OLD GOA
Stating that the State government has provided Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to relatives of Covid victims, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed that 1,100 of the 3,400 families of Covid victims have already been provided Central assistance of Rs 50,000.
“The State has provided Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to relatives of Covid victims and additional assistance of Rs 50,000 which is provided by the centre is directly transferred into their accounts,” Sawant said
“Thus far, around 1,100 of 3,400 families of victims have got the Rs 50,000 transferred in their accounts. The remaining families should contact the Collector or deputy collector to avail this additional assistance,” he added.
Sawant also lauded the Collectorate staff for Covid management and vaccination in which they played a crucial role, particularly at the borders, to ensure that Covid positive people did not enter the state.
“The staff also played a significant role in disaster management during the cyclone and floods. Make efforts to promote vaccination as 1.20 lakh people are yet to get a second dose,” he informed.
“The government administration is working efficiently due to which relief is provided to people very quickly, be it due to cyclone, flood or Covid. During earlier governments, it used to take more than a year for getting relief,” Sawant opined.
Govt committed to providing better work environment to staff: Sawant
OLD GOA: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that his government is committed to providing a better work environment for its staff so that they perform efficiently.
Sawant made the statement after laying the foundation stone for the North Goa Collectorate building at the Dr Jack Sequeira junction, Merces, on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Sawant said if a good work environment is to be created then there is a need for good office premises.
“Since Liberation, the North collectorate is functioning from an old building where its staff is working from congested areas,” Sawant stated.
“Functioning of the government depends on the functioning of the Collectorate and it is the duty of the government to provide the best of infrastructure to improve the efficiency,” he informed.
Further, the CM said since 2012, the government has shifted offices to new buildings and is also making efforts to shift offices out of Panaji to decongest it.
“GST and excise departments have been shifted to new complexes. We are shifting all congested offices located in Panaji as also shifting offices from rental premises, due to which the government saves on revenue,” he added.
Speaking on the project, Sawant said that the new North Goa Collectorate building will be completed and handed over within the next two-and-a-half years.
He informed that 17,000 square metres of land has been transferred from the tourism department to the North Goa Collectorate.
“Of that land, 12,000 metres will be used for the project which will be built by GSID. Very soon, we are going to appoint a consultant for the project,” Sawant stated and praised Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate for taking the initiative to ensure that the project started during her tenure.
Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate also spoke on the occasion.
Also present included St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate and other government officials.
