the goan I network
PORVORIM
Stating that the state and nation cannot prosper unless the economic condition of the woman improves, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday said women could play a key role in keeping Goa clean and green.
Godinho was addressing a function organised by the Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan (GPMSA) in association with Department of Women and Child Development at Socorro to mark International Women’s Day. “The economic condition of women in Goa is comparatively better than other states in the country. The state has formulated many schemes to empower women and they should avail of these schemes and become self-reliant,” said Godinho and added ‘Women can play a key role in keeping Goa clean and green. It is essential that Goa should be kept clean if it has to attract more tourists. According to the State government’s policy, no panchayat will receive grants of below Rs 5 lakh to tackle garbage issue’.
Director of Panchayats Sandhya Kamat stated that the women and child development department has formulated many schemes for women and children. “However, during my recent visit to some villages, I found that some women are not aware of these schemes. It is responsibility of each and every panchayat to see that the benefit of government schemes reach the deserving women.”
Director of Women and Child Development Deepak Dessai said there are 53,000 beneficiaries of Gruha Aadhaar schemes and around 6,000 applications are pending approval.
16 women who got elected in panchayat elections for over four times were felicitated by Godinho. They are Martha Saldanha, Madhuri Mandrekar, Sabita Mascarenhas, Tarika Tari, Shital Dabholkar, Maria Mascarenhas, Janita Madkaikar, Indira Fernandes, Piedade Fernandes, Caitana Mendes, Sandhya Hoble, Sushma Shirodkar, Pratishta Mishal, Pratikshya Mayekar, Pratima Govekar and Nelly Rodrigues.
GPMSA President Nelly Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, while Sushma Sawant and Dr Pushpa Aiyyar spoke at the function.
