PANAJI: Goa celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant calling on citizens to take the 'Vocal for Local' initiative a step further by embracing 'Local for Global'. Supporting local artisans, industries, and cultural traditions, he said, is key to building a self-reliant and prosperous state.
“By embracing Swadeshi and supporting local industries, we can strengthen both our economy and identity,” he added, urging Goans to honour the sacrifices that won the country freedom and work towards a self-reliant Goa and India.
Speaking after hoisting the National Flag at the Independence Day event in Panaji today, CM Sawant highlighted several key government initiatives aimed at inclusive development and welfare.
He outlined efforts to regularise homes, extend Forest Rights Act benefits to 10,000 applicants, and grant temporary status with increments to daily wage workers across municipalities, forests, and health services. “For the past 20 years, daily wage workers have waited for recognition. Today, they will get temporary status along with increments,” he said.
On skill development, Sawant noted, “Through the Human Resource Development Foundation, ITI, Tata Technology Centre, and IIT Centre of Excellence, we are creating skilled manpower across health, education, hospitality, tourism, and other sectors. Over 27,000 apprentices are now part of the Goa Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Program, promoting a culture of work and skill enhancement.”
He also emphasised industrial reforms and green initiatives, with the New Industrial Development Promotion Board and Goa Industrial Development Corporation facilitating green industries and streamlining trade and construction licenses. “Trade and construction licenses are now issued within seven days, supporting a business-friendly environment,” he said.
Education and health were key highlights, with Sawant citing Goa’s 100% literacy rate, upgraded school infrastructure, foreign study opportunities, modernised district hospitals, recruitment of over 100 doctors, and integrated OPDs for cancer patients.
Tourism and sanitation were also addressed. Sawant announced initiatives to integrate national and international visitors, including homestay programs, and praised municipalities and villages excelling in cleanliness and waste management.
On law and order, the CM warned, “We will shut down all security agencies not registered with the Home Department to prevent gang wars and ensure that Goa’s villages and towns remain safe and peaceful.”
He concluded by reaffirming Goa’s commitment to progress and self-reliance: “We honour the sacrifices that brought us freedom by building a self-reliant, strong, and prosperous nation. By supporting local talent and industries, raising our Happiness Index through village-level Unity Malls, and laying the foundation stone for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum at Farmagudi, we are moving steadily towards a developed Goa.”
