Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 15: Goa marked its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged citizens to go beyond the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and embrace a ‘Local for Global’ vision to boost artisans, industries, and cultural heritage.

Hoisting the Tricolour in Panaji, Sawant said strengthening Swadeshi industries was key to building a self-reliant and prosperous state. “We honour the sacrifices that brought us freedom by working towards a self-reliant Goa and India,” he declared.

The CM announced several welfare measures, including regularising homes, granting Forest Rights Act benefits to 10,000 applicants, and giving long-awaited temporary status with increments to daily wage workers in municipalities, forests, and health services.

On skill development, Sawant highlighted initiatives through the Human Resource Development Foundation, ITI, Tata Technology Centre, and IIT Centre of Excellence, benefiting over 27,000 apprentices. He said industrial reforms, green industry promotion, and a seven-day clearance for trade and construction licenses were boosting business growth.

Education, health, tourism, and sanitation also received attention, with improved school infrastructure, upgraded hospitals, over 100 new doctors, cancer care facilities, homestay tourism promotion, and recognition for villages excelling in cleanliness.

Sawant warned that all unregistered security agencies would be shut down to curb gang wars and maintain peace. He also announced plans for Unity Malls to raise the state’s Happiness Index and the foundation stone laying of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum at Farmagudi.