log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2026 GOA Goans in Ireland take part in St Patrick’s Day parade From seminarian to banker, Goan now pursues music in Switzerland IN SHORT >> Mayor, deputy to be elected on March 30 PANAJI: The Department of Municipal Administration has notified that the inaugural meeting of the newly elected council of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) will be held on March 30 at 11 am, where the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and key statutory committees will be elected.   >> See pg 3 Several vacancies up for grabs at GMC PANAJI: In a boost to Goa Medical College and Hospital dozens of faculty positions of tutor/demonstrator and specialists for its various departments have been publicized for recruitment by the Goa Public Service Commission.  >> See pg 3 Govt pushes for quick Tuem EMC infra PANAJI: With key infrastructure still incomplete, the government has pressed officials to accelerate work at the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Tuem. At a review held in Pernem, IT minister Rohan Khaunte flagged gaps in essential utilities and directed concerned departments to move swiftly on pending works.   >> See pg 5 Prof’s murder: SC denies bail to trainer PANAJI: The Supreme Court has refused bail to Gaurav Bidre, a celebrity fitness trainer accused of murdering an assistant professor in 2022, reinforcing a series of judicial setbacks as his trial moves forward. The court’s brief order declined to release Bidre, who has been in custody for nearly four years.  >> See pg 3 Indian killed in Iran attack on Riyadh NEW DELHI: An Indian national was killed in an Iranian attack on Riyadh this week, taking the total number of Indian fatalities from the ongoing conflict in West Asia to six since it began three weeks ago. The Indian national died following a missile attack on Riyadh. WEATHER >> Max: 33.2 C Min: 23.1 C Humidity: 85% TIDES Low: High: 06:05 18:23 12:39 ------- The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 272 Colva locals intensify stir against PI’s reinstatement, seek Vigilance probe page 8 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA Local bodies to oversee drinking water operations across State 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE Eid-ul-Fitr: A celebration of faith, food and togetherness West Asia conflict throws Goa air travel into turmoil n CONNECTIVITY TO GULF NATIONS HIT n DABOLIM FLIGHTS CANCELLED n SEVERAL LEFT STRANDED THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO Air connectivity between Goa and key Gulf destinations has taken a major hit, with multiple flights operating from Dabolim Airport cancelled following escalating tensions in West Asia since February 28, after the Iran–Israel–US war. Among the affected services are Air India Express flight IX0239 and Gulf Air flights GF0284 and GF0285, which connect Goa to crucial Middle Eastern hubs. According to the latest information, Gulf Air services to and from Dabolim have been cancelled until March 26, while Air India Express flights operating between Goa and Dubai have been cancelled until March 28. The disruption comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the West Asian region, which has significantly impacted air travel corridors. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory asking airlines to avoid airspace over several countries, DABOLIM FEELS THE SHOCKWAVES „„Key services like Air India Express (Goa–Dubai) and Gulf Air flights suspended „„Airlines avoiding several West Asian countries due to safety advisories „„Major connecting hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Muscat affected, disrupting onward international travel „„Flights from Goa to Europe heavily affected as they largely depend on Middle East stopovers „„Many travellers are stuck in Goa or abroad due to sudden cancellations „„Large number of Goans working in Europe facing difficulties returning to their jobs „„Travellers are being forced to rebook tickets, often with longer routes and multiple layovers „„Visitors who came to Goa for short stays unsure about their return journeys including Bahrain, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, the UAE, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Kuwait, as a precautionary measure. These restrictions have had a cascading effect on international travel, particularly on routes connecting India to Europe. The Middle East tradi- tionally serves as a vital transit hub, with long-haul flights making scheduled halts in cities such as Doha, Dubai, and Muscat for refuelling and passenger transfers before proceeding further. Passengers from Goa, especially those from South Goa, have been among the worst affected. A significant number of Goans working in European countries rely on these Gulf connections for their journeys. With flights grounded and routes disrupted, many travellers have been left stranded or forced to make last-minute alternative arrangements. Several passengers who had travelled to Goa on short visits are now facing uncertainty, unable to return to their workplaces abroad due to the cancellations. Travel agents and airline offices have been witnessing a rush of inquiries, with passengers seeking clarity on rescheduling, refunds, and alternative routes. Authorities have advised travellers to remain in touch with the respective airlines for updates, as the situation continues to evolve depending on developments in the conflict region. While efforts are being made to minimise inconvenience, the ongoing crisis has once again exposed the vulnerability of international travel networks to geopolitical tensions. 6 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Amid growing public apprehensions, the State government has decided to write to the Thiruvananthapuram-based National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), seeking removal of port limits depicted in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019 before it is opened for public consultation. The draft CZMP 2019, submitted to the Environment Department in January, has been circulated among various State departments and authorities for inter-departmental consultation. While the initial deadline for submitting inputs was February 28, it has since been extended. Director of Environment, Sachin Desai, confirmed that the consultation process is still underway. “We are receiving inputs. Once the process is complete, the government will decide on the timeline for inviting public suggestions, objections and comments,” he said. On Friday Dalvi continued in the same vein saying he felt “injustice had been done” to him. Dalvi told the media that he would discuss the issue at the “correct forum” and hinted at a one-on-one meeting with Sawant.  When this meeting will happen, however, Dalvi could not say given that Sawant had taken ill and was admitted to a hospital in Pune on Thursday.  Nonetheless Dalvi, known to be a Sawant-backer in the >Continued on P9 CZMP 2019: PLANNING AHEAD „„CZMP 2019 draft presently under inter-dept consultation „„Changes aimed before public release „„Govt avoiding backlash ahead of election year „„Port limits overlapping villages a concern „„Public consultation only after rectification FLASHBACK: Officials say similar issue had arisen during the preparation of CZMP 2011, following which, port limits were excluded from the final plan Meanwhile, sources in the Secretariat indicated that the government has resolved to request NCESS to remove port limits and other contentious features from the draft before placing it in the public domain. “Being an election year, the government is cautious and does not want to take any step that may trigger public backlash,” sources said. They further stated that, in line with assurances made by the Chief Minister on the floor of the House, the draft plan will only be opened for public consultation after the removal of port limits that appear to extend into village areas. “At present, the State follows the CRZ Notification, 2011, which specifies that the No Development Zone (NDZ) does not apply to areas within notified port limits,” sources noted. Officials also pointed out that a similar issue had arisen during the preparation of CZMP 2011, following which, port limits were excluded from the final plan. “The agency was instructed to use CZMP 2011 as the base for drafting the new plan, and that plan did not show port limits,” sources added. The issue was raised through a calling attention >Continued on P9 Admission age for Std I set at 6 from new academic year THE GOAN I NETWORK DALVI FACT FILE „„BJP’s South Goa district president „„A multiple-term councillor of Ponda Municipal Council „„Was among the two names that BJP shortlisted „„Had expressed displeasure publicly over party’s decision to name Ritesh 15 TO WRITE TO NCESS, AND LATER DECIDE ON TIMELINE FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION Dissent in BJP camp? Dalvi says final call after meet with CM PANAJI Shrill voices of dissent have, uncharacteristically, echoed out in the open from the internal cellars of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Ponda, but the decision to be taken by its loudest and most notable dissident -Vishwanath Dalvi -- will hinge on a promised face-to-face meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The announcement of Ritesh Naik, son of the late Ravi Naik, as the official nominee for the April 9 by-election by the party’s Central Election Committee chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Thursday had immediately triggered multiple voices of dissent from the saffron party karyatakas in Ponda. Dalvi, who is the BJP’s South Goa district president and a multiple-term councillor of the Ponda Municipal Council, had himself expressed displeasure publicly over the decision. Ronaldo omitted from Portugal pre-World Cup friendlies squad Govt moves to drop port limits from CZMP draft PONDA BY-POLL THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS SMOOTH RIDE: A section of the Porvorim flyover being resurfaced with a fresh layer of tar as part of the ongoing work. The project has been progressing at a steady pace, with crews working consistently.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Reports on Sawant’s health spark anxiety among Goans ROUTINE CHECK-UP, REPORTS NORMAL: CM THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A wave of confusion and concern swept across Goa on Friday following reports that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had undergone an angioplasty at a Pune-based hospital. The reports, which surfaced early in the day, triggered widespread speculation across political circles and among the public. The confusion stemmed from an initial communication issued by Ruby Hall Clinic, that the Chief Minister had undergone an angioplasty procedure on Thursday evening. The hospital’s statement noted that an “intervention” had been carried out and that it was completed without complications, further adding to the uncertainty. In the initial statement, Chairperson Dr Purvez Grant >Continued on P9 PANAJI From the upcoming academic year 2026-27 beginning in June, children seeking admission to Class I in Goa will have to be at least six years old, following a key amendment to the state’s school education law. The change comes after the Goa Governor accorded assent to the Goa School Education Act (Amendment), 1984, which was passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly in January. Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju  on March 9 granted his assent to the amendment, which was notified on March 17. As per the amendment the minimum age for admission to Class I is increased to six years, aligning the State’s school admission norms with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Amendment has substituted Section 18 of the Goa School Education Act, 1984 so as to provide for enhancement of age for admission to standard I so as to be in consonance THE NEW CHANGE „„Minimum age for Class I admission 6 years by June 1 „„Earlier minimum age was 5.5 years „„Rule applies to all recognised schools „„Based on NEP 2020 & RTE Act, 2009 recommendations with the NEP 2020 and the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (Central Act 35 of 2009) wherein minimum age mentioned for admission to class I in recognized school is six years. As per the amendment, a child who has not attained the age of six years on or before June 1 of the year in which admission is sought will not be eligible for admission to Class I or any equivalent class in a recognised school. The earlier >Continued on P9 Mid-East war impacts fuel rates, Govt pulls plug on 300 betting sites in big crackdown NO MORE LUCKY CLICKS premium petrol price up by ` 2 PTI NO CHANGE IN COST OF NORMAL PETROL, DIESEL PTI NEW DELHI The price of premium or higher-grade petrol on Friday was increased by Rs 2 per litre while the rate of bulk diesel sold to industrial users was hiked by about Rs 22 a litre, reflecting the spike in global oil prices amid conflict in the Middle-East. However, the prices of normal petrol and diesel remain unchanged. Premium 95-Octane petrol price in Delhi has been in- creased from Rs 99.89 per litre to Rs 101.89 per litre, industry sources said. Alongside, bulk or industrial diesel prices were hiked from Rs 87.67 per litre to Rs 109.59 per litre in Delhi. Commercial diesel is used by establishments such as telecom towers for their power needs. In Mumbai, industrial diesel prices have been increased from Rs 90.39 per litre to Rs 113.11 per litre (up Rs 22.72 per litre); in Kolkata from Rs 92.30 per litre to Rs 114.27 per litre (up Rs 21.97 per litre); and in Chennai from Rs 92.54 per litre to Rs 113.38 per litre (up Rs 20.84 per litre). International oil prices touched USD 119 per barrel on Thursday on the intensifying Iran war, before pulling back to around USD 108 a barrel. A litre of normal petrol in Delhi continues to cost Rs 94.77, while the same grade of diesel costs Rs 87.67 a litre. Normal petrol typically has an octane rating of 91-92 and is suitable for standard engines, offering adequate performance for everyday driving. NEW DELHI n a massive crackdown against illegal gambling and betting websites, the government has blocked 300 such websites and applications, sources said on Friday. The blocked sites and apps are related to online sports betting platforms; online casinos offering slots, roulette, live dealer tables; betting exchanges functioning like P-2-P betting marketplaces. Action has also been taken on satta/matka gambling networks, and real-money card and casino game apps. Sources said the government has blocked 300 such websites and applications, I „„Iillegal online gambling ecosystem targeted „„Includes sports betting sites, online casinos, betting exchanges (P2P) „„Action also covers satta/matka networks and real-money gaming apps „„Websites, apps among those blocked „„A total of 8,400 platforms have been blocked so far „„4,900 blocked after implementation of Online Gaming Act „„Focus on curbing illegal betting activities „„Aim to ensure safe, responsible, and accountable online gaming environment as it came down heavily on illegal gambling and betting websites. A source said a total of around 8,400 such websites have been blocked so far, and that the majority (about 4,900 out of 8,400) were blocked after the passage of the Online Gaming Act. The Centre has all along maintained it is committed to ensuring a safe, responsible and accountable online gaming ecosystem in the country. In this context, the government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, with a goal of promoting innovation in e-sports and online social games and prohibiting online money games. The Gaming Act comprehensively prohibits all forms of online money games, be it games of chance, games of skill, or any combination. It also prohibits the advertising, promotion, and facilitation of such games, as well as the processing of related financial transactions through banks or payment systems. The Act further empowers authorities to block access to unlawful platforms under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Under this, offering online money games or facilitating transactions for such online games may attract imprisonment of up to three years or a fine up to Rs 1 crore, or both. Moreover, a second or subsequent conviction for offering or facilitating online money games attracts a minimum of three years of imprisonment.