CHIEF Minister Pramod Sawant has finally admitted that there is a decline in tourist traffic to Goa. The CM is however attributing this to the increasing number of crimes against tourists in the state. Never mind that it is the locals who are at the receiving end. It may recalled that the son of an MLA from Maharashtra is reported to have threatened locals with a gun in Candolim.
There are also complaints from a starlet that her husband was threatened by the locals though it was the other way around. The CM has referred the case of Bhola Ravi Teja, a 24-year-old tourist from Hyderabad, who was killed in a brutal attack by the Nepali staff of a shack in Calangute. According to the CM the impact of such incidents lasts for a long time, “Why will tourists want to come to Goa if they are murdered?” The decline in tourism is because of the breakdown of law and order and the collapse of the infrastructure.
IDLI-SAMBAR IN THE SHACKS
THE Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has been complaining that beach shacks are serving idli-sambar and not Goan snacks. Michael Lobo wants idli-sambar to be banned from the beachside shacks. The bitter truth is that a very large number of domestic tourists visiting Goa are from the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. None of them like oily puri-bhaji or mirsang bhoja for breakfast like Goans do. Shacks have no choice but to supply the food that tourists want. Indeed, all shacks in Goa supply chicken curry and chilly chicken besides northern vegetarian dishes like rajma-chawal and malai kofta. Shacks would have to close down if they offered only zitt-koddi.
BRIBARY CHARGE BY MADKAIKAR
THE former power minister in the Manohar Parrikar government, Pandurang Madkaikar, has claimed that the Goa government runs on bribes. Madkaikar, who was the Cumberjua MLA, joined the BJP along with Babush Monserrate in 2003. Interestingly, Madkaikar has been considered among the most corrupt ministers and has built a huge bungalow in the heritage zone of the Bom Jesus Basilica. In a case of the pot calling the kettle black Madkaikar claims that he bribed the PA of a minister Rs20 lakh to get his work done last week.
The immediate response of the CM is that the allegations of corruption are not against chief ministers but ministers. I understand that Madkaikar was referring to Vishwajit Rane, the Town & Country Planning minister. Babush Monserrate has asked his former friend to name the minister to whom he has given a bribe. Mauvin Godinho has responded by pointing out that people who are living in glass houses should not throw stones.
NO LEATHER SHOES IN SCHOOLS
IN yet another sign of saffron pressure, the Education department of Goa has banned leather shoes in schools. This is obviously because leather shoes are made from skin of cattle, including bulls and even goats. The excuse of the Education department is that the environment should be protected.
Clearly, the decision is on the demand of the Gau Raksha fanatics. The Education department has declared that all school students should only wear canvas shoes. However, they will be exempted from wearing canvas shoes during the monsoon rains. The heads of all government and aided schools have been directed to introduce canvas shoes as part of the uniform.
WOMEN’S DAY
THE focus is on women with Women’s Day being celebrated on March 8. There is a lot of hype over encouraging women as SHE is shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Prime Minister Modi has also joined the campaign with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padao Abhiyan. The ground reality is that there is been stiff opposition to the demand that 50% of the seats in Parliament in the Legislative Assembly should go to women. There are no women MLAs in the current Legislative Assembly of Goa. There are very few women at the top in industry and business in the state. In journalism also Goa has never had a woman editor of a daily newspaper.
CALL 108 IF IN HEATWAVE TROUBLE
THE IMD declared heat wave temperatures in Goa for the whole of last week in the month of March. And extended the heat wave warning up to Saturday, March 8. Unlike in the north the heat wave is reduced in Goa because it’s a coastal state and humidity levels are not very high. Heat wave-related illnesses include heat rash, swelling of the hands, feet and ankles, muscle cramps and boils in parts of the body.
DHS has advised citizens to stay hydrated by drinking water, lemon based drinks, coconut water, buttermilk, ORS and consuming watery fruits like oranges and lemons and watermelons, also muskmelon, cucumbers, etc, and also to cover the head or carry a sun umbrella while out of the house in the mid-day hours when the sun is high in the sky. Also to wear sunscreen, light, loose cotton clothes, check IMD alerts on media and on their website and check on elderly/sick/ pregnant and lactating mothers/infants/people living alone/ people with disabilities for any signs of dehydration.
Please call 108 immediately in case someone presents with high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating, and shift patient to the nearest health care facility. Cool the person right away, while waiting, by moving them to a cool place, applying cold water cloth compresses to large areas of the skin or clothing; and fanning the person as much as possible.
It is further adviseD to avoid moving out between 12-3 pm especially on days that heat alerts are announced, avoid tea/coffee/alcohol/soft drinks, avoid oily, high protein diets, avoid leaving children, pets, etc, alone in closed parked car as temperatures could increase markedly and avoid cooking in the afternoon. Wiser to complete cooking activities at cooler times of the day like early morning or evenings.
NO BUILDING IN PRIVATE FORESTS
THE SC has upheld a petition filed by the Goa Foundation for cancelling permission granted for conversion of private forest to settlement and commercial zones. Indeed, the apex court has stayed the conversion and constructions on nine lakh square meters. The Central government has repeatedly warned Goa against destroying forest cover. The Centre has also reduced permission to cut down forest land for the double tracking of the South Central Railway.
GOVERNOR VISITS MATRUCHAYYA
GOVERNORPS Sreedharan Pillai paid courtesy visits to Matruchayya, Khorlim, Mapusa and Sr Christobele’s Trust, Mother Teresa Roses (Girls Home) and interacted with the inmates on March 3, 2025. He handed over financial assistance to both the institutions. On his arrival at Matruchayya Joshua Peter D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, welcomed him with the gift of a sapling. Others present on the occasion were Priya Mishal, chairperson, Mapusa Municipal Council, Anup Keni, president of Matruchayya, Rajiv Neugi, industrialist, Sarita Prabhu, president Matruchayya, Mapusa, Madhukar Dixit, founder member, Matruchayya and Sagar Sacordekar, jt-secretary.
Addressing the gathering the governor said that people are always supreme. Considering the supremacy of people, Governor Pillai made it clear that he intends to visit the doorstep of people and various institutions working for needy people and offer financial support. The governor appreciating the work of Matruchayya, saying that it is a great organization working for the benefit of the underprivileged needy people in Goa. Joshua Peter D’Souza assured all possible help to Matruchayya and said Matruchayya is working to help children and give them the affection and love of parents.
Others who spoke included Mihir Vardhan, special officer, who detailed the various activities of the Raj Bhavan and informed that more than Rs6 crore have been handed over as financial assistance to patients across the state. A cheque of Rs1 lakh was handed over to the president of Matruchayya and also to Little Angels Home for children from Chorao village. MRM Rao, IAS, secretary to governor, was present during the visit.
On arrival at Sr Christobele’s Trust, Mother Teresa Roses (Girls home) at Parra in Bardez, Michael Lobo, MLA, Delilah Lobo, MLA and others welcomed the governor by bouquet of flowers. Daniel Lobo, sarpanch and other members were present. A cheque of Rs1 lakh was handed over to Sr Christobele’s Trust, Mother Teresa Roses (girls home) at Parra. Anup Keni, president of Matruchayya, welcomed the guests. Sindiya Aroskar comperedd the function and Sarita Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks.
GCCI SUBMITS PRE-BUDGET MEMO TO CM
THE Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has submitted its Pre-Budget Memorandum for the State Budget 2025-26 to Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant. It was handed over by GCCI President Shrinivas Dempo. The memo was prepared after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and contains key recommendations aimed at boosting Ease of Doing Business (EODB), improving infrastructure, and fostering overall economic growth in the state.
The delegation included GCCI Vice President Pratima Dhond , GCCI Secretary Yatin Kakodkar, CA Rohan Bhandare, treasurer of GCCI & chairman of Taxation & Financial Services, Milind Prabhu, Chair GCCI IT & Start Up Committee and Sanjay Amonkar, director general of GCCI. The CM gave a patient hearing to the GCCI team and assured that the suggestions would be considered in the upcoming budget.
Key GCCI Recommendations:
1. Mass Transit System: GCCI reiterated the urgent need for a Mass Transport System (MTS) for reliable and efficient commuting, especially in light of the two operational airports in the state and in view of 3 new eight-lane highways connecting to Goa Shortly.
2. Industrial Infrastructure Development: Urgent need for Common Effluent Treatment Plants, Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities, and Common Fire-fighting Systems in Goa’s 23 Industrial Estates.
3. Taxation Relief for Industry: No new taxes or increase in existing taxes should be imposed on industries. Also, amendments to VAT laws were suggested to prevent double taxation on input tax credit for discounts received.
4. Improved Power & Water Supply: A robust plan for better water and power distribution systems to cater to the increasing demand from industries was proposed. GCCI President proposed raw water supply to industrial estates and divert the treated water for domestic use.
5. Rationalization of Stamp Duty: GCCI recommended the withdrawal of stamp duty on Power of Attorney and rationalization of stamp duty for the mining industry to promote ease of doing business.
6. Boost to Mining Sector: Infrastructure development for dedicated mining corridors and river logistics, rationalization of stamp duty, and enhanced spending from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in auctioned areas.
7. Tourism Sector Boost: Promotion of app-based taxi services, strict enforcement of taxi meters, and streamlining permissions through a single-window system.
8. Real Estate & Housing Sector Support: Reduction in stamp duty, infrastructure tax, and sanad fees to make homeownership more affordable. Special incentives for green and sustainable buildings and redevelopment projects.
9. Introduction of a Goa Retail Policy: To support and regulate the retail sector while promoting business-friendly policies.
10. Infrastructure Development: Construction of a flyover/underpass at Verna Junction, regular dredging of rivers, and establishing a truck terminus at the unused Sanjivani Sugar Factory land.
11. Wellness and Healthcare: Introduction of a Wellness Policy for Goa and interim funding for DDSSY beneficiaries.
12. Incentives for Solar Energy: Introduction of a subsidy for solar plants without a power cap to encourage renewable energy adoption.
13. Support for Agriculture & Animal Husbandry: Inclusion of Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries in the State Agriculture Policy and support for local farmers through Agro Service Centres and commodity-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).