Tag: Goa Government

Social

Goa Government Signs MoU with HITES to Modernise and Disaster-Proof Ports and Inland Waterways

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji; January 2026: The Government of Goa, through the Captain of Ports Department, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HITES (HLL Infratech Services Ltd.), a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to enhance and future-proof the state’s maritime infrastructure.


Under the collaboration, HITES will support the modernisation and disaster-proofing of Goa’s ports and inland waterways by deploying AI-based monitoring systems and technology-driven, disaster-resilient solutions to ensure long-term structural safety, operational continuity and enhanced public safety. The partnership will focus on disaster mitigation and rehabilitation works, including strengthening jetties and waterfront infrastructure, enhancing search and rescue capabilities, inducting specialised disaster management boats, and improving oil spill preparedness and response mechanisms.
The scope of work also includes scientific dredging of rivers and channels to prevent flooding and improve water flow, construction of retaining walls and embankments to protect against erosion, installation of AI-enabled surveillance systems, and deployment of public warning and early alert systems for extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods and tidal surges. Additional initiatives include underground cabling to reduce vulnerability during disasters, development of cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal and riverine areas, support for coastal road infrastructure for evacuation and emergency access, and strengthening emergency preparedness through AI integration across planning, monitoring and response operations.
The initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s commitment to sustainable coastal development, enhanced maritime safety and climate-adaptive infrastructure, positioning the state as a model for technology-led, disaster-resilient maritime governance aligned with national priorities and global best practices.

Human Interest

Government Provides Grant; Carnaval Committees Decide Float Prize Allocation: Rohan A. Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government provides a consolidated grant to Carnaval committees, following which the committees independently decide how prize money for floats is allocated. He made the statement during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly in Porvorim on January 15, 2026.

Clarifying the government’s role, Khaunte stated that Carnaval floats are divided into various categories and that the distribution of prize money within these categories is determined solely by the respective Carnaval committees. He emphasised that there is no direct government intervention in deciding the prize amounts awarded to individual floats.

The issue was raised during a Calling Attention motion by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, who urged the government to consider increasing the prize money awarded to Carnaval floats in view of rising costs and efforts involved in float preparation.

Responding to the concerns, the Tourism Minister said that the matter has financial implications and will be discussed with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He added that a decision on whether to increase the grants will be taken after these discussions. Khaunte also noted that the grant amount provided to Carnaval committees has seen an increase over the years, reflecting the government’s continued support for the state’s cultural celebrations.

Human Interest

Goa Govt Holds Stakeholders’ Meet to Tackle Cable Cuts and Internet Disruptions

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A high-level stakeholders’ meeting was convened in Porvorim on January 9, 2026, to address the growing concern of frequent cable cuts and internet disruptions across Goa. The meeting was chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte.

Chief Secretary of Goa Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, along with officials from the Public Works Department, Electricity Department, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the recurring disruptions that have been affecting businesses, educational institutions and administrative offices. He directed the Electricity Department to refrain from cutting cables without prior approvals and emphasised the need for close coordination with DITE&C before undertaking any such activities.

Dr. Sawant further instructed that advance notice must be given before conducting cable-related work and stressed strict adherence to safety and security protocols. Highlighting the importance of long-term solutions, he advised DITE&C to make provisions for underground duct infrastructure to protect critical digital networks.

In a key directive, the Chief Minister instructed the Electricity Department not to carry out cable cuts for a period of one year until the necessary underground infrastructure is put in place. He also suggested utilising existing underground ducts in areas where such facilities are already available.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to work in close coordination, take swift corrective measures and ensure minimal disruption to internet services. The initiative underscored the government’s focus on safeguarding digital infrastructure and ensuring seamless connectivity across the state.

Travel

Goa Sees Sustained Rise in Tourist Arrivals as 2025 Figures Signal Strong Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.

In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.

Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.

TechPulse

Over 11 Lakh Services Delivered Online: How Goa Made Governance Effortless

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The COVID-19 pandemic underscored a pressing reality for governments worldwide—the need for efficient, contactless, and accessible public services. In Goa, this urgency propelled GoaOnline from a functional e-Governance platform into the state’s digital backbone for citizen services.

Although GoaOnline existed before the pandemic, the crisis accelerated its adoption and expanded its scope. Designed as a single-window digital platform, GoaOnline allows citizens to access government services anytime, anywhere—eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices. From application submission to final service delivery, the entire process is conducted online, ensuring transparency and convenience.

To date, the platform has processed nearly 19.9 lakh service requests, with over 9 lakh citizens completing more than 11 lakh digital transactions. These numbers firmly position GoaOnline as a national benchmark in citizen-centric governance.

GoaOnline currently offers over 265 e-services across 41 government departments. These include essential services such as income and caste certificates, labour welfare scheme registrations, health-related No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and various utility services—covering almost every major citizen requirement.

Recognising that digital access must be inclusive, the Goa government introduced Gramin Mitras, who provide door-to-door assistance, especially in rural and senior citizen communities. For residents like Sheetal Malik from Sankhali, this initiative has been life-changing. Unable to walk to government offices, she received doorstep assistance to obtain her Life Certificate. “The experience was good, and I felt supported,” she shared.

Behind the scenes, GoaOnline is powered by integrated backend systems across departments. This integration eliminates data duplication, reduces processing time, and improves service accuracy. Citizens can track applications in real-time, upload and verify documents digitally, while departmental dashboards enable effective monitoring and governance.

The initiative has gained momentum under the leadership of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, who emphasised its larger vision. “GoaOnline is not just a portal—it’s a promise of efficient governance, where technology bridges the gap between citizens and the state,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, the platform is evolving further. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) is working on mobile-first upgrades, chatbot support, and AI-driven features to help citizens quickly identify relevant services—enhancing user experience and expanding digital inclusion.

By blending technology with a citizen-first mindset and strong interdepartmental coordination, Goa has redefined how governance can function in a digital era. GoaOnline is more than a portal—it represents a systemic shift toward effortless, inclusive, and transparent governance in a digitally empowered India.