Tag: Governance

National

President Droupadi Murmu Leads Human Rights Day Celebrations; Launches NHRC Mobile App in New Delhi

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, December 10, 2025: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, commemorated Human Rights Day with a grand function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every individual.

Addressing a distinguished gathering that included members of the judiciary, senior government officials, diplomats, human rights defenders, and representatives from civil society, President Murmu said that universal human rights are inalienable and form the bedrock of a just, equitable, and compassionate society. She emphasised that India has played a pivotal role in shaping global human rights frameworks, with its freedom fighters championing dignity, justice, and equality.

Human Rights for All in the Spirit of Antyodaya

The President highlighted the importance of ensuring human rights for every individual, especially those at the last mile. She stressed that development initiatives must reach the most vulnerable communities to truly embody the principle of inclusivity. She reiterated India’s belief that peace and justice are inseparable, echoing the timeless truth: “There is no peace without justice and no justice without peace.”

Institutions as Custodians of Constitutional Conscience

Smt Murmu praised the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, the judiciary, and civil society for functioning as vigilant sentinels of India’s Constitutional conscience. She noted NHRC’s proactive efforts in addressing issues concerning Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, women, children, and prison inmates.

Women’s empowerment, she said, remains central to human rights protection. She appreciated NHRC’s recent conference on women’s safety, underscoring its potential to drive impactful policies for safer environments at workplaces and public spaces.

The President also highlighted that over the last decade, India has moved from an approach of entitlement to empowerment, ensuring essential services—clean water, electricity, healthcare, education, sanitation—reach all citizens, uplifting households and enhancing dignity.

Government Reforms & Labour Codes

Referring to the government’s recent notification on the implementation of four Labour Codes, the President said the reforms would create a future-ready workforce, ensure social security, and improve occupational safety.

Launch of NHRC Mobile App

During the event, the President launched the NHRC Mobile App, designed to make human rights complaint filing easier with streamlined features like real-time tracking and access to IEC resources. Two NHRC publications, including Hindi and English journals on human rights issues, were also released.

Messages from NHRC & United Nations

NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian urged citizens to rededicate themselves to protecting human rights, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that human rights begin in “small places, close to home.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message read out by UN Resident Coordinator Ms Areti Sianni, called for prioritising human rights over profit or power.

The event also included a national conference on Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All, emphasising the importance of accessible and equitable public services.

Human Interest

North Goa District Honoured as Best Performing District under Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan

Tanisha Cardozo

North Goa District has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as the Best Performing District under the Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan. The district was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding performance and exemplary contribution to the initiative. The certificate was conferred by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as part of the national effort to acknowledge and promote effective community participation in developmental programs.

The Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan emphasizes participatory governance and tribal empowerment through local engagement, transparency, and inclusivity. North Goa’s achievement under this initiative reflects the district administration’s proactive approach in implementing community-oriented schemes and ensuring that tribal welfare programs reach their intended beneficiaries effectively. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the district’s administrative team, community leaders, and local stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure meaningful participation and tangible impact at the grassroots level.

Receiving this national recognition highlights North Goa’s dedication to good governance, innovation in public service delivery, and a people-first approach to development. It also reinforces the district’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all communities under its jurisdiction. The acknowledgment from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs serves as an inspiration for other districts to adopt participatory models that strengthen democracy at the grassroots and empower citizens to play an active role in shaping their own development journey.

TechPulse

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

allycaralgoa

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.

Books & Literature

Konkani Bhasha Mandal Hails State Information Commissioner’s Pioneering Effort

allycaralgoa

In a significant development, Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has commended State Information Commissioner (SIC) Atmaram Barve for his groundbreaking decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani. This move has been hailed as a trailblazing effort to promote the official language of Goa.

Ratnamala Divkar, President of KBM, praised Barve’s initiative, stating, “Government departments should also follow in his footsteps and implement the Official Language Act.” This call to action underscores the importance of promoting Konkani in official contexts, ensuring that the language remains an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage.

A Boost to Language Preservation Efforts

Barve’s decision has sent a strong message about the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages. By delivering a judgment in Konkani, he has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the linguistic heritage of Goa.

KBM’s Praise for Barve’s Initiative

KBM’s recognition of Barve’s effort is a testament to the impact that this move can have on the linguistic landscape of Goa. By promoting the use of Konkani in official contexts, KBM and Barve are helping to preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability

As a State Information Commissioner, Barve has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. His decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani is a significant step towards ensuring that government departments are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

Conclusion

Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s praise for State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s pioneering effort is a significant development in the promotion of Konkani language. As government departments are encouraged to follow in his footsteps, Goa takes a step closer to preserving its linguistic heritage and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance.

EduConnect

Devanagari Typing Training: A Step Towards Promoting Official Language in Administration

allycaralgoa

Devanagari Typing Training: A Step Towards Promoting Official Language in AdministrationThe Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, has organized a Devanagari typing training program for government employees. The training aims to promote the use of Official Language in administration, as mandated by the Official Language Act.


Prof. Bhushan Bhave, Principal of Vidya Prabodhini College, emphasized the significance of Devanagari typing training in implementing the Official Language Act. “Devanagari typing training is essential for government employees to effectively communicate in the Official Language,” he said.


The three-day training program is being conducted in three batches from February 10 to 20, 2025. Approximately 140 government employees will benefit from the training, which covers:

  • Introduction to Devanagari typing software
  • Introduction to Inscript keyboard
  • Introduction to Devanagari script

Objectives of the Training Program
The training program aims to:

  • Familiarize government employees with Devanagari typing in Konkani, Marathi, and Hindi languages
  • Promote the use of Official Language in administration
  • Enhance the communication skills of government employees in the Official Language

The training program features expert sessions by Assistant Professors Sushant Naik, Urvashi Naik, Jayesh Raut, and Divakar Guruv. Anil Sawant, Deputy Director of Official Language, and Sneha Sabnis are coordinating the program.

The Devanagari typing training program is a significant step towards promoting the use of Official Language in administration. By providing government employees with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Government of Goa is taking a proactive approach towards implementing the Official Language Act.