PANAJI
The Pramod Sawant-led Cabinet in Goa has decided on a slight policy shift by making Konkani knowledge mandatory for job applicants applying for Group A and Group B posts in the State government.
The decision overtakes the existing scenario wherein Konkani was not obligatory for these higher posts.
However, consultants for the Directorate of Health Services, and Goa Medical College and Hospital, as well as professors in professional colleges such as Architecture and Engineering will be exceptions to this rule.
“Konkani knowledge in Group A and Group B positions will now be mandatory. This is however not compulsory in health and professional colleges categories since getting (qualified) professors (from Goa) in Architecture and engineering is difficult,” CM Sawant said while addressing the media after chairing the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
The CM also announced changes related to healthcare benefits stating that Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Card is now a mandatory prerequisite for Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojna card holders to get all benefits under its ambit.
The Cabinet also discussed revisions to the DDSY Scheme by contemplating an increase in the income limit and an expansion of mediclaim coverage. The ABHA card, he added, will not only facilitate medical treatment for cardholders anywhere in the country but also facilitate access to digitized medical records from any location. “There is no need to carry physical documents,” Sawant added.
The Cabinet also granted nod to the formulation of Goa Credit Guarantee Scheme (Mukhyamantri Saral Udyog Sahay Yojna) to provide 100 % interest free loan to Micro and Small Industries.
The industries will have to take the loan from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). 75 per cent of the interest subsidy component cost will be borne by SIDBI and Goa government will bear 25 per cent of the cost.
