PANAJI: The Goa government’s decision to create a third district, Kushavati, is the biggest New Year’s gift for the people of Goa, BJP State President Damodar Naik said, terming the move a long-pending administrative reform aimed at grassroots development.
Addressing a press conference today, Naik said the notification issued on December 31 formally operationalising the third district fulfills a demand repeatedly raised in the Legislative Assembly to ensure equitable development and better governance in Goa’s hinterland.
“Kushavati will be our third district. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backward and underserved talukas are being upgraded into districts to open new avenues for growth. A district means a Collectorate, administrative offices, and essential infrastructure that directly benefits people,” Naik said.
Highlighting the growing population pressure, Naik noted that Goa’s population has increased significantly since Liberation, from around 5.87 lakh to nearly 15-20 lakh at present, placing a heavy burden on existing administrative systems.
“At present, residents from Sanguem, Sanvordem, and Curchorem have to travel to Margao for colleges, government offices, and basic services. The third district will ease this load, cut travel time, and improve access to government services,” he said.
Naik added that decentralisation was essential to improve facilities related to education, healthcare, and administration at the village level.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the region proposed for the new district falls under the Centre’s aspirational districts programme, aimed at accelerating development in backward areas.
“One third of the population in Sanguem, Canacona, Quepem, and Dharbandora belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community. The new district will give ST, OBC, and Bahujan communities direct access to district-level administration, welfare schemes, and faster services,” Dessai said, adding that the move would ensure real social justice and effective governance.
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said the primary objective behind the new district is effective administration and quicker service delivery.
“A farmer seeking land records, revenue documents, or subsidies should not be forced to travel to Margao. The proposed district will have its own District Court, District Hospital, and District Police headquarters, which will help resolve cases faster and provide healthcare locally,” Cabral said.
Leaders also highlighted the cultural and historical relevance of the name Kushavati, which is linked to an ancient civilisation believed to have flourished along the banks of the Kushavati River.
“Rock carvings found in the region point to a civilisation dating back nearly 10,000 years. The name is sacred and mentioned in ancient texts, reflecting the deep cultural heritage of these talukas,” Naik said.
Acknowledging challenges related to transport and infrastructure, the BJP leadership said the government is committed to strengthening public services and communication networks in the new district.
“This decision has been taken with the next 20 to 30 years in mind. It is an investment in the future generations,” Naik said. He also appealed to those opposing the creation of the third district to offer constructive suggestions to improve its implementation rather than opposing it outright.
