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Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SB)

Panaji, Dec 20: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Sunday December 19 announced various schemes which will contribute to the future progress and development of Goa and appealed to the people to cooperate with the Government to give, people centric, participatory, transparent, development oriented, progressive and secular administration to people.

Chief Minister was speaking after unfluring the national flag at the Liberation Day golden jubilee anniversary state level function at Campal today.

Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Pratapsingh Rane, Asha Kamat, Chairperson of Bal Bhavan, Vijayadevi Rane, Minister for Transport, Sudin Dhawalikar, MP Sripad Naik, chairperson of Law Commission Goa Advt, Ramakant Khalap, deputy chairman of Planning Board, Goa Dr Wilfred D’Souza, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, Naval Chief Goa, Sudhir Pille, MLAs, secretaries, freedom fighters and large number of citizens and students attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Liberation Day.

Speaking further Kamat announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to police welfare Society and Rs 10 lac each to Fire and Home Guards personnel.

Chief Minster paid rich tributes to memory of martyrs, known and unknown freedom fighters who laid their lives and sacrificed for the freedom of Goa. Kamat also paid glowing tribute to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. Remembering the decision taken by then late Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru to free Goa through "Operation Vijay" Chief Minster said efforts will be made in this golden jubilee year to erect a statue of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru in Goa.

Chief Minister announced that a new scheme named ‘Shelter for homeless children scheme’ will be implemented in Goa. He said an international Arbitration centre and an international convention centre will be set up soon. He said, his Government has set goal for this golden jubilee year is to eradicate poverty and illiteracy.

Chief Minister said Goa has achieved notable progress during last 49 years. He attributed credit of this achievement to all the successive governments that came to power and all representatives of local self bodies.

Kamat said, the Government has published Regional Plan for Pernem and Canacona. He appealed to people to cooperate in the implementation of Regional Plan.

Kamat said, centre has already sanctioned a Golden Jubilee Package of Rs. 200 crore for Goa. Chief Minister said efforts will be made to achieve 100 percent literacy and 100 percent electrification. The wards in remote areas of Goa which have remained without power will be supplied power through unconventional sources like solar energy.

Referring to the proposed National Highway through Goa Chief Minster said affected families will be rehabilitated and compensated on lines of scheme in Uttar Pradesh or Haryana.

Kamat also announced to raise freedom fighters pension from R 4000 to 5,000. He also announced a scheme named ‘Goa Swarmajayanti Srampratishtha Uttejan Yojana for potter, small vendors, etc. A council will be set up in this respect he added.

Earlier on his arrival Chief Minister was received by Chief Secretary Shri Sanjay Srivastava and DG. Bhimsen Bassi.

Chief Minister presented Chief Minister Police Gold Medals and other state awards to various personalities on the occasion. Vishram Umakant Borkar, SP, Tonny Fernandes SP, Chandrakant Salgaokar, DSP, Chandrashekar Bicholkar, Head Constable were receipient of Chief Minister Police Gold Medal. Home Guards, Anganwadi workers, Agriculturists, Social Workers, Fire Services Personnel were given awards at the hands of Chief Minister. He also presented disabled awards.

Earlier Chief Minister reviewed the parade. Contingents drawn from Police, Fire Force, NCC, Home Guards and various schools participated in the parade.

Later about 2,600 students from various schools and Bal Bhavan Kendras presented patriotic songs and group dances. Dr Dayanand Rao compered the function.