log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY MARCH 15, 2025 page 6 Mungul Union UK: Supporting causes, events back home For over 70 years, Goan musician has enthralled audiences across globe IN SHORT >> `  0K for satellite 1 imagery reports PANAJI: The Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Goa, has set a fee of Rs 10,000 per application per structure for issuing a Satellite Imagery Report to property owners through the Goa Coastal and Environment Management Society. Certified copies of the report will be charged at 75% of the initial cost. Truck terminus planned at Socorro MAPUSA: In a significant infrastructure move, the State government has proposed the development of a modern truck terminus on both sides of National Highway (NH-66) at Socorro. The proposed site currently houses the casting yard used for the ongoing elevated corridor project.  >> See pg 3 Govt moves to pre-empt KTC stir PANAJI: The management of the State-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited and top officials of the State administration including Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS, have over the last few days gone on an overdrive to resolve the demands and issues raised in a notice for a March 19 strike by the public transporter’s  employees.  >> See pg 3 Shigmo revelry starts today PANAJI: The annual 14 days Shigmo festival will unfold from Ponda from March 15 and will continue up to March 29 with the State to witness processions of vibrant floats, traditional folk dances and performances showcasing Goa’s rich heritage.  >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: 34.6 C Min: 26 C Humidity: 76% TIDES Low: High: 05:38 17:40 11:48 23:47 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 266 Instagram.com/thegoanonline New academic year to kick off from April 7 GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES ONE-WEEK BREAK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a significant change, the upcoming Academic Year 2025-26 is set to commence from April 7 instead of April 1, as the government has proposed to grant one week break between the end of the existing term and start of the new academic term. The State government has formulated draft Rules under Goa School Education Act, 1984 as per which the academic year for Class VI to X and Class XII will commence from April and end in March, while for the students of Class I to V and Class XI, the term will start from June and end in April.   “Provided that there shall be a break of one week between the end of the academic year and the beginning of WINDS OF CHANGE: NEW SCHEDULE „„Govt formulated draft Rules as per which academic year for Class VI to X and Class XII will commence from April and end in March, while for students of Class I to V and Class XI, the term will start from June and end in April „„There shall be a break of one week between the end of academic year and beginning of the new academic year for this category „„Govt has invited public comments on draft rules „„New adjustment will align State board schools with CBSE calendar, where the academic year commences in April and ends on March 31 the new academic year for this category,” stated the draft Rules. The government has invited public comments on the draft rules. The ongoing Academic Year 2024-25 is set to end on March 30. This new adjustment in the academic calendar will align the State board schools with the Central Board of Second- ary Education (CBSE) calendar, where the academic year commences in April and ends on March 31. The government has said the academic year may be suitably divided into terms by Director of Education, by issuing an order in that behalf. The draft rules has proposed summer vacation for all Delhi Capitals names Axar Patel as captain RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 classes from May 1 for a period of 5 weeks or as specified by the Director of Education. According to the proposed Rules, there will be a break of three weeks in the month of October or November and/or both, to fit in with the Diwali and not more than one week for Ganesh. “Provided that loss of actual working days on account of this break shall be made good by proportionately reducing the discretionary holidays,” it said. The annual Christmas vacation will be from December 24 to January 2. As reported earlier, considering the summer weather, in April the classes will be conducted up to 11.30 am. This transition aligned with National Education Policy is expected to facilitate timely completion of the curriculum.  Tawadkar hints at Cabinet reshuffle within a month SAYS BUZZ OF 4 NAMES DOING ROUNDS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar on Friday hinted at possible changes in the Pramod Sawant-led government with the development expected within a month’s time. Speaking to media persons, Tawadkar said that the news of Cabinet reshuffle has been making rounds for quite some time now. “Though it is a prerogative of the Chief Minister, but I feel the issue will be settled in the coming 15 days to one month,” he said. Tawadkar said that there have been speculations with regards to possible induction of MLAs like Digambar Kamat, Nilesh Cabral, Sankalp Amonkar and Michael Lobo. “Everything will be settled in the coming days,” he said. While initially there were talks about induction of two new faces, off late the news was making rounds about Sibling dispute over two-wheeler turns deadly on Holi eve VASCO A dispute between siblings over the use of a two-wheeler ended in murder, when a man fatally stabbed his elder brother at GRB Colony in Sada-Vasco on the eve of Holi. According to sources, the incident occurred after Mallikarjun Ghivari (45), who works as a security guard, took the two-wheeler of his elder brother Shrikant (50) without permission. Shrikant, who was employed as a lifeguard, confronted his younger brother upon his return, leading to a heated argument. Confirming the details, Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam stated, “When Mallikarjun arrived home, Shrikant confronted him about taking the bike without permission. The argument escalated, and in a fit of rage, the younger brother attacked his elder brother with a knife, stabbing him in the chest, abdomen, and hands. Shrikant, who was already injured, succumbed to his injuries after the attack.” Sources revealed that at >Continued on P5 „„Cabinet reshuffle is the prerogative of the Chief Minister „„I feel the issue will be settled in the coming 15 days to one month „„Buzz over induction of Digambar Kamat, Nilesh Cabral, Sankalp Amonkar and Michael Lobo gains ground CM replacing four of his cabinet colleagues. According to sources, Kamat was recently summoned THE GOAN I NETWORK Tragic end to Holi picnic, two drown PANAJI: Holi celebrations ended in tragedy when two youth drowned in the river at Ganjem. According to reports, Prakash Hadpad and Sharnappa Hadpad, both natives of Karnataka but residing in Ponda had gone on a picnic to the Ganjem river. A group of youth went for a swim when Prakash, Sharnappa and another youth began to struggle in the water. Locals rushed to their aid and while they managed to rescue one youth, they could not save the other two. SPEAKER’S TAKE by the party high command to New Delhi. However, the details are not known. The chief Minister, on the other hand, has been denying any changes in the Cabinet for now. The Chief Minister has been conducting performance evaluation of the Ministers. The party is also in process of conducting assessment of the Ministers and MLAs, at their own level. Last year, State remained abuzz over possible  reshuffle  in the Sawant-led  Cabinet and the same gained momentum after outgoing BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade hinted at the likely development in the New Year. The news had remained speculative throughout 2024with BJP ditching out several deadlines. Speculations were rife about Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate Congress turncoats for quite some time or rather since the time Lok Sabha polls were held. Govt in the fast lane, amends App-based taxi fare regulations MAN KILLS BROTHER IN FIT OF RAGE AT VASCO THE GOAN I NETWORK Pg 12 HOLI HAI! Hundreds of revellers partake in Holi celebrations at Azad Maidan, Panaji, blending tradition with modernity on Friday. (More photos on pg 3)  Narayan Pissurlenkar Panaji bursts into a riot of colours as politicos, locals join Holi spirit THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Several State politicians and prominent citizens joined Panaji residents in celebrating  ‘Rang Pancham’ at Rangotsav organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti at the iconic Azad Maidan on Friday morning after ‘darshan’ at the Mahalaxmi Temple. Similar ‘Rang  Pancham’ celebrations were also held across the State as well. The Panaji Shigmotsav Committee was joined by a large crowd of residents when they first paid homage to Mahalaxmi Devi and then walked in a procession to the Azad Maidan where they all broke into a riot of colours greeting each other and ap- plying Holi colours to the accompaniment of popular Bollywood music. Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, BJP state president Damodar (Damu) Naik, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Utpal Parrikar, entrepreneur Srinivas Dhenpo, who is the president of the Shigmotsav >Continued on P5 PANAJI With no objections raised, the State government has officially amended the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules, granting Appbased taxi aggregators the ability to use their application as a fare meter. This amendment allows digital platforms to function as official meters, provided they generate SMS or emailbased invoices for passengers. The move is expected to modernize and streamline the operations of app-based taxi services in Goa. The Transport Department had issued a public notice on January 30, inviting feedback, objections, or suggestions regarding the proposed changes within a 15-day window. However, since no responses were received within the stipulated time, the government proceeded with the amendment without any modifications. The newly revised regulations will now be formally recognized as The Goa Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025. According to the official notification, Rule 140 of the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991, has been updated. A new proviso has been inserted after sub-rule (1), stating that if a motorcab operates under an App-based aggregator, the application itself may serve as the fare meter. Additionally, the requirement for a physical printer in the vehicle will no longer be mandatory, as long as the application has the capability to issue SMS or email-based invoices. US vice prez take on Green Card sparks fresh row Staff crunch at anganwadis in THE FRESH DEBATE: FROM GOLD TO GREEN Goa, minister reveals in RS AGENCIES NEW DELHI fter US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘gold card’ initiative, which would create a new immigration pathway for wealthy foreigners, Vice President JD Vance’s latest remarks on the rights of green card holders have triggered a fresh debate. Green cards, officially known as Permanent Resident Cards, grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in the United States. However, despite the name, “permanent residency” is not an absolute guarantee of an indefinite stay. “A green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the United States,” Vance said. “This is A „„US vice president says a green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the US „„This is not about ‘free speech… „„It’s about national security, but more importantly, not about ‘free speech.’ Yes, it’s about national security-but more importantly, it’s about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community.” US law allows for the revocation of a green card under certain circumstances, including criminal activity, prolonged absence from the country, or failure to comply with immigra- it’s about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community GREEN CARDS: These are officially known as Permanent Resident Cards and grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in the United States. GOLD CARD: The proposed ‘gold card’ program would allow foreign nationals to purchase the right to live and work in the US for a $5 million fee tion regulations. The proposed ‘gold card’ program would allow foreign nationals to purchase the right to live and work in the US for a $5 million fee. “We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office recently. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about USD 5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.” The US President argued that the existing immigration system has hindered top international talent -- especially from India -- from staying in the US after completing their education at elite universities. “A person comes from India, China, Japan, and other countries, attends Harvard or the Wharton School of Finance... they receive job offers, but the offer is immediately revoked because there is no certainty about whether that person can stay in the country,” he asserted. Under the ‘gold card’ initiative, companies could also purchase the cards to facilitate hiring foreign talent. Trump suggested that the program could generate billions in revenue and help pay down national debt. The proposed program is expected to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa. Recent data from USCIS shows that Indian nationals have been major beneficiaries of US work visas. 91 VACANCIES YET TO BE FILLED UP THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa’s 1200-odd Anganwadi centres are operating with a shade under 5 per cent workforce shortage. There are 91 positions vacant, the Rajya Sabha was told. One Anganwadi centre in the State is currently shut, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development said. Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur who furnished the written reply in the Upper House of Parliament also said that Goa was dis- bursed Rs 75 crore from the Centre for nutrition and other needs of Anganwadi children in the last five years. Thakur was responding to queries related to staff shortages and lack of facilities at Anganwadi centres. In Goa, the ministry has approved 1,262 Anganwadi centres and one of them is not operating. Her reply said, there are 91 vacancies in these anganwadis, including 37 posts of Anganwadi workers and 54 posts of Anganwadi helpers. She also said Goa had utilized Rs 64.23 crore of Rs 75.96 crore sanctioned by the Centre under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0 for these Anganwadi centres. In the year 2019-20, Rs 16.02 crore came from the Centre but Rs 17.02 crore was spent by the State. In  the Covid-hit 2020-21 year, Rs 20.44 crore came from the Centre of which only Rs 17.46 crore was spent by the Goa Government. In 2021-22, Rs 10.84 crore came from the Centre and Rs 12.92 crore was spent by the State, while in 2022-23, Rs 14.71 crore was disbursed by the Centre and Rs 16.83 crore was spent by the State.