Tag: Goa Government

Business

Industries Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho Attends 2nd Goa Developers’ Summit 2025 at BITS Pilani

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Panaji, October 2025: The 2nd Goa Developers’ Summit 2025 was successfully held at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, marking another milestone in the state’s journey toward innovation-led growth. The event was attended by Industries Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho, who emphasized the importance of nurturing Goa’s technology ecosystem and supporting start-ups and developers to build a sustainable industrial future.

The summit was jointly organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), the Government of Goa, the Directorate of Technical Education, and the Directorate of Higher Education. The collaboration aimed to create a bridge between academia, industry, and governance — fostering a shared vision for Goa’s economic transformation.

Key sessions focused on topics such as digital transformation, industrial growth, AI and data-driven development, education reforms, and skill-based employability. Industry experts, educators, and policymakers shared insights on creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, Shri Mauvin Godinho lauded the collective efforts of Goa’s development community and underlined the government’s commitment to empowering youth through skill development and digital opportunities.

The Goa Developers’ Summit 2025 highlighted the synergy between technology and industry as the foundation for Goa’s sustainable and inclusive progress.

📖 Read the full coverage on allycaral.com — Connecting Global.

Events in Goa

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates ‘Mann’ – Mental Health Awareness Program for Women in Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated “Mann” – a Mental Health Awareness Program for Women – at Ravindra Bhavan in Sankhali, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic well-being of women, especially in rural areas. The event was organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with Padmani Foundation.

“Mann” aims to promote mental health awareness among women by creating safe spaces for dialogue, education, and community support. Through a series of sensitization programs, expert sessions, and peer engagement, the initiative is designed to help women better understand mental health challenges and access support systems in their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of mental well-being in achieving true empowerment and applauded the collaborative effort between government and civil society organizations. He emphasized the need for continued outreach and inclusion of mental health services at the grassroots level.

The Padmani Foundation, known for its work in mental health and community outreach, brings its experience and sensitivity to the program. Their collaboration with the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission ensures that the initiative reaches the most vulnerable women across the state, including self-help group members, rural entrepreneurs, and homemakers.

“Mann” represents a step forward in addressing mental health in rural development agendas and ensuring that women’s health and emotional resilience are prioritized alongside economic empowerment. The program will continue with a series of follow-up activities and training sessions across Goa.

TechPulse

Goa Launches Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is rapidly evolving into one of India’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, and the launch of the Goa Startup Policy 2025 marks a significant leap forward in that journey. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), this forward-thinking policy aims to foster innovation, generate employment, attract investment, and promote entrepreneurship across the state.

Goa already boasts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups — one of the highest per capita in the country — and the new policy sets even more ambitious goals. By 2028, Goa aims to establish 1,000 startups, create 10,000 jobs for Goans, help 100 startups secure venture funding, and enable partnerships between 50 startups and government departments.

The policy is spearheaded by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, who is actively working to create an innovation-first culture across sectors. It takes a holistic approach — offering support not just to founders, but also to students, educational institutions, women entrepreneurs, and incubators.

The Campus Innovation Scheme is a standout initiative under the policy, offering grants to student innovators for entrepreneurial and research-based projects. These grants will cover costs related to prototype development, encouraging students to become job creators, not just job seekers.

To build a future-ready workforce, the Skill Enhancement Scheme reimburses startups for AI and tech-related upskilling. Additionally, the government will collaborate with private entities to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, and Innovation Centres in educational campuses and industrial parks.

The policy places a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Women-led startups working on innovative ideas will be eligible for monthly allowances, mentorship, and funding support through a dedicated program. Another initiative — the Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme — will provide financial support to startups attending government-endorsed exhibitions and trade shows, enabling better visibility and networking opportunities.

Crucially, the policy fosters an ecosystem approach. It encourages partnerships with accelerators, investors, educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and market platforms, creating a collaborative network that supports startups through every stage of growth.

By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and skill development, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 is building the foundation for a globally competitive, future-facing economy. Goa is not just aspiring to be a startup hub — it is setting itself up to become India’s Creative Capital, where technology meets talent, and ideas become impact.

Human Interest

Goa Casinos and Bars to Remain Shut for 24 Hours on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2

Tanisha Cardozo

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Goa government has announced a full 24-hour closure of all casinos and alcohol-serving establishments in the state. This decision, issued by the Department of Home (General), is a symbolic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s values of non-violence, discipline, and simplicity.

As per the official notification, all casino licensees — including the six offshore and several onshore casinos operating within five-star hotels — are required to halt operations from 12:00 AM on October 2 to 12:00 AM on October 3. Additionally, the state will observe a Dry Day, meaning the sale of alcohol will be strictly prohibited across Goa. This includes all bars, restaurants, wine shops, and retail liquor outlets.

The government has appealed to both locals and tourists to fully cooperate with the restrictions, emphasizing that this day should be observed with reverence and in the spirit of national respect. Authorities have also issued a warning that strict action will be taken against any violations of the shutdown or dry day orders.

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, whose life and philosophy continue to inspire peace, reform, and civil rights across the world. The shutdown in Goa reflects a conscious effort to align with the values he stood for and offer the day in quiet respect to his enduring legacy.

Finance

Dr. Pramod Sawant Chairs EDC Limited Board Meeting; ₹77 Crore Profit Before Tax Approved for FY 2024-25

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant chaired the 405th Board Meeting of EDC Limited, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and performance in public sector undertakings.

At the meeting, the Board approved the Consolidated Accounts for the Financial Year 2024-25. EDC Limited reported ₹137 crore in revenue and ₹60 crore in expenses, resulting in a Profit Before Tax of ₹77 crore. This strong financial performance underscores the effective governance and strategic financial management employed under the leadership of Dr. Sawant and the Board.

The profitability of EDC Limited is a testament to its significant role in promoting entrepreneurship, industrial development, and financial support in the state of Goa. These results not only reflect sound fiscal discipline but also the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth envisioned by the government.

Dr. Pramod Sawant continues to lead from the front, ensuring that institutions like EDC Limited contribute meaningfully to the state’s development goals and economic self-reliance.