Taleigao: Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant informed that Goa becomes the only State in our country with 100% ISO-certified Skill Development Department. He stated this during the State-level Goa Liberation Day celebrations at Goa University Ground in Taleigao. He shared that the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (DSDE) headquarters has achieved ISO Quality Management System (QMS) 9001:2015 certification, and 10 Government ITIs have been awarded the ISO Educational Organization Management certification by the Indian Register of Quality Systems (IRQS).
Dr. Sawant honouring the sacrifices made by freedom fighters such as Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Mohan Ranade, and others, who relentlessly fought for Goa’s independence said that sixty-three years after that pivotal moment, Goa has evolved into a State of progress and unity, overcoming the legacy of colonial exploitation. To acknowledge these sacrifices, the State government has presented Certificates of Honour and a Rs. 10 lakh grant to 15 martyr families.
The Chief Minister highlighted several key achievements of the government, including the launch of the CM Helpline- for responsive governance, the inauguration of the state-of-the-art District & Sessions Court in North Goa, and major infrastructure projects like the Mopa Link Road and the new Mopa airport, which are expected to boost the State’s economy.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment for sustainable development and environmental responsibility, focusing on renewable and green energy projects. The CM also assured the people of Goa that efforts to resume mining in a sustainable manner will continue, with an emphasis on environmental protection and restoring livelihoods. Goa has been a pioneer in many areas, such as adopting a Dual citizenship, implementing the National Education Policy 2020, and being a model State for Direct Benefit Transfer.
The government is also working to protect the rights of the people over the waters of the Mhadei River, taking proper steps through the concerned authority. He said, government has made significant progress in women empowerment by fostering educational and social initiatives.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized that programs like the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have been instrumental in helping women form Self-Help Groups. These efforts have empowered women to engage in self-employment and skill-based work, leading to enhanced incomes and greater financial independence, the Chief Minister stated.
The Chief Minister urged the people of Goa to commit to achieve 100% literacy, empowering every child with education, promoting sustainable tourism, supporting green energy and climate resilience initiatives, and strengthening social harmony to make Goa a land of unity and peace. He also emphasized that the vision of a “Developed India 2047” will be achieved by transforming Goa into a “Developed Goa” by 2037, a decade ahead of schedule.
During the event, the Chief Minister awarded several individuals for their meritorious services. Shri Sudesh Nalk, Dy. Supdt. Of Police, was presented with the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Other awardees included Shri Pramod Kusta Saraf, Assistance Section Leader (HG), Bicholim; Smt Varsha Nagesh Nagoji, Lady Home Guard Volunteer, Panaji; Shri Pralhad Anand Mayenkar, Civil Defence Volunteer, Panaji; and Shri Vijay Mohan Surlikar, Post Warden, Panaji, who received the President’s Home Guard & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service.
The Chief Minister also awarded CM Police (Gold) Medals for Meritorious Service to several police officers and Fire Service, Home Guard and Civil Defence Medals, along with the CM Bravery Award and Krishi Vibhushan and Krishi Bhushan Awards. Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the a parade and march past as part of the celebrations.
The results of the march past were also announced, with Shri Shantadurga High School, Bicholim, winning the first prize. The second prize was awarded to Shri Bhumika High School, Parye, Sattari, while Shri Saraswat Vidyalaya High School, Mapusa, received the third prize.
The function was attended by Minister for Power Shri Ramkrishna alias Sudhin Dhavlikar; Minister for Revenue Shri Atanasio Monserrate; MLA Shri Rudolf Fernandes; Chief Secretary ,Dr. V. Candavelou, (IAS); Director-General of Police (DGP), Goa, Shri Alok Kumar, (IPS); Secretary, Shri Ramesh Verma (IAS); Secretary Protocol, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues; Dr. Sneha Gitte, IAS, North Goa Collector; and other officials.
