Goa State Film Festival returns
The 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival will be held from August 14 to 17 at Maquinez Palace Theatre and Inox, Panaji, showcasing Konkani and Marathi films as well as workshops and masterclasses. This years line-up has 19 feature films and four non-feature films competing for 21 and seven awards []
119 plaints filed against cops over misbehaviour in 5 years
Police personnel are regularly sensitised: Govt data Amresh Parab Panaji: A total of 119 complaints were lodged against police personnel before the Goa police in over five years, alleging misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by the persons in uniform. Of the 119 complaints, the police have disposed of 51 complaints while inquiry has been in progress []
Matka gambling thrives near police stations
375 cases booked in over five years; conviction in just six incidents Panaji : In the last five and a half years, 375 cases were booked by the Goa police against matka gambling thriving within the close vicinity of police stations. However, in over 54 per cent of these cases, the accused were found not []
Hyderabad couple faces brutal attack while holidaying in Goa
Hyderabad: A couple from Hyderabad faced a brutal assault while holidaying in Goa. They were attacked at the Panaji bus stand. As per the details, the incident took place following a dispute over bike rental charges. Details of the incident During their holiday, the couple had rented a bike. After using the bike, they returned Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CM assures Assembly of action over misuse of Goan surnames
Special Correspondent Panaji Admitting that the government has received multiple complaints of outsiders adopting Goan surnames, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that if required, the government will take necessary steps to further amend the Change of Name and Surname (Amendment) Act, 2022, so as to make it more stringent and prevent its misuse. []
Sancoale panchayat secretary suspended over procedural lapses
NT Reporter Panaji Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar has placed secretary/gram sevak of the village panchayat of Sancoale, Orville C Vales, under suspension with immediate effect following an inquiry report by the Directorate of Vigilance, Panaji. The suspension order was issued in response to a letter from the Additional Director-II of the Vigilance Directorate (dated []
Will speak to Chief Minister over `4.5k cr green cess recovery: Sudin
NT Reporter Panaji Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar assured the Goa legislative assembly that the state government will look into the Rs 4,500 crore pending green cess dues allegedly owed by private coal-handling firms. Responding to the demand on electricity and new and renewable energy on Monday, Dhavalikar said that the green cess on coal []
Public varsities bill set for detailed debate on Aug 8
NT Reporter Panaji The government on Monday agreed to defer the Goa Public Universities Bill, 2025, for a detailed discussion on August 8 following the Oppositions argument that the bill lacked clarity and that it cannot be cleared in a hurry. Seeking to implement the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, Chief Minister Pramod []
Oppn demands rollback of tariff hike, prepaid meters; Sudin defends plans
NT Reporter Panaji Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar, on Monday, strongly defended the Prepaid Smart Meter project, in the Goa Legislative Assembly, stating that while the implementation period is 27 months, the vendor will maintain and operate the system for an additional 93 months. Opposition MLAs, while tabling a calling attention motion, criticised the state []
Opposition storms well of House over illegal structure at Old Goa
Special Correspondent Panaji The state legislative assembly was adjourned for 10 minutes during Question Hour on Monday after Opposition legislators stormed the well of the House, demanding demolition of an allegedly illegal structure within 100 metres of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site at Old Goa. Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao led the protest, []
Sawant denies recruitment freeze at Goa University
Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that there is no recruitment ban in Goa as far as filling vacancies at Goa University is concerned, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said the government has adopted alternative measures to improve the universitys NAAC rating. The Goa government has been supporting Goa University with regards to infrastructure. For the []
Panaji : In a morale booster to the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Goas women-led efforts in waste management, during his Mann ki Baat address to the nation. In the 124th broadcast of Mann ki Baat, Modi spoke about the Swachh Bharat Mission and appreciated the contribution of women in sorting waste []
Goas flower imports rose by over 200% in last three years
Panaji : Imports of flowers into Goa from neighbouring states increased by more than 200 per cent in the last three years due to the rising local demand, which emphasises that the government must give a strong push to floriculture in the state. Flower imports increased from Rs 3.2 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 8.4 []
GFA general body resolves cluster dispute
Panaji: The General Body of the Goa Football Association (GFA) has approved the Revised Private Football Tournament Rules, ending a prolonged dispute that had disrupted tournaments and delayed player license cards since January 2025. The deadlock centered around the cluster allocation in South Goaspecifically the Guirdolim/Chandor groupingwhich had remained unresolved even after the last Extraordinary []
234 foreign nationals overstaying in Goa deported in last 5 yrs
Panaji: The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Goa has deported 234 overstaying foreign nationals in the last five years out of which over 50% were from African countries. As per government data, since 2020, foreign nationals from 31 countries have been deported. African countries account for 118 such individuals, with 69 of those deported []
Over 2.25 lakh traffic challans issued in 3 yrs
Panaji: In a drive aimed at tightening road safety, the Directorate of Transports enforcement wings based in Panaji and Margao have issued a staggering 2,25,503 challans over a three-year period ending March 31, 2025. The action has resulted in fines amounting to Rs 17.56 crore being collected from erring vehicle owners and drivers. However, an []
Portion of false ceiling of KAs classroom collapses
Special Correspondent Panaji: A portion of the false ceiling of the Western music classroom of the newly renovated Kala Academy complex collapsed on Saturday. The incident fortunately did not result in any injury. The Kala Academy officials have begun the structural assessment and safety inspection under the supervision of engineers and safety officials. The premier []
GCCI: India-UK FTA will benefit Goa in tourism, feni exports
Duty-free exports of marine products to benefit local fisheries sector Panaji: India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is likely to significantly enhance trade and investment opportunities between India and the UK and has benefits for Goa in tourism, feni exports, and sectors such as fisheries and IT services, said the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry []
Tourism dept to appoint agency for digital influencer campaign
Panaji: The Tourism Department will soon appoint an agency to prepare a comprehensive annual key influencer programme for Goa Tourism. The move is aimed at building a strong audience community and to aggressively promote and market Brand Goa in both the international and national markets. Accordingly, the department has proposed to enhance its visibility and []
776 TB patients under treatment at govt hospitals, says Rane
Panaji: Goa currently has 776 tuberculosis (TB) patients on treatment at government hospitals, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed in a written reply to the Goa Legislative Assembly. The constituency of Cortalim has the highest number of TB patients on treatment, with 56, followed by Vasco, which has 55 patients. To control and eliminate TB in []
Goa Assembly passes bill to extend daily factory work hours to 10, cites 'Ease of Doing Business
PANAJI: The Goa legislative assembly has passed a bill to raise the daily work hour limit in factories from nine to ten to facilitate the 'Ease of Doing Business'. The assembly on Thursday night passed the bill seeking to amend provisions of the Factories Act, to extend daily working hours in factories and increase the permissible limit for overtime work. The Factories (Goa Amendment) Bill was tabled by the State Factories and Boilers Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Thursday during the ongoing monsoon session of the House. Through the bill, the government plans to amend section 54 of the Central Act, as applicable to Goa, and enhance the daily limit of working hours for adult workers from the existing nine to ten. It also seeks to amend Section 65 of the Act to raise the maximum overtime permitted in a quarter from 125 to 144 hours. The statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill said that the proposed amendments were aimed at facilitating the Ease of Doing Business by reforming and simplifying regulatory frameworks. The amendments will provide greater flexibility in factory operations and align with evolving industrial needs while ensuring compliance with statutory safeguards, according to the Bill. The government has clarified that the proposed changes do not entail any financial implications. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the House that the Bill would be referred to the President for assent before it takes effect as law.
Tonca vet hosp sees 80 pets daily, recovery rate at 90%
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The Government Veterinary Hospital at Tonca is successfully handling between 60 and 80 pet cases daily, with an 80-90 per cent recovery rate achieved through consistent follow-up, said an official at the hospital. Most of the cases we receive respond well to treatment and show good recovery with regular check-ups, said []
Will stop Ro-Ro services on Chorao route if pyat, MLA want: Phal Dessai
NT Reporter Panaji River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, on Monday, said that the government will stop the roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferryboat services on the Chorao-Ribandar route, if the local panchayat representatives and the MLA give a representation to him that the earlier services of conventional ferryboats were better. Ro-Ro ferries are a new technology []
CM feels Goa needs anti-conversion law
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said there was a need to bring an anti-conversion law against forceful religious conversions. Sawants statement comes in the wake of Uttar Pradesh police recently busting a large-scale illegal religious conversion racket and arresting 10 individuals, including one from Goa. Speaking on the floor of the []
CM assures help to Goan youth detained in US
NT Reporter Panaji Stating that there are ample employment opportunities for youth in Goa as well as in other parts of India, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured to look into the issue of detention of Goan youth in US jails due to visa and documentation issues. Sawant was responding to the issue raised []
Govt hikes pay of daily wage workers with 7 yrs of service
NT Reporter Panaji In a major relief to 3,000 plus daily wage workers working in government departments, semi-government bodies, corporations as well as municipalities, the state government has decided to formulate a new scheme to grant temporary status to daily wage workers, who have completed seven years of service. With this new scheme, the government []
SC orders status quo on land changes affecting 42 lakh sq mt of land in Goa
NT Reporter Panaji In a blow to the state government, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a request to stay two judgments of the High Court of Bombay at Goa concerning Section 17(2) zone conversions and ODPs of Calangute-Candolim, Arpora, Nagoa and Parra, and directed that status quo be maintained. The apex court bench comprising []
PWD comes under fire over fund underuse, poor road work
NT Reporter Panaji The Public Works Department came under sharp criticism during the budget discussion in the State Legislative Assembly, as opposition and ruling MLAs flagged chronic underutilisation of funds and deteriorating road infrastructure across the state. Opposition MLA Viresh Borkar cited consistent patterns of underutilised budgets by the department. From 2022-23, PWD has saved []
`58.19 cr recovered from ineligible DSSS beneficiaries: Phal Dessai
NT Reporter Panaji The Data Analytical Cell of the Finance Department has been tasked with identifying Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) beneficiaries engaged in business activities, said Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai in the state legislative assembly, on Monday. Responding to a question raised by MLA Viresh Borkar, Phal Dessai said, The department also []
Stray dog menace despite budgetary provision to dept
NT Reporter Panaji BJP MLAs Krishna Salkar and Michael Lobo raised the issue of the growing stray dog menace in the state, urging the government to act swiftly. Vasco MLA Salkar said residents were living in fear of dog bites. Its scary to even walk on the roads. We urgently need regular sterilisation camps in []
Cleanliness: Panaji stands firstin 20-50k population category
NT Reporter Panaji In a major achievement, the Capital City of Panaji has been ranked first in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 in the category of small cities having a population of 20,000-50,000. Also, Sankhali was conferred with the State-Level Award for being Promising Swachh Shehar, at the Swachh Survekshan Awards. The capital city has scored the []
Govt renews ban on new permits for rental vehicles
NT Reporter Panaji The transport department has issued a fresh notification placing a ban on new permits under the rent-a-cab scheme, 1989, effective since February24,2025 citing concerns over road safety and increasing congestion on Goas roads. This is not the first time such a freeze has been imposed. Authorities first initiated a ban on the []
GU paper leak: Panel submits report to govt
Special Correspondent Panaji The four-member fact-finding committee headed by the retired High Court judge RMS Khandeparkar appointed to probe the paper leak case at Goa University has submitted its report to the state government. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the panel has submitted its findings and stated that the report has been forwarded to []
Expert committee formed to look into land use in Goa
NT Reporter Panaji The state government has formed an expert committee, headed by senior advocate Ramchandra Ramani, to examine and recommend policy measures for the sustainable use and management of land resources in the state. The panel will also assess the impact of various developmental and other activities on non-government land. As per the terms []
Scheme to collect hidden gems from local languages
NT Reporter Panaji The official language directorate has launched the Lokbhasha Sangrah Yojana, a scheme aimed at collecting, coining, and preserving words, phrases, and expressionsespecially those that are extinct or on the verge of extinctionto ensure their continued use by future generations. A notification has said that it has been noticed that there are terms []
Goa pushes for better access to Europe
NT Reporter Panaji With the aim of having a greater say in international air transport treaties, Goa has asked to be included in all future bilateral Air Service Agreements (ASA) of the aviation ministry. Participation in ASA negotiations will boost direct long-haul flights to the state and also improve access to markets like Europe and []
State govt raises paddy assured price to Rs 25 per kg, ties it to Centres MSP
NT Reporter Panaji The state government on Thursday raised the assured price of paddy by Rs 2 per kg, to Rs 25 per kg, to addressthe burden of higher labour and other input costs faced by farmers. The assuredprice was previously Rs 22 per kg and was last revised in July 2023. The assured price []
AAP opposes bill to regularise illegal structures on comunidade land
NT Reporter Panaji Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva strongly objected to the proposed bill to regularise illegal structures on comunidade land. The comunidade is the owner of comunidade land. If somebody comes and constructs something on comunidade land, how can you legalise it? As per law, you cannot regularise these []
HC: Suspended PWD employee entitled to subsistence allowance
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has ruled that subsistence allowance paid to a suspended employee is a right, not a bounty, and ordered the Public Works Department (PWD) to pay the pending dues. The court was hearing a petition filed by Shankar Chandrakant Gawas of Coparde, Sattari, who sought directions []
Spotlight shines on ocean research and coastal security institutions
NT Reporter Panaji The crucial role of scientific research institutions and coastal security agencies in understanding and protecting the countrys marine and polar ecosystems was highlighted during a day-long workshop for media persons, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Goa at Old Goa on Thursday. The workshop, themed Know the Oceans around Us, was []
India eyeing energy independence through gas hydrate technology, says NIO scientist
NT Reporter Panaji India is banking on the development of gas hydrate extraction technology to reduce its dependence on oil and gas imports, said Dr Pawan Devangan, Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). India currently imports around 85 per cent of its oil and gas needs. However, vast gas hydrate deposits []
Tenanted farmland can be used only for farming: SC
Dismisses petition filed by Tivim comunidade Panaji: The Supreme Court has said that tenanted agricultural land can only be used for farming purposes as mandated by law. It dismissed a petition filed by the Comunidade of Tivim, which challenged the High Courts order denying permission to allow tenants of farmlands to use it for non-agricultural []
672 digital platforms, 936 SIM cards blocked
Cybercrime polices crackdown targets various illegal activities Panaji: In a concerted effort to curb online crimes such as cyber fraud, fake resort scams, gambling and prostitution, the cybercrime police have blocked 672 digital platforms and 936 mobile numbers over nine months. Between October 2024 and July 2025, a total of 672 websites, social media profiles, []
Dont breach limit on industrial plot allotment for special projects
Panaji : Goan industry is opposing any further allotment of land to special category projects in industrial estates once the internal cap is reached. Industry representative bodies the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) and the Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) said that Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) must go by the []
GCZMAs stop-work order against Bambolim retaining wall withdrawn
Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has withdrawn the stop work order and dropped the April 15 show cause notice issued to a star hotel in Bambolim over the construction of a retaining wall. The authority said that it lacked jurisdiction to revisit or revoke its earlier decision and said that the construction []
HC seeks urgent action on Fatorda sewage spill into Sal
Court takes cognisance of Navhind Times report, seeks suggestions Panaji : The High Court of Bombay at Goa has taken on record a news report published in The Navhind Times on June 26, titled Sewage from blocked chamber in Fatorda flows into River Sal, farmers threaten agitation. Advocates Gauravvardhan Nadkarni and Neha Shirodkar, amicus curiae, []
Study finds steep decline in Goas forest health
Moist deciduous forests drop to 22.64% in 2022 Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Scientists have mapped the troubling forest structure dynamics in Goa, revealing a steep decline in forest health in a study. They have called for an urgent need for ecological safeguards. The study used over five decades (1973-2022) of satellite data and spatial modelling []
Quiet revolution of Prabhakar Bhide
In an age of shrinking attention spans and rising superficiality, he stands out as a cultural anchor building ecosystems while others lament their absence The cultural identity of Panaji, post-liberation, has been quietly shaped by three iconic Bs in the world of booksBhate, Bidaye, and Bhide. Among them, Prabhakar Dattatray Bhide has played a singular, []
CM favours app-based taxi bookings for safety
NT Reporter Panaji Citing a recent incident of assault and carjacking of a taxi driver in North Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said the government is actively exploring technology-driven reforms to enhance safety, accountability and traceability in the states taxi sector, which has long been criticised for a lack of regulation and digital []
Utilise mineral fund inaffected villages keysectors, Centre to states
NT Reporter Panaji The central mines ministry has directed all the states to focus on utilising money collected under the District Mineral Fund (DMF) in five key areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture, basic infrastructure and social development in the mining-affected villages. Under health and nutrition, the fund must be spent on healthcare and []
Goas tax disputes stand at 390, most cases of govt depts
NT Reporter Panaji Withan increasing number of Goans aggrieved by orders passed by the central income tax authority, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has pegged Goas standing tax disputes at 390 cases presently. Vice-president of ITAT, Delhi, Mahavir Singh said on Friday that majority of the disputed tax cases in the state are []
Government to tweak laws to push states tourism sector
NT Reporter Panaji To give a push to tourism in the state and flourish the sector following issues raised by stakeholders of hurdles encountered in conducting businesses in the coastal belt, the state government has decided to amend laws and tweak rules during the upcoming assembly session so as to provide ease of doing business. []
Goa varsity orders probe into indecent act at cultural event
Special Correspondent Panaji Goa University has ordered an internal inquiry with regard to an incident wherein male students of the university were allegedly made to parade in their underwear during a cultural fest Frolic on the varsity campus. Sources in the university said the matter will also be placed before the Goa University Executive Council []
Cong Adivasi wing seeks Presidential probe into tribal atrocities in state
NT Reporter Panaji The Adivasi wing of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has submitted a memorandum to the President Droupadi Murmu demanding a Presidential inquiry commission to investigate tribal atrocities, land dispossession, and misuse of laws in Goa. They have also demanded a directive to the Election Commission of India for implementing political reservation []
Four new labour codes designed to favour corporates: AITUC
NT Reporter Panaji Members of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and affiliated unions in Goa staged a rally at Azad Maidan, Panaji, on Tuesday in support of a nationwide protest called by central trade unions and farmers organisations. The protest was held against what they termed anti-labour and anti-farmer policies pursued by both []
Over harvesting pushing wild mushrooms to brink biodiversity board
NT Reporter Panaji Over the past 30 years, the Western Ghats home to 3540 species of Termitomyces mushrooms have witnessed a sharp decline in wild mushroom diversity due to overexploitation. Only 57 local species are now seen in the market, down from 12 previously marketed, the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) said on []
Govt plans to undertake audit of 137 public Wi-Fi hotspots in Goa
NT Reporter Panaji With public hotspotsnecessary for last-mile delivery of broadband services to consumers, the state government is planning to undertake audit of all the Wi-Fi hotspots in operation. Presently there are 137 public hotspots in Goa, for which the department ofIT, electronics & communication, has floated a request for financial quotation from suitable []
Govt to bring bill soon to ban Pitbull, Rottweiler dog breeds
NT Reporter Panaji The state government will introduce a bill soon to ban ferocious dog breeds Pitbull and Rottweiler, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. Stating that the bill will be brought in the upcoming monsoon session of the assembly, scheduled to commence on July 21, Sawant said the cabinet has given its nod []
Malabar tree toads future uncertain
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji The Malabar tree toad, an endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats, is facing significant habitat loss and potential population decline due to deforestation and climate change. A study published in Scientific Reports by Nature indicates that even the existing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries may not be sufficient to shield []
Oppn MLAs walk out of BACmeet, allege voices not heard
NT Reporter Panaji Staging a dramatic walkout from the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meet on Tuesday, Opposition MLAs alleged that the Speaker of Goa legislative assembly, who chaired the meeting, did not listen to their demands. Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, however, denied that a walkout was staged by the opposition legislators. The BAC meeting was convened []
Goa among top 3 in telephone density
Shoma Patnaik Panaji Goa is among the top three states and Union territories in the country in tele-density with 157% of the population owning phones, which indicates that Goans have multiple telephone connections. According to Indian Telecom Services Yearly Performance Report 2024-25, released on Tuesday, Goa, despite its small size and population, surpasses large states []
Goas Nadia Aslam Wins Asia Cake Artist of the Year 2025
Panaji, Goa: In a proud moment for India and especially Goa, Nadia Aslam, founder of Nadias Sweetooth Studio, was awarded the Cake Artist of the Year at the Asia Cake Oscars 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The prestigious event was hosted at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel by the Sri Lanka Institute of Confectionery and Culinary [] The post Goas Nadia Aslam Wins Asia Cake Artist of the Year 2025 first appeared on .
Goa relaunches unified online scholarship portal for students
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday relaunched the Chief Minister Scholarship Portalan integrated online platform bringing all state and central government scholarship schemes under one roof. The portal, developed by the Department of Social Welfare, allows students to apply for pre-matric, post-matric, and other scholarships in a streamlined, single-window system. Students and institutions can []
Widows with children below 21 to get Rs 4,000 monthly dole
Govt combines aid under two welfare schemes Panaji: The state government has introduced financial aid of Rs 4,000 per month for widows whose youngest child is under the age of 21. This initiative is part of the Dayanand Social Security scheme, which combines existing benefits to provide much-needed relief to mothers raising young children after []
Positive news: Goa sees only ten dengue cases in June
Panaji: With extensive source reduction drives, house-to-house visits and tracking of fever cases, Goa has seen only 10 confirmed cases of dengue in June this year as against 60 confirmed cases in the same month of last year. All 10 cases have been reported in North Goa, while not a single case has been reported []
Siddhakala Dance institutions celebrate annual day
Siddhakala Dance institutions celebrated their annual day recently at Kala Academy, Panaji. The main attraction of this day was Nritya Brahmand program in which 250 girls from various centres of the Siddhakala presented Bhartnatyam and dances on festivals like Ganesh chaturthi, Navratri,Diwali in addition to fisher folk, Lavni and bollywood dances. Dances were choreographed by []
Minister's removal from Goa cabinet: Opposition hits out at government over 'corruption'
PANAJI: The opposition parties in Goa have targeted the Pramod Sawant government over alleged corruption after the removal of Art and Culture minister Govind Gaude from the state cabinet. Gaude was on Wednesday dropped from the state cabinet, almost a month after he alleged corruption in the tribal welfare department headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The notification issued by state Under Secretary (General Administration) Shreyas DSilva did not mention the official reason for his sacking. Speaking to reporters late Wednesday evening, Goa Congress chief Amit Patkar claimed several ministers in Sawant-led cabinet were involved in corruption and needed to be removed. AAP Goa president Amit Palekar in a post on his X handle welcomed Gaude's removal and claimed his party, with the help of people of the state, will bring down the Sawant government. Goa Forward Party head Vijai Sardesai said the minister was never removed in the past when there were allegations of corruption against him. But, now when he raised allegations of corruption in the tribal department, the government acted against him, Sardesai said. After his removal on Wednesday, Gaude called the decision a eward for standing up for the downtrodden communities.
Goa minister dropped from Cabinet after alleging corruption in CMs department
PANAJI: Goa Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude was on Wednesday dropped from the state cabinet, almost a month after he alleged corruption in the tribal welfare department headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Gaude called the decision a reward for him on Goa Revolution Day, which is celebrated on June 18 every year. BJP Goa unit president Damodar Naik confirmed to PTI that Gaude was removed from the council of ministers. State Under Secretary (General Administration) Shreyas D'Silva said that the Governor of Goa had accepted the recommendation by the CM, following which Gaude ceased to be a member of the council of ministers with immediate effect. Naik, however, didnt mention the official reason for sacking the minister. This is a decision of the state government, he said without elaborating. CM Sawant was not available for comments. Reacting to the development, Gaude tweeted, I have been rewarded this fate on the Goa Revolution Day for standing up for the downtrodden communities. Gratitude to my government and the party for liberating me to continue the struggle that I voiced for. Addressing a state-level function on May 26, Gaude had dubbed the state tribal welfare department inefficient and claimed its officers were taking bribes to sign files, drawing a sharp reaction from the BJP, which warned of action. Latching on to Gaude's claims, Congress had demanded that Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai sack the state government for rampant corruption. The 53-year-old MLA from the Priol assembly segment in North Goa took oath in March 2022, after the BJP won the state elections. Gaude had also served as a minister in the Sawant-led cabinet from 2019 to 22.
Marking 80th anniv of defiance
In Panaji, protestors gathered outside the police station, demanding Lohias release. Police used belts to beat the crowd, injuring several people. On June 20, Lohia was released This year marks the 80th anniversary or seventy-nine years since June 18, 1946a moment that catalysed Goas long path to liberation. It was the starting point of the []
The Kingfisher Villa, a public image of the 'King of Good Times', is a luxurious property spread across 3 acres with over 12000 square feet of built-up space. The villa is situated just 20 km from Goa's capital, Panaji.
Goa Volleyball gets interim nod to vote in national federation polls
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has allowed the Goa Volleyball Association (GVA) to participate in the upcoming elections of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI), scheduled for June 7, 2025. The GVA will vote through its officially recorded office-bearers listed in Schedule-I. The petition was urgently moved following the VFIs []
Stalemate on Govind Gaudes fate continues
Report on meet between Damu and minister to be sent to central leaders Special Correspondent Panaji: The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has now placed the matter as regards possible action against Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude before the central leadership of the party. Gaude had made a scathing attack on []
Mauvin nudges reluctant cabbies to embrace aggregator policy
Technology must for tourism business: Khaunte Panaji: Nudging the reluctant taximen towards embracing app-based taxi operations, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said the government has given stakeholders a one-month window to submit feedback to the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. This is just a draft notification reflecting our intentionwere not imposing anything yet, Godinho []
BJP targets Congress as Kharges photo left out of Goa Statehood Day poster
Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Goa Congress. The reason was the omission of Mallikarjun Kharge's photo. The photo was absent from a Statehood Day poster. The event occurred in Panaji on May 30. BJP called it a deliberate snub to the Dalit leader. Congress defended it as unintentional. They cited other posters with Kharge's image.
CM urges youth to help make Goa viksit by 2037
Felicitates iconic Goan brands on 39th Statehood Day Panaji: Calling upon every Goan, especially the youth, to contribute towards the states progress by 2037, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said we can make Goem Viksit if we put in extra effort. Speaking during the 39th Goa Statehood Day celebration held at the Dinanath Mangeshkar []
Senior BJP leaders want action against Gaude
Special Correspondent Panaji: There are strong indications that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may initiate action against Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude following his recent controversial statement alleging corruption in the department of tribal welfare held by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant himself. According to highly placed party sources, the state unit of BJP []
At 99.72% rate, state declared fully literate
Panaji: Goa was declared a fully literate state under the Union governments ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) New India Literacy Programme on the occasion of the 39th Goa Statehood Day on Friday, after achieving a literacy rate of 99.72%. The announcement was made by Archana Awasthi, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry []
9 additional wetlands approved for notification, total rises to 34
Panaji: The Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) has approved the final notification of nine additional wetlands under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. With this, the total number of wetlands officially notified in Goa rises to 34. The nine wetlands approved for final notification are Dhakte Lake (Diuler Tollem), Ita Lake, Orlim Lake, Vodle []
Goa temple stampede: Committee blames admin, police, crowd
Panaji: A committee which conducted an inquiry into the stampede at a temple in Goa has held the district administration, police, temple committee and the crowd behaviour collectively responsible for the tragedy. Six persons died and more than a hundred others were injured after a stampede broke out during an annual festival at Shree Devi Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rs 2.63 cr cryp to fraud: Gujarat man arrested for duping senior citizen
Staff Reporter Panaji The state cyber crime police have arrested a 39-year-old Gujarat native, Ramesh Kumar Yadav, in connection with the cryptocurrency fraud in which a senior citizen from Bardez lost hislifetime savings of overRs 2.63 crore. During the investigation, cyber police conducted financial analysis and traced Yadav, a resident of Amraiwadi in Ahmedabad. A []
Govt resolves confusion over town planner post with fresh appointments
Staff Reporter Panaji Days after two officers were appointed to the same crucial position of Chief Town Planner (Planning) in the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, the government on Thursday issued a fresh order to clarify the situation. In the order issued by the Personnel Department, Senior Town Planner R K Pandita has been []
Dengue cases: Only 6 reportedin April compared to 19 last year
Staff Reporter Panaji The state reported six confirmed cases of dengue in April this year as against 19 confirmed cases during the same month, last year. All the six confirmed cases reported are in North Goa two in Mapusa, while one each in Pernem, Candolim, Aldona and Siolim. South Goa did not see any []
Bribery case: HC grants conditional bail to suspended PI, constable
Staff Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted conditional bail to suspended police inspector (PI) Sunil Gudlar and head constable (HC) Mohammad Hussen Harihar, both of whom were arrested in a bribery case by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Directorate of Vigilance. Earlier, the District and Sessions Court, South Goa, []
Goa to boost recycling by connecting homesto local kabadiwalas via new tech platform
Staff Reporter Panaji In a bid to boost recycling and reduce waste, Goa is set to get a tech-driven push with the launch of The Kabadiwala a digital platform aimed at connecting households directly with local kabadiwalas for responsible recovery of dry recyclable materials. Goa generates a significant volume of dry waste every day, []
Goa temple stampede: condition of 3 injured victims improves
Panaji: Three out of the five persons who were seriously injured in a stampede in North Goa district showed signs of improvement on Sunday, a hospital official said. The death toll in Saturdays tragedy during the Shree Lairai Devi temple festival at Shirgao village remained unchanged at six. A total of 14 patients were admitted Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
6 killed, over 70 injured in pre-dawn stampede at temple festival in Goa
Panaji: Six persons including two women were killed and more than 70 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival at a village in North Goa district in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said. The Goa government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy at Shirgao village, and also transferred five Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
North Goa temple stampede: Collector, SP shunted out
PANAJI: Hours after six devotees lost their lives in a stampede during a temple festival in Goa, the state government on Saturday ordered the transfer of five senior officials, including the North Goa collector and the superintendent of police. In order to ensure free and fair inquiry, the government has transferred District Collector Sneha Gitte, Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bicholim) Jivba Dalvi, Deputy Collector (Bicholim) Bhimnath Khorjuvekar and Police Inspector Dinesh Gadekar with immediate effect, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters. Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Sawant said a fact-finding committee, headed by State Revenue Secretary Sandeep Jacques and comprising senior police officer Varma Sharma, Parimal Abhishekh, State Director of Transport, and Tikam Singh Varma, SP, South Goa, as its members has been constituted. Sawant said the panel will visit the stampede site at Shirgao village and prepare a report after speaking with all the concerned persons, including the Superintendent of Police, Collector, and officials of Fire and Emergency Services. The committee will submit its report by Sunday morning. Sawant said the death toll remains six. Injured people were admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital and five of them are on the ventilator, while eight persons are undergoing treatment in North Goa District Hospital.
Goa Stampede: CM Sawant Orders Magisterial Inquiry After 6 People Killed At Temple Festival
The incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, about 40 km from Panaji.
6 killed, 30 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival
At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.
6 dead, over 15 injured in stampede at Lairai Devi temple in Goa
PANAJI: At least six persons were killed, and several sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival in North Goa, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village in the wee hours of the day, a senior police officer said. Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka had gathered at the temple for the festival, he said, adding that the exact cause of the stampede would be ascertained after a probe. At least six persons were killed in the stampede, and several devotees have sustained injuries, officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said at least 30 people sustained injuries, of which eight are in critical condition and two were referred to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim. Eight injured persons were admitted at the district hospital, while 10 were treated for minor injuries, he added. Rane said the health department has taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We coordinated with the 108 ambulance service, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site immediately after the incident, while three more are stationed at the North Goa district hospital, he said. Rane said additional doctors were roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators was set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring each patient, he said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also visited the injured at the North Goa district hospital. Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken. Prime Minister Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time, Sawant later posted on X. VIDEO | Goa CM Pramod Sawant ( @DrPramodPSawant ) visited North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa to meet the injured as several people have been feared dead and injured in a stampede at a temple festival in Shirgao village last night. (Source: Third Party) #Goa pic.twitter.com/DjA0G4mYNA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2025
