PANAJI: Launching the “Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampurna Goa”, the village level action plan to make Goa self-reliant, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant gave a clarion call to every local body elected representatives and government to help the downtrodden to become self-reliant.
The Chief Minister launched the “Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampurna Goa” at a virtual function in the presence of Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, sarpanchas, panch members of 191 village panchayats , NGOs and teachers and principals of various colleges across the State.
Speaking on the occasion CM said that the 27 government departments and all panch members and sarpanchas must identify the needy and their necessities for Goa to become swayampurna.
The Chief mInister said that during pandemic people have learnt to become self-reliant and the government will help them further in this endeavour.
“We have seen that right from milk, vegetable, rice, oil, eggs, meat, flowers, poultry everything is coming from outside. Why can’t we Goans do this? Why can’t we produce vegetables etc?” He asked.
He said crores of rupees worth essential supplies are coming from outside and if the state’s youth decides, Goa can definitely become self reliant.
He added, “We have to see that nobody sleeps hungry.. It would be the responsibility of every village panchayat member to identify the downtrodden and also tell the government what is the potential of their village and how people can become self-reliant. We already have GI tagging for several of our produce”.
The Chief Minister said the government recognises the efforts made by the panch and sarpanchas and will felicitate them with “COVID Warrior Certificate”.
He said just like the elected representatives, NGOs, youth clubs, self help groups, teachers and students will also play a crucial role in making Goa Atmanirbhar.
“We are nearing 60 years of liberation and still if someone is below poverty line, we have to give a serious thought to this,” he stated.
He said the State’s endeavour is to give good health and well being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and infrastructure and sustainable cities and communities.
Earlier, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho also called for Goans to become self reliant by taking advantage of various government schemes.
Under the Action Plan, 25 colleges will conduct review in 40 village panchayats and find their potential for self reliance like agriculture, poultry, tourism etc.
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