Author: Team Admin

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Former Minister Mickky Pacheco launched a sharp counterattack against allegations linking him to BJP funding during the 2012 Assembly elections, while also raising concerns over Congress finances, traffic management, and the need to strengthen voter awareness about the Congress party. Rejecting allegations that the BJP funded the formation of the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP), Pacheco clarified that the claims were made by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar and not by him. “The allegations were made by Chodankar, not by me,” Pacheco said, dismissing suggestions that he had admitted to receiving BJP funds. Escalating his…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Tourism data shows that nearly 19.88 lakh visitors reached Goa by rail between January and May 2026, representing a 6.8 per cent increase over the same period in 2025. The rise points to the growing popularity of rail as an affordable and convenient option for travellers visiting the coastal state. In comparison, the state’s domestic aviation sector recorded a significant decline in June 2026. The number of domestic air passengers dropped to 455,993, down from 565,727 during the corresponding month last year, reflecting a 19.4 per cent year-on-year decrease. Goa was among the states that registered one…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Seeking to remove procedural bottlenecks in the expansion of energy infrastructure, the Goa government has introduced a new framework that mandates time-bound approvals for natural gas and petroleum pipeline projects and provides for automatic clearance if authorities fail to act within the prescribed period. The Directorate of Civil Supplies has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, establishing a uniform mechanism for granting permissions required for pipeline projects across the State. The order also lays down guidelines governing the grant of Right of…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The Goa government has increased the health insurance benefits available under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY), raising the annual coverage limits for families enrolled under the flagship healthcare scheme. The Health Department has issued a notification approving the revised coverage, under which families comprising up to three members will now be eligible for medical insurance benefits of Rs 4 lakh per year. Previously, such families were covered for up to Rs 2.5 lakh annually. For households with four or more members, the annual insurance ceiling has been raised to Rs 6 lakh from the earlier…

Team Goemkarponn CANACONA: Water Resources Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar on Thursday visited Chiplem in Poinguinim village after the successful completion of a long-pending water supply project that has brought piped water to households located on higher terrain. A few months ago, residents of Chiplem had begun receiving water through a newly established storage tank. However, several houses situated on elevated terrain could not be connected due to technical challenges related to the area’s topography. Responding to the issue, Tawadkar directed officials of the Water Supply Department to prepare a technical plan to overcome the elevation challenges. The department…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: After a five-month delay following objections from industry stakeholders, retailers and political parties, the Goa government has notified the implementation of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) from September 1, with liquor and liquor-related products forming the first phase of the initiative. The scheme, originally slated for launch on April 1, was deferred after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in the Goa Legislative Assembly in March that the government would postpone its implementation to allow time for stakeholder consultations and public awareness. According to a notification issued by Member Convenor Sachin Desai, the DRS will now come into…

Team Goemkarponn SATTARI: Poriem MLA Dr Deviya Rane flagged off the Goa Monsoon Trekking Expedition 2026, organised by the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), Goa State Branch, highlighting its role in promoting adventure, environmental awareness and national integration among young people. The expedition will run until August 10, 2026, bringing together participants from across the country to explore Goa’s scenic trekking trails, the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and the state’s picturesque hinterlands. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rane said such initiatives encourage youngsters to connect with nature, embrace responsible eco-tourism and build lasting friendships beyond geographical boundaries. “Beyond exploring Goa’s…