Tag: rural development

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.

EduConnect

Agriculture Students Champion Vermicomposting for Greener Goa in Chorão

Tanisha Cardozo

Agriculture students from Goa took a significant step toward promoting sustainable farming practices by organizing a live vermicomposting demonstration for local farmers in Chorão village. The initiative was part of their RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) programme, a key component of agricultural education that connects classroom learning with practical fieldwork.

The demonstration showcased the process of vermicomposting — the use of earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Farmers were introduced to simple, cost-effective methods of setting up and maintaining composting systems on their farms, highlighting the benefits of improved soil health, reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, and enhanced crop yields.

The event emphasized the importance of waste-to-resource conversion, not just as an environmental necessity but also as an economically viable solution for rural farming communities. Students took the lead in educating farmers on how agricultural and kitchen waste could be transformed into valuable compost, fostering a circular economy at the grassroots level.

This hands-on initiative reflects a growing awareness among the youth of the need for eco-conscious agricultural practices. By empowering farmers with knowledge and practical skills, the program contributes to Goa’s larger mission of fostering greener, more sustainable farming across the state. The success of the demonstration in Chorão stands as a model for future collaborations between educational institutions and local communities.

Events in Goa

Goa Marks National Handloom Day with Kunbi Textile Exhibition at Assembly

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, 7 August 2025: Goa celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day with a themed exhibition titled Kunbi: The Pride of Goan Textile, organised by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development.

The event was held at the Goa Legislative Assembly complex in Porvorim and inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The exhibition focused on highlighting the indigenous Kunbi saree, a traditional Goan handloom that reflects the cultural identity of the region’s tribal communities.

The exhibition served as a platform to promote local weaving traditions, encourage sustainable fashion, and support women-led self-help groups working in the handloom sector.

Other dignitaries who attended the exhibition included:

  • Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Ramesh Tawadkar
  • MLAs Daji Salkar and Ulhas Tuenkar
  • Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who visited the exhibition and interacted with artisans

The displays included live weaving demonstrations, information panels on natural dyes, and products created by rural artisans. The Kunbi textile was highlighted as a symbol of Goa’s cultural heritage and as a viable path toward eco-friendly livelihoods in rural areas.

The celebration aligned with national efforts to revive handlooms as part of India’s self-reliant economy and reflected Goa’s growing focus on preserving its cultural assets through artisan support and heritage promotion.

Human Interest

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

allycaralgoa

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.