Panaji, October 20, 2020
The Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant appealed the local elected Representatives to come forward and carry out the people oriented public works in rural areas. Chief Minister was addressing the public at a function in Sal villege in Bicholim taluka today.
The Chief Minister commenced the work of cleaning and disilting of Tillari Irrigation Project Canal of 120 km length under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) scheme of Department of Rural Development in convergence with Department of Water Resources. Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Rajesh Patnekar and Minister for Rural Development Shri Michael Lobo graced the occasion.
Speaking further Chief Minister said, taking Goa ahead lies in the hands of local elected representaives and other stake holders. If they come together to bring about development in any aspect the Government will extend all the required support for such noble cause, Chief Minister added.
Chief Miniter desired to engage the services of various local bodies such as self help groups and social clubs to carry out the developmental works in their areas through MGNREGA scheme.
Dr. Sawant said, the Goans always prefers organic products which are imported from neibhouring states. Why we should not think of producing the same here in our State? He reiterated Government support for the local produce by extending all possible support to the farmers under Swayampurna Goem programme.
Minister for Rural Development, Shri Michael Lobo said, the Central Government has allotted Rs. 1.5 crores to the State Government, from which work of cleanliness of the canals will be taken up through MANREGA scheme. He said during pandemic period 1809 labourers were angaged for minor works and Rs. 73 lakhs have been paid them as remuneration.
The Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Rajesh Patnekar complimented the work of State Government and thanked the Chief Minister for commencing the developmental work in his constituency.
The total cost of this project under Water Resources Department is Rs. 1.50 crores including taxes whereas the total cost of the project is approximately Rs. 70.00 lakhs under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme which is a central funded scheme wherein 90% funds are central funds and 10% funds is State share. Thus the State has to provide Rs. 7 lakh hence saving in total 1.43 crore to state Government. The job cards holders under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme will be engaged for this work.
Smt. Meena Goltekar, Project Director, DRDA welcomed the guests. Shri Shrikant Patil, Additional Chief Engineer proposed vote of thanks, as informed by the Department of Information and Publicity.
DI/NB/SAG/AP/2020/