Author: Team Admin

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav has sought a detailed factual report from the Forest Department following the drowning of a Class 11 student at the Tonir-Kajredhat River/Waterfall in Sattari, raising questions over safety arrangements and compliance with earlier monsoon safety directions. According to a report submitted by the Sattari Deputy Collector, 23 students and four teachers from Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco, had travelled by private bus for a trekking programme and had hired a private, non-local lifeguard to accompany them to the Tonir-Kajredhat area. The incident was reported at around 12 noon on Friday, following…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The Government of Goa has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the state’s traditional handloom heritage and supporting weavers and artisans, with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant assuring that the government will facilitate market access for quality handloom products. The assurance came during the state-level celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day, organised by the Department of Handicrafts, Textile & Coir at the Multipurpose Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, on August 7. Speaking on the occasion, Sawant said the government was working to give a distinct identity to Goa’s handloom products, particularly the iconic Kunbi Saree. He said…

Team Goemkarponn SANCOALE: A routine food safety inspection drive across Zuarinagar, IDC Sancoale and Cortalim covered caterers, bakeries, restaurants and an e-commerce food unit, with authorities detecting several hygiene and sanitation violations. Out of 10 establishments inspected, one caterer and two restaurants were directed to suspend operations after serious lapses were found, including improper food storage, inadequate waste disposal, absence of sanitary records and unsafe food handling practices. Five bakery units were found to have complied with earlier directions, while three restaurants were given time to rectify minor deficiencies. The e-commerce food unit was also found violating food storage and…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Suspended Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) member Ajay Kholkar did not appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee on Friday despite being directed to attend a scheduled hearing in connection with the disciplinary proceedings against him. The committee, headed by Pravin Halarnkar, had issued a notice directing Kholkar to appear before it on August 7 at 6.30 pm. According to the committee, Kholkar neither attended the hearing nor submitted a sufficient explanation for his absence. The committee said Kholkar had been given an opportunity to present his version of the matter and submit documents or other material in his…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) Authority, in coordination with the State Excise Department, is working on a unified QR framework and a transition mechanism to facilitate the smooth implementation of the scheme from April 1, 2027. More than 1,600 hotels, restaurants, cafés and other HoReCa establishments have already registered under the DRS, with the authority continuing its onboarding drive ahead of the upcoming tourist season. The proposed framework is aimed at simplifying QR-based compliance for stakeholders by moving towards a single QR requirement instead of separate QR systems. The DRS Authority and Excise Department are working…

Team Goemkarponn SANCOALE: Former Sancoale Deputy Sarpanch Darrick Vales inaugurated a newly constructed culvert in Sancoale on Thursday, completing the project at his own expense and dedicating the facility to local residents on the occasion of his birthday. The culvert was constructed to address a long-standing demand of residents who had been facing difficulties while commuting through the area, particularly during the monsoon. In the absence of a proper crossing, people were earlier required to negotiate a deep stream of flowing water, creating both inconvenience and safety concerns. Vales said the issue had remained unresolved despite repeated requests from residents.…

Team Goemkarponn VALPOI: Valpoi Police have registered a case against four teachers and two tour operators in connection with the drowning of a school student during an excursion in Sattari, alleging negligence and lapses in ensuring the safety of students. According to police, the case pertains to allegations that the students were taken to a wildlife area without obtaining the required permission and were allegedly allowed to enter a waterfall area despite the potential danger. Police have alleged that the circumstances exposed the students to serious risks during the school-organised excursion. The two tour operators named in the case have…