MESSAGE
MY DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS.
On this joyous occasion of Goa Statehood day, I extend my heartiest greetings and warm wishes to the people of Goa.
2. It was on 30th May, 35 years ago, that Goa transformed from a Union Territory to a State of the Indian Union. The long and arduous journey towards Statehood began with the Opinion Poll in 1967, wherein it was decided to maintain Goa as a separate and distinct entity. On this happy occasion, let us remember with gratitude all the leaders, intellectuals and the people of Goa who have contributed towards the achievement or Statehood, which is a very important milestone in the political history of the State.
3. The past one year has been dominated by the prevalence of Covid – 19 pandemic. In mid 2021, we witnessed the devastating second wave and the milder third wave in early 2022. However, we were able to successfully fight the Corona virus because we were able to indigenously manufacture effective vaccines and carry out the largest vaccination programme in the world. Today we are inching towards 2 billion mark of vaccinations in the country. The world looks at India with admiration. We have been able to fulfil the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister for Atmanirbhar Bharat. The vaccination programme has helped the economy of our country to recover quickly. In short, the Covid Pandemic has helped us emerge as a stronger and resilient nation in the face of adversity. In Goa, I am very happy to state that all the eligible population of Goa have been fully vaccinated including booster doses for people above 60 years. On this occasion, I would like to salute all the doctors, frontline and health care workers for their remarkable service towards protecting people against the pandemic.
4. I am happy to state that the Election Commission has conducted Assembly Elections 2022 in a peaceful, transparent and safe manner by following all the COVID protocols. There was no untoward incident during the election. I would like to commend the Election Commission and the State Administration for the successful completion of the Goa State Assembly Elections.
5. In infrastructure development, I am happy to state that the prestigious international airport at Mopa is scheduled to be completed by August, 2022 at a cost of Rs.2615 crore. The six lanes express highway from NH66 to the airport covering a distance of 6.5 kms and involving cost of Rs.769 crores is under construction. The Aviation Skilled Development Centre is fully functional and the youth of Goa, I am sure will be able to tap this huge potential for job opportunities. Another prestigious project is Zuari Bridge costing Rs.2530 crores which is progressing rapidly. It is expected that one of four lanes will be thrown open to the public by end of next month. It is also proposed to build two Observatory Towers on Zuari bridge at no cost of the Government but will earn revenue to the State as a major tourist attraction. Besides, four laning of NH66 from Karaswada to Bambolim at a cost of Rs.1672 crores has been completed. Several other road projects have been completed and the works of many water supply and sewerage projects are in brisk progress.
6. I would like to make special mention of the fact that the work of new Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan which had started more than 3 years ago has been successfully completed and inaugurated at the hands of the Hon’ble Vice President of India last March. This new Durbar Hall with a capacity of 800 will help Raj Bhavan to conduct many of its big events and save lot of expenditure that earlier had to be incurred for major events.
7. The State Government has launched Swayampurna Goa in October, 2020 with a vision to make Goa self-reliant. Under Swayampurna Goa 1.0, 1800 programmes have been organised benefitting more than 40,000 beneficiaries. Under this programme, all State Government and Central Government schemes have been taken to the doorstep of the common man. Recently, the State Government has launched Swayampurna Goa 2.0 with a vision to generate employment by developing skills and encouraging budding young talented entrepreneurs to take up start-ups in the field of IT.
8. Goa is renowned for its communal harmony. The extra ordinary beauty and tranquillity of the State, vibrant culture, hospitality of the people, abundant flora and fauna and rich bio-diversity have contributed to the growth of tourism in the State. Goa is renowned as top tourist destination in the world. Though the tourism industry suffered in COVID pandemic, it is gradually recovering and I am confident that the tourism industry has a bright future.
9. I once again extend my cordial greetings and good wishes to all my Sisters and Brothers of Goa on this happy occasion of Goa Statehood Day.
Let us all pledge to work wholeheartedly to realize the vision of Golden Goa.
JAI HIND.
