers from across the state. Despite the temporary setback, the inaugural event is set to bring the auditorium back to life, creating a buzz in the local cultural scene.

In addition to the roof repairs, Rajendra Talak revealed plans for major upgrades to the auditorium, which will take place in July and August 2025. These renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance the venue in preparation for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held later in 2025. The upgrades will include improvements to the sound system, projector, and screen, ensuring that the auditorium can host large-scale cultural events and international festivals with the highest technical standards. These upgrades are expected to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences.

While the roof repairs have caused some disruption in the short term, the planned renovations and upgrades signal a promising future for the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium. The venue, known for hosting a wide array of cultural events, will continue to play a central role in Goa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Once the repairs and upgrades are completed, the auditorium will be fully equipped to host a variety of cultural and cinematic events, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Goa’s rich artistic heritage.

The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium’s temporary closure for roof repairs may have caused some inconvenience, but the measures being taken to ensure its long-term functionality and modernization are clear. The venue is set to reopen on May 30 with the exciting Shyam Benegal Film Festival, signaling the start of a new chapter. With upcoming upgrades planned for later in the year, the auditorium will continue to be a vital cultural hub in Goa, attracting both local and international talent for years to come.