log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 2025 Facebook.com/thegoan 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 208 20 09 Last date for submission of bids: Plots available on e-auction 17.01.2025 Register now! https://eauction.gov.in Scan to download auction documents PERMITTED INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES Manufacturing IT / ITeS Research & Development Automobile Servicing Instagram.com/thegoanonline FC GOA AND NORTHEAST UNITED FC SHARE SPOILS IN 1-1 DRAW  >> 12 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT! OPPORTUNITIES Industrial Commercial The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) E-Auction of Prime Industrial and Commercial Plots CORPORATE OFFICE: Plot No. 13A-2, EDC Complex Patto Plaza, Panjim - Goa. 403 001 Logistics & Warehousing idc.goa.gov.in goaidc1965@gmail.com 91-832-2437470 to 73 Audit delays, failures cost p’yats over 50% of funds The failure of panchayats to consistently submit audited accounts and utilization certificates, coupled with delays in constituting the State Finance Commission, has resulted in Goa’s 191 local village bodies losing nearly 52% of the total funds allocated under the 13th, 14th, and 15th Finance Commissions. As per the data available from the Union Ministry for Panchayati Raj, of the total Rs 593.31 cr allocation made towards panchayat in last one and half decade -- from 20102026- comprising of three Finance Commissions -- only Rs 290.7 cr were released to the State as on December 2024. Under the 15th Finance Com- >> pg 6 Makar Sankranti: A celebration of traditions and commerce IN SHORT >> Porvorim flyover work in fast lane MAPUSA: Amid ongoing challenges faced by motorists and residents navigating the Porvorim stretch of the National Highway-66, construction work on the six-lane elevated corridor has gained momentum. The contractor is expected to commence the launch of pre-stressed concrete segments by the end of this month.  >> See pg 3 Excise official found dead in his office PANAJI: A 52-year-old excise official allegedly committed suicide in the office premises. According to the Panaji police, the deceased identified as Rosarinho Fernandes was found hanging in the office godown on Tuesday afternoon. Recommendations for Goa: Monitor grants, develop accounting software PANAJI: The Third Goa’s State Finance Commission, in its report submitted in February, last year, had recommended that the State may appoint the High Level Committee to monitor the fund flow of Central Finance Commission grants and its timely utilization and submission of utilization certificate. It also suggested that the State Government may develop customized Accounting Software for real time monitoring of Accounts/expenditure of the local bodies. mission, an amount of Rs 61 cr is allocated for the State for the upcoming financial year 2025-26. The finance commission stipulated that 90 per cent of the grants would be basic grants and 10 per cent be per- formance grants (applicable from 2016-17). The grants provided were intended for supporting delivery of important basic services including water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and solid waste management, storm water drainage, maintenance of community assets, maintenance of roads, footpaths and street lighting, burial and cremation grounds and any other basic service within the functions assigned to panchayats under relevant legislations. As per the data, under 15th finance commission (20202026), the Centre has so far released only 50 per cent of the grants that is Rs 154.23 cr as against the actual allocation of Rs 368 cr. What is interesting to note is that the State is yet to receive any grants for the financial year 2023-24 and 2024-25, despite an allocation of Rs 58 cr and Rs 62 cr respectively during that fiscal. Centre released Rs 75 cr to the State as tied and untied funds to the panchayat bodies in 2020-21 and another Rs 55 cr Maha Kumbh could be mela of introspection for tourism UP WENT DIGITAL MUCH BEFORE THE START THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a tale of two grand spiritual events, Goa’s decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics and Uttar Pradesh’s Maha Kumbh Mela, both highlight deep religious significance and align with major festival dates – SFX Feast on December 3 and Makar Sankranti on January 14 respectively. Yet, while Uttar Pradesh has leveraged digital platforms to global acclaim even before the Maha Kumbh’s beginning, Goa seems to have missed the moment. On the opening day of the Maha Kumbh on Monday, an estimated 1.5 crore devotees thronged the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for a holy dip. Over the event’s 45day span, 45 crore visitors are expected, making it the largest religious congregation. The scale is matched by the event’s digital presence with the UP government setting up dedicated social media platforms to share live updates, organize interactive engage- SOCIAL MEDIA A GAME-CHANGER PANAJI he swift response of the North Goa police in rescuing Head Constable Tukaram Shirodkar from a perilous situation atop Atal Setu has yet again cast a harsh light on a simmering issue that’s too often ignored -- the fragile mental health of the police force. While senior officers intervened in time to save Shirodkar, who attempted self-harm allegedly due to harassment by immediate superiors, many insiders are now questioning how deeply the force understands and addresses psychological well-being within its ranks. T Workers Hostels Shopping Complexes Petrol Pumps / EV Charging Stations Strategic Location Seamless Connectivity Robust Infrastructure High Literacy & Per Capita Income THE GOAN I NETWORK in 2021-22. In 2022-23, of the total allocated Rs 57 cr, only Rs 24.23 cr were released to the State as on December 2024. The second instalment of that year, an amount of Rs 9 cr, was released in the first week of December, last month. State managed to get the maximum during the 14th finance commission. Of the total allocation of Rs 133.76 cr towards rural local bodies, Rs 125.98 crore were released between 2015-20. The performance during the 13th finance commission (2010-15) remained very poor, with only 10 per cent of the funds being released that is Rs 10.49 cr of the total 91.55 cr earmarked. Highly placed sources confirm that there are >Continued on P5 PANAJI Marred with allegations over unfair and unregulated tourist taxi business in the coastal State, the Goa Tourism Board, chaired by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday decided to regulate the taxi fares at the airports, railways and cruise terminals, ensuring uniform pricing. The Board also decided to introduce a single-window clearance system in a bid to streamline and expedite various permissions for organizing events, with Goa being a preferred wedding destination. The Board also resolved to hold global campaigns to counter the misinformation, spread through social media, with regards to Goa and tourism sector. The meeting, held after two years, saw stakeholders like Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) proposing introducing a tech savvy STEPS TO BOOST TOURISM „„Single window clearance for big events „„Global campaigns to counter misinformation on social media „„Tech savvy platform for taxi operations „„Stricter regulations for rent-a-car services „„Plans for establishing Goa as home port for cruise liners „„Initiatives to promote cultural tourism „„Target foreign media marketing campaigns platform for taxi operations. TTAG also raised concern with regards to garbage and poor quality roads. In a press statement issued, the Chief Minister said that in order to enhance the transport services, the Board proposed regulated taxi fares at airports, railway stations and cruise terminals, along with user-friendly service and offering uniform pricing. “Stricter regulations for rent-a-car services were also recommended,” Sawant said. Sawant said that the sin- gle-window clearance system for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and weddings was proposed to attract more events in the State. Sawant said that the meeting focused on deliberating and deciding on important matters to bolster Goa’s tourism sector. Key deliberation took place on infrastructure development at cruise terminals, with plans to incorporate Wi-Fi, washrooms, CELEBRATING A LEGACY On his 103rd Birth Anniversary The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) conceded Goa lost the opportunity. “We should have marketed the Exposition better in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries where SFX has a huge following,” TTAG >Continued on P5 CRUCIAL INSTANCES TO OBSERVE Whenever signs of distress are observed, we offer counselling and also medical assistance, if they (distressed staff) agree for — SP Akshat Kaushal MODU TIMBLO January 15, 1922 - January 8, 1993 VOCIES OF CONCERN „„Head Constable Tukaram Shirodkar parks his vehicle on Atal Setu, recorded a video alleging harassment and slits his arm with a blade. Rescued in the nick of time by North Goa police „„22-year-old constable Prathamesh Gawade ended his life by jumping off the new Zuari Bridge. He recorded a video blaming harassment by two fellow lady constables and another before taking the drastic step Shirodkar, attached to the North District Reserve Line Force, parked his vehicle on Atal Setu, recorded a video alleging harassment and slit his arm with a blade. Sources close to the case revealed that Policing is one of the most stressful jobs. Senior officers must actively seek feedback from their subordinates on the wellbeing of their respective staff — Ex-SP Bosco George the head constable -- who faced disciplinary actions in the past -- was reportedly facing harassment by some at his previous place of posting. North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal ordered an internal in- quiry directing Sub-Divisional Police Officer Mapusa to submit a report by Wednesday. Depending on the findings, the case may be escalated to >Continued on P5 Adequate Power & Water Mulls uniform pricing at major travel hubs >Continued on P5 ments and draw global audiences. In stark contrast, Goa’s decennial SFX exposition, though attended by an estimated 75 lakh pilgrims over 40 days, allegedly failed to capitalize on digital outreach to promote religious/spiritual tourism. Skill Development & Training Centres GOA: THE IDEAL INVESTMENT DESTINATION PANAJI: The UP government collaborated with the tourism ministry and corporate giants to turn the event into a showcase of modern India. Foreign visitors including high-profile names like Laureen Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, have flocked to the event, seeking spiritual solace and immersion in Indian culture. According to industry estimates, the Maha Kumbh could generate revenues of Rs 1.2 lakh crore and boost India’s GDP by over 1 percent while the UP govt estimates that Maha Kumbh may generate Rs 2 lakh crore in trade if each of 40-45 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), one of India’s most famous temple trusts, seized the opportunity by constructing a replica of the Tirumala Temple, giving devotees a chance to experience its sanctity without traveling to Andhra Pradesh. Mental health: Wake-up call for policemen THE GOAN I NETWORK Hotels & Restaurants Relief on cards; govt finally moves to regulate taxi fares OF THE `593 CR ALLOCATED CENTRAL FUNDS, ONLY `290 CR RELEASED SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME THE GOAN I PANAJI INDICATIVE COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES On this momentous occasion we celebrate a visionary whose indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs to dream big and redefine the boundaries of possibility WHERE PEOPLE ARE OUR ENVIRONMENT >Continued on P5