Tag: Rohan Khaunte

TechPulse

GoaOnline Crosses 9.34 Lakh Digital Service Deliveries, Reinforcing Citizen-First Governance

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Panaji, June 2025: Goa’s commitment to accessible, transparent, and efficient governance has found a powerful expression in GoaOnline, the state’s unified digital services platform. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) is driving Goa’s digital transformation through GoaOnline, a unified platform that brings government services to citizens’ fingertips

As of June 2025, GoaOnline has processed over 9.34 lakh service requests across more than 30 departments, marking a clear shift to digital-first governance. With 200+ services digitized, citizens can now apply for certificates, licenses, and permits online, significantly reducing the need for physical visits.

Among the top-performing departments includes:

  • Revenue Department: 4.45 lakh applications completed, primarily for income and caste certificates.
  • Labour & Employment: 3.16 lakh successfully processed applications for labour registrations, licenses, and welfare services
  • GIDC: 75,800 digital services delivered, including land allotment, NOCs, and business permissions
  • Health Services: Over 36,300 online completions for birth/death certificates and medical NOCs

These figures represent completed service transactions, highlighting both the scale of adoption and the successful delivery of services across departments.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, has consistently emphasized the importance of technology as an enabler of transparency, speed, and citizen empowerment. Under his leadership, DITE&C has not only scaled digital service delivery but has also pushed for local innovation, interoperability, and integration of backend processes across departments.

“GoaOnline is not just a portal—it’s a promise of efficient governance, where technology bridges the gap between citizens and the state,” said the Minister during a recent interaction.

To ensure last-mile access, Gramin Mitra extends GoaOnline to rural households, delivering services like certificates and subsidies directly to citizens’ doorsteps.

The data speaks volumes: With 9.34 lakh applications processed out of 9.54 lakh applications received and a strong focus on transparency and compliance, Goa is emerging as a national model for digital governance

The Department of ITE&C continues to innovate, with upcoming plans to expand service categories, launch mobile accessibility features, and integrate emerging technologies like AI-based service recommendations and chatbot support.

Goa is not just catching up—it’s leading India’s digital governance movement. With GoaOnline, the state has shown that even the smallest state can set the biggest benchmarks.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Celebrates 11th International Yoga Day at Socorro with Resounding Participation

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Socorro, 21st June 2025 – The Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation organized the 11th International Yoga Day in a grand and spirited manner at the Socorro Panchayat Hall, where over 150 participants gathered in a collective embrace of wellness, mindfulness, and community harmony. The celebrations reflected the State’s growing emphasis on integrating yoga and holistic health into its tourism narrative.

The celebrations were graced by the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, who emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and positioning Goa as a wellness destination. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Socorro Sarpanch Smt. Soniya Pednekar, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, and Zilla Panchayat Member Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik was also in attendance, along with members of the Socorro Panchayat and officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC. The inaugural function was compared by Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Yoga aligns with the core values of Goa’s Regenerative Tourism model—restoring balance, enhancing well-being, and empowering communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only celebrating India’s rich heritage but also encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace holistic living in Goa’s serene natural surroundings.”

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik added,“Yoga Day is a reminder that wellness and tourism can go hand in hand. Goa is uniquely positioned to offer mindful, rejuvenating experiences, and we are actively working to create avenues that support year-round wellness-based tourism rooted in local culture and sustainability.”

The event featured a guided yoga session conducted by Mr. Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a Yoga Instructor and Evaluator certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, and Mrs. Pooja Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a certified yoga teacher, drawing participation from diverse age groups and communities. As part of the program, attendees were encouraged to adopt yoga as a daily practice to enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

As part of its broader vision, Goa has been actively promoting wellness and spiritual tourism. The State is promoting a slower, more conscious form of travel that nurtures both people and the planet. Initiatives such as the celebration of Yoga Day are a reflection of Goa’s aspiration as India’s premier wellness destination.

The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with local panchayats and stakeholders, continues to promote wellness-based experiences across Goa, reflecting the State’s commitment to building a healthier society and fostering mindful, sustainable tourism practices.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Collaborative Push for Sustainable Tourism: Goa to Spotlight Forests, Waterfalls, and Hinterland

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Panaji, 9th June 2025 – In a significant step towards expanding Goa’s tourism offerings beyond its iconic coastline, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, convened a meeting with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), to explore collaborative avenues for promoting hinterland, eco, wellness, and adventure tourism under the state’s vision of Goa Beyond Beaches. The meeting was led by Hon’ble Minister Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and in the presence of Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane; GFDC Managing Director, Nandkumar Parab; GFDC General Manager, Shri Amar Heblekar and OSD to Tourism Minister, Shri Shawn Mendes

Recognising the need for a more integrated and sustainable approach to tourism development, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed the importance of working in collaboration across departments to tap into Goa’s diverse natural and cultural assets. “If the Tourism Department and the Forest Department work in unison, a tremendous opportunity lies ahead for creating high-end, sustainable tourism experiences. This collaboration can serve as a blueprint for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences that benefit both locals and visitors,” the Minister stated.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying the tourism landscape by promoting nature, wellness, adventure, and cultural experiences nestled in Goa’s hinterland. “We must now turn our focus inward to our waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, forest heritage, and eco-trails. Together, we can craft an entirely new narrative for Goa that is inclusive, regenerative, and future-facing,” remarked GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold further deliberations in coordination with the Hon’ble Forest Minister and the Forest Department to translate this shared vision into actionable outcomes.

TechPulse

Goa Tech Meet Showcases Rising Momentum as Major Tech Companies Set Sights on Goa

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Panaji, May 27, 2025: With India’s innovation economy entering a new phase of growth, Goa took a step forward with “Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” — a high-level industry interaction hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte.

Held at Miramar, Panaji, the exclusive meet brought together leading founders, tech entrepreneurs, and creative industry stakeholders for an open dialogue with the government on shaping Goa’s trajectory as a thriving hub for digital innovation, electronics manufacturing, and creative technology.

Also present were Shri Pramival Abhishek (IAS), Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation; Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of DITE&C; Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director of DITE&C; Smt. Priyatama Patil, Assistant Director of DITE&C; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C; and Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC).

At the heart of the discussion was the Government’s focused strategy to position Goa as India’s Creative Capital—a unique confluence of technology, culture, quality of life, and entrepreneurship. The meet served as a platform to strengthen state-industry collaboration in emerging areas such as AI, Industry 4.0, sustainable tech, and design-led innovation. “We are not here to build events—we are here to build ecosystems. More forward-thinking companies are now choosing Goa as a place to build, innovate, and grow.

Our responsibility is to ensure that this momentum not only continues but scales meaningfully,” said Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasizing the government’s focus on delivering results, not just policies.

The Government presented its multi-tiered approach to catalyze Goa’s digital transformation. Infrastructure is being strengthened through projects like the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem. In parallel, the state has rolled out upgraded Startup and IT Policies designed to support a more responsive, growth-oriented environment. Goa is also expanding its support framework for digital nomads and creative professionals through upcoming initiatives such as the Design Village. A strong emphasis has been placed on enhancing skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to ensure that the local workforce remains aligned with the needs of emerging technologies.

In his welcome address, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, stated, “We are creating an enabling ecosystem—from the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) to startup grants and co-working hubs. Today’s discussion is about turning potential into partnerships.”

Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of SITPC, further added by outlining Goa’s evolving startup and innovation strategy, highlighting revised policies, incentive models, and infrastructure in the pipeline. “Goa’s vision for 2027 revolves around Infrastructure, Communication, and Training (ICT), while supporting next-gen ideas like the Design Village and digital nomad frameworks,” he said.

The event featured representation from companies such as CHALO, Quidich Innovation Labs, Persistent Systems, Turtlemint, Kilowott, Zimetrics Technologies, Infuse Consulting, Renevik Labs, McLaren/The Grit City, Visteon Corporation and Open Destinations, among others. Delegates also included leaders from creative and design-led firms like Coco Leni, The Nod Magazine, 101 Wakepark, and TM Talent Management. These companies reflected a growing interest in Goa as a viable alternative to traditional urban tech hubs, citing better quality of life, responsive governance, and a rising innovation ecosystem as key differentiators.

With industry feedback now integrated into policy refinement and infrastructure planning, the Goa Tech Meet has laid the foundation for deeper partnerships. The Department plans to organize follow-up engagements focused on talent, market access, and scaling Goa-based startups. “We are designing Goa’s growth story with clarity and collaboration,” the Hon’ble Minister added. “This is about outcomes — not optics. Our goal is to align industry needs with state vision and to build a Goa that’s ready for the future.”

“Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” reinforced Goa’s emergence as a destination where innovation, collaboration, and creativity intersect. With strong institutional support, responsive policy, and a thriving quality of life, Goa is ready to welcome the next wave of startups, technologists, and investors looking to build what’s next.

Entertainment

Goa Minister Slams YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Calls Him a “Rot” Destroying Social Fabric

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In a scathing attack, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has condemned YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, for his highly inappropriate content. Khaunte took to social media to express his outrage, calling Allahbadia a “rot” that’s destroying the country’s social fabric.

“The ‘likes’ of Ranveer Allahbadia are the Rot that’s eating into our Social Fabric & degrading the Moral Values of an Entire Generation in the name of Creative Freedom when all they create is Perverted Trash,” Khaunte posted on his X handle.

Allahbadia and the makers of the show “India’s Got Latent” have been facing severe backlash and police action for their vulgar remarks. The show, which was meant to be a platform for showcasing talent, has instead created an outrage for its explicit content.

The controversy surrounding the show has led to multiple police complaints and notices from women and human rights panels. Allahbadia’s question on the show was deemed highly inappropriate, and the video has since been pulled down by YouTube.

The Mumbai Police visited Allahbadia’s residence following a complaint filed on Monday, and the Assam Police has also registered an FIR against him. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that action will be taken against Allahbadia.

A parliamentary panel is also considering summoning Allahbadia to discuss the matter. The panel is likely to question him about the explicit content on his show and the impact it has on the youth.

The incident has sparked a heated debate about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of content creators to respect social norms. While some have come out in support of Allahbadia, citing creative freedom, others have condemned him for his explicit content.

As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear – the incident has highlighted the need for greater accountability and responsibility in the content creation space.