Tag: Seva Pakhwada

EduConnect

Cyber Security Awareness Drive Held at Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, Siolim Under Seva Pakhwada

Tanisha Cardozo

Siolim, Goa | 1st October 2025 — In a proactive step under the Seva Pakhwada initiative, Anjuna Police Station conducted a Cyber Security Awareness session today at Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, Siolim. The session aimed to equip students with essential knowledge to safely navigate the digital world.

With over 50 students participating, the interactive session focused on sensitizing young minds about the rising threats in cyberspace. From fake mobile applications and loan/job scams to parcel frauds and sextortion, the session highlighted real-world tactics used by cybercriminals and how to recognize and avoid them.

Officers emphasized three primary psychological levers that cybercriminals often exploit — negligence, greed, and fear. Through simple yet effective tips, students were encouraged to adopt safe online habits such as creating strong passwords, not clicking on suspicious links, and never sharing personal information with unknown sources.

Importantly, the session also stressed the need to report incidents immediately. Students were informed about the national Cyber Helpline – 1930 and the official cybercrime reporting portal, ensuring they know how and where to seek help.

This initiative is part of a larger mission to create cyber-aware citizens from a young age. With the increasing digital exposure of students, such awareness sessions are vital for building resilience against cyber threats and ensuring safer online behaviour across communities.

The effort by Anjuna Police underlines a growing recognition: Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue — it’s a community responsibility.

Human Interest

Goa Commits to 100% Implementation of PM-VBRY, Says CM Dr Pramod Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

The Government of Goa has reaffirmed its commitment to achieve 100% implementation of the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a central employment initiative aimed at incentivizing both first-time employees and employers across sectors. This was stated by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant at an outreach programme organised as part of the Seva Pakhwada campaign, in collaboration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Goa, and the Office of the Commissioner, Labour & Employment.

Dr Sawant called upon industrial employers to take full advantage of the PM-VBRY incentives by creating new jobs in their respective units. At the same time, he urged Goan youth to be more proactive in pursuing these opportunities. Referring to a job fair held in Bicholim, he noted that despite over 300 openings, fewer than 100 job-seekers turned up—highlighting a disconnect between job availability and participation. “If locals don’t step up, these opportunities will go to candidates from other states,” he said.

The scheme is divided into two major parts:

Part A – Incentive to First-Time Employees:
Targeting individuals registering with the EPFO for the first time, this provision offers a financial incentive of up to ₹15,000, disbursed in two installments. The first installment is payable after 6 months of continuous service, and the second after 12 months—subject to completion of a financial literacy programme. Employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month are eligible. To promote saving habits, a portion of this incentive will be placed in a fixed deposit or similar instrument, withdrawable after a defined period.

Part B – Support to Employers:
This component focuses on encouraging businesses—particularly in the manufacturing sector—to hire additional employees. Employers who hire two (for those with <50 employees) or five (for those with ≥50 employees) new workers will receive ₹3,000 per month per employee, for a duration of two years. For manufacturing units, this incentive may extend to the third and fourth years, provided sustained employment is maintained.

Establishments must be EPFO-registered and commit to continued employment for at least six months per new hire to qualify.

With this initiative, the Goa government aims to catalyze economic activity, reduce unemployment, and align with national employment goals. The outreach also reflects the state’s intent to bridge gaps between industry needs and job seeker readiness, offering long-term benefits to both employers and employees.

For updates on implementation and eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact the Labour & Employment Department or visit the EPFO Regional Office, Goa.

Books & Literature

Zilu Gaonkar Urges Citizens to Use Govt Schemes and Promote Konkani Language

Tanisha Cardozo

Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.

Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.

Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.

Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.