Categories
-Top News Goa

G20 SAI Summit opens in Goa

With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI-based governance systems, he said…reports Asian Lite News

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu delivered the inaugural address for the three-day conference of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) of G20 countries, which began in Goa on Monday.

Murmu is the chair of the SAI20 engagement group under India’s G20 presidency, a government spokesperson said.

The SAI20 summit will take place in Goa from June 12 to 14. Delegates from SAI20, guest SAIs, invited SAIs, international organisations, engagement groups and other invitees will attend the summit, he said.

SAIs of Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Spain, UAE, Morocco and Poland will be participating in-person, he said.

Under the guiding philosophy for India’s Presidency of G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam, i.e. ‘one earth, one family, and One Future’, CAG had proposed the collaboration of SAI20 engagement group on two priority areas blue economy and responsible artificial intelligence (AI), the spokesman said.

Blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of our ecosystem, he said.

With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI-based governance systems, he said.

SAIs will look for opportunities to adopt AI into their audit techniques to increase their effectiveness, the official said.

Importantly, consensus will be derived on the role and responsibilities of SAI20 engagement group, in the times to come, in fostering accountability in governance and strategically partnering with the governments to respond to global challenges, he said.

ALSO READ-G20 delegates arrive for development ministers’ meet

Categories
Food Goa Lite Blogs

Unique blend of Goan flavours

Goan cuisine is characterized by its unique blend of flavors, influenced by Portuguese, Hindu, and Muslim cultures. It is known for its spicy and tangy taste and the use of coconut, seafood, and kokum as key ingredients.

Chef Sombir Choudhary of Raahi and Jamming Goat comments, “Goan Food consists of warm and comforting dishes that consist of novel culinary styles due to its colonial history. Goan cuisine uses ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, potatoes, cashew nuts, pineapple, vinegar, and bread-like pao. It surely gives us so many emotions to add to our dishes and takes us down memory lane to where our mothers have been using these ingredients in every household across the country. The spices used in the cuisine are achieved by pounding spices with muscle power and patience. It is one of the few cuisines which has kept the age-old traditional style of cooking like the usage of Varn – a grinding stone to make pastes, Dantem – a hand mill to ground spice powders, and the usage of brass for making desserts. This traditional method imparts distinctive taste and aroma to the food.” 

He adds, “The cuisine has been developed out of a merger of various cultures that came in contact with Goa during their colonization such as Portuguese, British, Arab, Brazilian, African, French, Malaysian, Chinese, and even Indian cultures like Konkani, Malabari, Saraswat, and South Indian. This diversity in the cuisine is sure to be a delight to the mother’s palate and offers a wide scope of spices and intense flavors in the dishes.”

Here are some mouthwatering Goan meal recipes that you may make at home:

Goan Prawn Curry (10 portions) I By Chef Sombir Choudhary, Jamming Goat 3.0

For masala paste: 

Freshly grated coconut – 4 nos.

Byadgi Mirchi – 125gms

Sankeshwari Mirchi – 75 gms

Coriander seeds – 150 gms

Jeera whole – 30 gms

Garlic cloves peeled – 20 nos.

Black Pepper – 4 nos.

For tempering

Refined Oil – 45 ml

Onion sliced – 300 gms

Turmeric – 5 gms

Ginger juliennes – 75 gms

Tomato juliennes deseeded – 100 gms

Kokum – 7 nos.

Fresh Coconut Milk – 750 ml

Prawns:

Prawns (deshelled with tail) – 1 kg

Turmeric – 4 gms

Onion sliced – 150 gms

Ginger – 30 gms

Tomato – 100 gms

For Garnishing:

Coriander leaves

Grated coconut

Method:

Blend coconut, both the type of chillies, coriander seeds, Jeera, peeled garlic cloves and black pepper into a fine paste

In a pan, add refined oil, add ginger, onion, turmeric powder, tomato along with salt. Let this masala cook for a few seconds, post which add the paste that was made earlier. Add some water, add more salt if required, and then add the kokum to this curry. If the kokum is added initially, it will burn and not give the required taste

Allow it to cook until the masala loses its raw flavor. Remove the kokum if the curry is sour as per your taste. Now finish with coconut milk to balance the sourness of the kokum

For the prawns, clean them and mix them in another pot with turmeric powder, onion, ginger, tomato and salt

Add just enough water for the prawns to cook,drain the water and then add them to thecurry made initially

Do not allow the gravy to boil once again else it will release its oil on top

Garnish with some coriander leaves and grated coconut

Finally, serve the curry hot with rice or pao

Cheesy Beetroot Tikki I By Chef Vishal Said, Magique

20 grams Oil

200 grams Beetroot

50 grams potatoes

10 grams garlic

10 gram ginger

5 grams green chilli

5 grams chilli powder

2 grams jeera powder

2 grams garam masala

30 grams Roasted Channa dal powder

20 grams cashew powder

30 grams ghee

8 grams salt

75 grams processed Cheese

For the dip:

50 grams Hung Curd

25 grams processed Cheese

5 grams garlic

1 gram back pepper powder

2 grams parsley

Method:

Add oil to a pan

Add garlic, ginger & green chillies into the oil and sauté for 2 minutes

Add boiled and grated beetroot & potatoes to the pan and cook them for 3-4 minutes

Add the chilly powder, jeera powder, garam masala and salt. Cook it till all the mixture comes together

Remove the pan from the fire and mix the roasted Channa dal powder, Cashew powder

Divide the mixture into 5 parts

Stuff cheese into the mixture & shape them into round tikki shape

Add ghee to the pan and grill it on both sides

Serve the tikkis hot with the dip

Mix all the ingredients together to form a creamy, tasty dip

ALSO READ-Tips to improve your nutrition

Categories
Goa India News

Goa to host five important G20 meets in June

The meeting in Goa on June 3 and 4 will try to come up with a framework that is applicable across G20 countries, he said…reports Asian Lite News

Goa will host five important meetings of the G20 summit in June, which will cover topics of startups, finance, audit and tourism, a senior official said on Tuesday.

The meetings will bring together delegates from the world’s major economies and provide an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation on global issues and challenges, said Sanjit Rodrigues, nodal officer for G20 meetings in Goa.

Briefing about the meetings, Startup20 India Chair and Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog, Chintan Vaishnav said Startup20 Goa Sankalpana is the third meeting of the Startup20 Engagement Group for start-ups under the Indian Presidency of the G20 to be held on June 3 and 4.

“The meeting will be one of the platforms for discussions on a common framework to define startups. G20 member countries, including India and the US, will deliberate on the topic in order to promote the growth of new ventures,” Vaishnav said.

The meeting in Goa on June 3 and 4 will try to come up with a framework that is applicable across G20 countries, he said.

The meeting will also focus on building consensus on the Draft Policy Communiqué, which was recently published by the Startup20 seeking public views, he said.

“The final communiqué will be taken to the Gurugram meeting scheduled on July 3 and 4. The engagement group has suggested a list of support measures for the sector based on the reports of its five task forces on foundation, alliances, finance, inclusion and sustainability,” Vaishnav said.

Rodrigues said the International Financial Architecture Working Group (IFAWG) of G20 will hold its third meeting in Goa from June 5- 7 to explore ways to improve the international financial Architecture and address the pressing issues facing the global economy.

The SAI20 Summit, a meeting of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of the G20 countries is scheduled to take place in Goa from June 12 to 14 and aims to discuss and produce a consensus document in the form of a SAI20 communiqué, he said.

The 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and WTTC (India initiative) will be held on June 19 and 20, he said.

The purpose of the meetings is to discuss and address global tourism challenges and opportunities, he said.

The ministerial meeting of the tourism working group is scheduled to be held on June 21 and 22 with ministers of tourism from the G20 countries and other invited guests to discuss the outcomes of the previous working group meetings and adopt a joint declaration on tourism cooperation, Rodrigues said.

The Goa meet will result in two official documents: a “Goa Roadmap” that outlines a common vision for the G20 tourism working group on how to address five key areas through policies, strategies and practices; and a ministerial communiqué that summarises the main outcomes of the meeting, he said.

ALSO READ-Kashmiri hospitality on display at G20-Srinagar

Categories
Goa Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

Goa beyond beaches

Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer in Goa. Adrenaline junkies, who aspire to fly high above the blue Arabian Sea should definitely try out this…reports Asian Lite News

Goa has, without a doubt, been the reigning favourite among domestic and foreign tourists alike within India. The charming landscapes lined with coconut trees, sandy beaches, serene churches made popular by Bollywood, Portugal architecture and trendy bars have been the reason why Goa has been such a crowdpuller over the last two decades.

But as tourism in Goa grows, the city too is evolving to cater to a wider variety of interests, says Niharika Nigam, Director, Business Development at Jumpin Heights.

Imagine elevating the classic Goa experience with a splash of spine-chilling extreme adventure sports. Yes, Goa has now upped its game and opened its doors to some world-class adventure facilities. Take a look at what the city has to offer in terms of adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Bungy jumping

Bungy jumping in Goa is an experience not to be missed. The city now boasts of the country’s second-highest bungy, operated by Jumpin Heights, experts who pioneered bungy jumping in India. After operating 80,000 jumps in Rishikesh, they have opened their second facility in Goa. Bungy from a height of 55 metres over Mayem Lake in North Goa, with Australia and New Zealand safety standards. So, adventure-seekers, rush to pack your bags and check this off your bucket list before this decade is over.

Scuba diving

Colourful corals, wrecks from the pages of history and the thrill of being in the abandon of the infinite sea, scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And the best part is that you need not dish out big moolah for this sport in countries like Maldives or Thailand, because Goa offers you stunning experience of marine life while scuba diving with the best of instructors and safety equipment.

Parasailing

Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer in Goa. Adrenaline junkies, who aspire to fly high above the blue Arabian Sea should definitely try out this. Parasailing is a hot favourite amongst families, kids, and couples as it offers the perfect combination of thrill and enjoyment while being comparatively easier than the other water sports.

River rafting

Mandovi or Mhadei river is one of the most picturesque rivers of Goa suited best for river rafting. Located about 50 kilometres away from Panjim, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular trekking destination in Goa. It is now also earning the distinction of a white water rafting site, where you can head to, to get an adrenaline rush.

Kite surfing

Popular adventure activity in Goa, kite surfing is not for the faint-hearted. It requires controlling a speeding power kite on the water or in the sky, which is impossible without proper training. The adventure sport requires expert supervision and can only be done by adults.

ALSO READ-Ecotourism Society of Kashmir optimistic of G20 meet

Categories
-Top News Goa India News

G20 delegates take part in Yoga session  

The second HWG meeting will have thematic discussions on three priorities identified under the G20 Health Track…reports Asian Lite News

G20 delegates on Tuesday took part in a Yoga session in Panaji Goa, on the second day of the second Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under India’s G20 presidency. Union Minister of State for Health and family welfare Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar participated and appealed to everyone to practise yoga.

“I appeal to everyone to practise Yoga each day for a healthy life,” said Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar. The three-day Health Working Group began on Monday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 180 delegates from 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited states and 22 international organizations are participating in the meeting.

The second HWG meeting will have thematic discussions on three priorities identified under the G20 Health Track.

The first priority is Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and Response with a focus on One Health and AMR (antimicrobial resistance). The second is Strengthening Cooperation in Pharmaceutical Sector with a focus on access and availability to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical countermeasures (vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics). The third priority includes Digital Health Innovations and Solutions to Aid Universal Health Coverage and Improve Healthcare Service Delivery, said the official statement.

Several cultural programmes infused with flavours of Goan culture have been planned for the event to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture based on the Indian philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Delegates will also be able to experience Goa’s culinary culture, besides enjoying its scenic beauty and generous hospitality, the statement said. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Will China participate in Y20 meet in Leh?

Categories
Goa India News Travel & Tourism

Goa CM urges to take tourism beyond ‘Sun-Sand-Sea’ concept

The Chief Minister added that there is a need to encourage making of the Kunbi saree and shawl and make its promotion to increase sales…reports Asian Lite News

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that it is the responsibility of the people of Goa to take tourism area beyond ‘Sun-Sand-Sea’ concept, for which government can help in creating the infrastructure.

Sawant was speaking during ‘cashe festival’ organised by Forest Development Corporation, which he announced will be an annual event.

“I am sure even the tourists visiting the state will attend this two-day festival. This will help to promote cashew products of Goa,” he added.

“Earlier the tourism concept was only ‘Sun-Sand-Sea’, now we have to take this concept beyond it. Only government can’t do it, people of the state will have to take responsibility for it. We can create infrastructure in remote areas, however the tourism activities will have to be created by PPP model,” Sawant said.

The Chief Minister added that there is a need to encourage making of the Kunbi saree and shawl and make its promotion to increase sales.

The ‘Kunbi’ saree, a traditional dressing style of ‘Kunbi’ tribe, existed even before Portuguese captured Goa. Kunbi saree got a lease of life when eminent Goan fashion designer late Wendell Rodricks promoted it on the fashion ramp.

Sawant said that artisans and handicraft of Goa should be promoted in the tourism area.

ALSO READ-India’s space program eyes lucrative tourism market

Categories
-Top News Goa India News

Goa to showcase achievements ahead of G20 meet

At the Corlim (North Goa) PCH, the organisers showcased the adoption and use of Hospital Management Information System (E-Sushrut) along with the generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)…reports Asian Lite News

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with the Goa government showcased the health infrastructure in the state ahead of the G20 Working Group meeting that is scheduled to be held in the coastal state from April 17 to 19.

The organisers of the meeting said the health facilities being provided at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Panaji are exceptional. “India’s G20 Presidency has identified three priorities in the health track, namely health emergencies prevention and preparedness; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and digital health innovation and solutions,” they said.

The organisers showcased India’s achievements in digital health Innovations, such as the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission at PHC Corlim and the technological innovation under the Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa program presented through the iBreast Device, an initiative supported by YouWeCan, founded by former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, that aids breast cancer examinations at PHC Dharbondara in South Goa.

At the Corlim (North Goa) PCH, the organisers showcased the adoption and use of Hospital Management Information System (E-Sushrut) along with the generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).

Integration of central registration, general OPD, physiotherapy, dental OPD, ophthalmic OPD, ayurvedic OPD, pharmacy, and laboratory on E-Sushrut was also demonstrated. The successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) is another component that was prominently showcased by the organisers.

The PMNDP portal integrates all the dialysis centres operational in the state under the National Health Mission and facilitates building of a renal registry and ensuring portability within the state (One State-One Dialysis) and later throughout the country (One Nation-One Dialysis).

Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, free of cost dialysis is provided to patients in the state.

The state currently has over 100 dialysis machines across various PHCs, ensuring safe and affordable care.

‘Northeastern region will be gateway to South East Asia’

Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Wednesday said that the northeastern region would become India’s gateway to South East Asia, and would have seamless land connectivity with the heart of ASEAN and beyond once the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is completed.

He said this while addressing the inaugural session of the 4th and last G20 Business Meet in northeast under under India’s G20 presidency,

Singh said that the hosting of B-20 event in Kohima is an outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that through India’s G20 Presidency, India in all its glory should be showcased to the world.

He said that the Prime Minister Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) showcases the importance being attached to the development of the northeast region by the government as ‘New Engine Growth of India’.

Saying that the government is continuously working for seamless land and rail connectivity with Bangladesh and pitching northeast India to the business community to invest in, Singh stated that northeast can be seen as a potentially dynamic region of the world, surrounded by ASEAN, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with the youth from northeast playing critical role in hospitality and care-giving sectors across India.

With its rich human resource base, he said that northeast can grow their business in the region and beyond, offering immense and relatively unexplored market opportunities.

Singh said ‘diversity is the strength of the northeastern states’ with more than 250 ethnic tribes domiciled in the region.

“Hitherto, the region was reckoned as landlocked but with the formation of bilateral and multilateral ties with other countries, the region has now become the centres for investment and partnering with other global business communities and platform for various collaborations.”

He stated that the G20 meeting is a good platform to showcase to the world the potential of the region. The minister also assured that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is ready to assist the states in exploring the potential areas of the region for investment and promotion of partnership in the business sector.

Singh also expressed the desire for collaboration of educational institutions, and construction of all-weather roads in all the border villages having close proximity with international boundary lines. He also proposed for opening of more border hubs.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Kohima is witnessing the convergence of 60 overseas delegates from 27 countries and the delegation includes diplomatic, focused trade and business delegates.

He added that over 100 B2B and B2G requests were generated for interaction with government departments in Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Healthcare and Food Processing.

Rio said that Nagaland would benefit from the B20 Conference as it is strategically located and will help Nagaland develop as a base for boosting links with ASEAN countries.

He mentioned that the trade potential of the state lies in its strength in agro and forest based, mining and minerals based and services based industries.

ALSO READ-Consensus at G20 Employment Working Group meet

Categories
-Top News Goa India News

Goa steps up G20 preparations

Health and security of the G20 delegates are under focus as Goa is all set to host its first G20 meeting this month…reports Asian Lite News

With just a few weeks left for the first meeting of the G20 summit in Goa, the state government is looking at all avenues to ensure prevention and preparedness against health emergencies and security arrangements.

Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary Protocol and Nodal Officer for G20 of Goa, said that the preparation for the upcoming meetings is going on in full swing with the government exploring every aspect of management. “Across Goa, from the airports to the route to be covered during the G20 meetings, everything is being spruced up. We are adding greenery and beautifying the stretches. We are trying to give the delegates a comfortable stay here through experiences, dinners and cultural programmes,” he said on Sunday.

From providing medical cover to delegates to having a dedicated team at all venues, the health department has planned it all.

“We’re ready with both, a medical cover for the delegates as well as designated teams at the venues and airports,” Dr Kedar Raikar, Nodal Officer Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, DHS who is currently holding the position of OSD (Health) of G20 said.

The medical cover will include life savers ambulance services, in addition to other medical facilities.

He further said that doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff from Goa Medical College, the Directorate of Health Services and the EMRI 108 will be trained and deployed for these meetings to provide additional support.

“The Goa Medical College and Hospital will be used to cater to surgical and medical emergencies as well as the treatment and evaluation of patients. We have identified a dedicated ward alongwith ICU facility for this purpose,” Dr Raikar added.

Additionally, the health department is also ready to effectively address other contagious and infectious illnesses at the airport and other venues.

In the technologically advancing age, the health department has also made some notable changes in digital health and preparedness in Goa which will be showcased to the visiting delegates.

“Under the health management systems, we are showcasing PHC Corlim for switching from offline to online mode of treatment. The hospital provides online services right from the registration counter to the patient getting lab investigated,” Dr Raikar said.

However, the delegates will also be able to explore the dialysis centres at the health and wellness centres, emergency care centres, and elderly care centres as well as telemedicine, teleconsultation and OPDs at the PHC Corlim, PHC Dharbandora and PHC Aldona.

New initiatives and the state’s efforts towards going digital and improving treatment plans will be showcased during the course of the meetings in Goa.

This comes as part of the nationwide rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27 in 2021.

The mission is aimed at developing the digital health infrastructure of the country and making data sharing easier across different stakeholders of the health system.

On the security front, Jaspal Singh, Goa Director General of Police (DGP) has assured that the department will follow all security and safety measures during the stay of the visiting delegates in Goa.

Similarly, Omvir Singh Bishnoi, IPS, Goa Inspector General of Police, Nodal Officer (Security) – G20 stated that all security arrangements will be ensured promptly and will be in place before the planned meetings.

“We have already conducted an interdepartmental security coordination meeting under the DGP of the state wherein all departments were roped in and the final list was discussed. I have also conducted a meeting with managerial meetings with the staff of hotels and airports. Venue commander and two officers have been deputed as venue commander for both the airports,” he also said.

The final meeting with all the stakeholders will be held on April 13 to find out all the details for the event and transportation of the delegates.

As part of the eighth G20 summit to be held in Goa starting in April, two ministerial and six other meetings will be held in the state spread across the next four months.

The first meeting in Goa is scheduled to be held from April 17-19 at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim-Goa and will have in attendance international health officials and delegates for the 2nd Health Working Group Meeting. (ANI)

Agartala welcomes delegates from 14 countries

Delegates from 14 countries on Sunday arrived in Agartala to attend the two-day G20 summit in the city starting April 3 on the theme of ‘Clean Energy for Greener Future’.

The delegates and close to 90 high officials arrived at Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) international airport at 2 pm on Sunday. They were then checked into Agartala’s Hotel Polo Towers. The delegates on their visit are likely to visit the historical Albert Ekka Park and then visit the light and sound show at Kumari Tilla near Agartala’s G B Pant Hospital.

The delegates will be attending the summit tomorrow.

The delegates will also call on Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The summit will take place at Hapania International Fair Ground in Agartala tomorrow.

The state is making massive preparations for the event, and dozens of decorated stalls have been installed at the Hapania indoor exhibition hall.

Stalls belong to various districts of the state showcasing their products. The state has worn an enlightened attire, with paints and decorative material.

Minister of Industries and Commerce, Santana Chakma, visited the exhibition hall to inspect the ongoing preparations and stated that Tripura is well prepared to welcome the international and national delegates.

Notably, this is the first time an international meeting of such stature will be held in Tripura.

Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha also spoke about the preparedness and the glory of hosting a prestigious G20 meet.

The delegates will visit all the historical and attractive places of the state like Ujjayanta palace, and Nirmahal, among others.

“I have held review meetings with all the concerned ministries and office heads to take the stock of their preparedness towards the program yesterday and got to know that all are ready to host and are eagerly waiting for the summit to happen. It should be a great source of encouragement and inspiration for the state of Tripura as the whole world will come to see the state of Tripura with its beautiful and attractive historical places,” CM said.

“Tripura is well prepared to host the delegates from the European and other countries of the world in the upcoming G20 summit which has been scheduled to be held on 3rd and 4th. This is in the great pleasure for the people of Tripura as for the first time such a huge kind of program of international standard is going to be held in the state,” CM added. (ANI)

ALSO READ-G20 delegates participate in Yoga session in Siliguri

Categories
Business Goa India News

Goa CM urges embassies to import ‘Feni’

Cashew feni is the country’s first indigenous liquor to obtain the Geographical Indication tag…reports Asian Lite News

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the state assembly that he has written to the embassies of some foreign countries with a request to popularise and import ‘Feni’ to their countries.

Feni, a drink commonly and socially consumed by the local residents of the coastal state, was notified as the state heritage drink by the Goa government in 2016.

Cashew feni is also the country’s first indigenous liquor to obtain the Geographical Indication tag, a process which was initiated by local manufacturers of the brew in 2009.

“In order to promote the Heritage Drink ‘Feni’, I have written to the embassies of some foreign countries with a request to popularise and import feni in their countries,” Sawant said, while presenting the Budget.

Sawant said that he has also requested other states to recognise ‘Goan Feni’ as ‘Country Liquor’ in their State Excise Policies, so that the levy of excise duty in their states is at par with country liquor and not IMFL.

During the Assembly’s Monsoon Session, Goa BJP legislator Deviya Rane demanded that the government allow the export of Goan cashew feni, a step which can boost cashew cultivation and bring cashew apples into use.

Rane, an MLA from Poriem constituency in North Goa, has said that it has demand from foreign countries.

“If we get permission to sell it in other states and internationally as well as it has wide scope and demand, it will help to increase the production and thus, new distilleries will come. This will ultimately help the cashew farmers,” she said.

“I went abroad recently and when people there came to know I am from Goa, they said you are so lucky, you have beaches and you have Feni… but they also lamented that they do not get it in their country. They also asked me ‘why your country doesn’t export it’,” she said.

ALSO READ: EWEC’s bold goal: 600% rise in solar capacity

Categories
Goa India News Lite Blogs

Goa: Beyond Sand, Surf and Sea; Economic Potential is Untapped

In a detailed economic analysis Goan entrepreneur Nanda (Anil) S.N. Counto, Chairman and Managing Director at ALCON (Anil Counto Enterprises) elaborates the current economic scenario in Goa and recommends solutions to pull out the state from its gripping economic crisis and flourish in abundance.

Goa is on the threshold of growth. The Mopa airport that was recently inaugurated will boost tourism and cargo logistics in the state. The auctioning of Mining as per the latest advice of Supreme Court which was a long pending issue stands resolved. The Government of Goa will earn handsome fair amounts from this auction on an annual basis and export revenue on a per ton basis. Goa can arguably have the highest GDP as well as per capita income in India provided there is less political intervention and corruption.

Author Nanda (Anil) S.N. Counto, Chairman and Managing Director at ALCON (Anil Counto Enterprises)

It may be recalled that in the month of June, 2012, after the late Manohar Parrikar took over the reign of Goa after BJP party got elected and before the closure of mining in Goa and when the Shah Commission was appointed mining and hospitality business were the main two life-lines of Goa on the economic front. Since then it’s argued that the following industry verticals should be considered for a turnaround for a prosperous Goa on the economic front and outlined them in the order of preference:

1. Mining 2. Tourism and Hospitality 3. Knowledge Village  4. Agriculture 5. Horticulture & Floriculture 6 Pisciculture 7. Animal Husbandry and Poultry 8. IT and IT related ancillaries 9. Pharmaceutical Industry 10. Mormugao Port & Docks  11.      Renewable Energy; and 12.Other industries.

The above industry verticals are divided into three (3) main economic segments, viz. 1.  Primary economic sector  2.  Secondary economic sector; and 3.  Tertiary economic sector. I had felt that in the economic sector we must prioritise and lay more stress on the economic upliftment of Goa.  These were predominant thoughts in the year, 2012.  However, COVID – 19 and the devastating closure of the entire mining sector changed the entire economic format.

After experiencing what is happening in Goa at present, mainly due to mining closure and COVID – 19 and subsequently due to lockdown: business and industries were totally or partially hit resulting in diminished revenues to all business ventures as well as to the Government in terms of reduced taxes and revenues.

The financial year of 2020 – 2021 and 2021 – 2022 have been totally disrupted with the fall in revenue in every business thus two to three years more would be needed to settle down for all businesses.

Goa has witnessed economic crisis since the last one decade ever since the cessation of mining business which was one of the most important sectors for employment for the people as well as for the states GDP growth. In the financial year 2020 – 2021 and financial year 2021 – 2022  Goa has suffered miserably mainly because of (1) the COVID – 19 pandemic (2) The tourism  sector which was playing an important factor in boosting GDP growth was in doldrums ;  and  (3)  The mining sector was also almost closed,  in a nut – shell both the industry verticals that is hospitality and mining sector were closed ;   thus adversely affecting GDP  as well as employment for the State of  Goa.

Positive growth signs are seen and this is possible if and only if both the public and private sector act in unison and with total co-operation.  The government should mainly look after the governance, and the private enterprise should act and deliver the goods responsibly.  A sincere joint public-private sector participation and co-operation will help considerably.

Goa mining ores are natural resource

Today, we cannot be dependent on the mining sector anymore due to the vagaries of the international market-forces and because of the spike in export duty.  The GOI ‘in principle’   has decided to give more importance to local manufacturing of iron and steel through “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.   As such, Goan grade of iron-ore which is of lower grade of 58% may not be very suitable for the local steel industry since it was tailor – made and suitable for export.    However, The Government of Goa (GOG) will find some means to activate the mining activities, but alas, it may not be the main dependable industry any longer to boost the GDP growth of the State.    Henceforth India has to develop the technology for iron-ore up gradation to utilise Goan iron ore as well as high grade iron ore from other parts of the country for steel production and try to compete with China, who has superbly mastered the technology to upgrade low-grade iron ore. 

There will be a cascading effect on account of the increase in customs duty as well as the closure or reduction in mining activities and all other related industries, particularly barge business, heavy machinery requirement for mining business, ancillary business for this heavy machinery equipment, logistics business for trucks which were thousands in number which means the truck drivers, cleaners and other ancillary industries dependent on the trucking business will be adversely affected.  GOG should seriously work out strategies to overcome the above negative impact on Goa’s GDP.

In order to increase the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GVA (Gross Value Added), we have to concentrate on every economic sector viz.   Primary, Secondary and Tertiary economy sectors which should be given due importance in the following order :  Primary sector which deals with raw materials, secondary sector deals with manufacturing and the tertiary sector deals with services.

The Primary economy sector in Goa has not been explored to its full potential.

As far as Goa is concerned, the Primary economy can be categorised in the following industry verticals.  1.  Agriculture   2.  Horticulture 3.  Floriculture  4.  Pisciculture 5.  Animal Husbandry and Poultry   6.  Forestry; and 7.  Mining Sector, mainly raw material. In Secondary economy: Pharmaceutical industry and other large and MSME Industries which are situated in the government industrial estates i.e.  All kinds of manufacturing industries can be included. In the tertiary economy: tourism, Hospitality, Information Technology knowledge, knowledge village, entertainment and finance, and all types of service industry to be included.

Primary economy requires adequate attention and also tertiary economic sectors for the State’s GDP growth.  The Secondary economy sector will definitely help as it is connected with all SMEs   and also small and large manufacturing units. Growth and proper planning of Primary and tertiary sectors can become a game-changer for employment which will boost the economy of the State.

Primary economy sector:

1. Agriculture

Goa has vast uncultivated land, mainly because of the perception of local people that to work in the fields is below their dignity.   Goans by and large do not want to do hard physical labour.   Moreover most of the land owners are given to dispose – off their lands to real estate owners rather than utilise the land to cultivate. 

The Goa Government should come out with special incentive schemes for these land owners, either to join together and bring at least  25 acres of  land under one umbrella, by safeguarding the individual owners’ lien on the land and allow them to make some sort of consortium and convert this land for agricultural purpose to produce different agricultural products.   Today with the digital advancement and IT enabled ideas and new technology many varieties of agricultural products can be grown, which enables forward integration and to improve the growth for the secondary economic sector.

Goa agriculture sector requires more incentives

A special incentivised scheme can be drafted which could encourage tenanted land as well as uncultivated land, including orchard land, and get the tenants and landowners to come together under a special scheme to allow such land to be leased to private entities, with clear and specific conditions so that the owner does not lose his / her right on land but also the tenants as well as the land owners get the benefits that their land is given for a productive cause.   The Government of Goa or Private sector can definitely work out a credible scheme on the above lines.

2. Animal Husbandry & Poultry

Poultry as well as animal husbandry can be handled in such a way that a special incentive scheme is worked out by the government so that many related products can be processed.    The required attention and weightage has not been given to this Primary economic sector.   Collateral products and bye-products from animal husbandry especially from the cow and allied animals should be used for commercial purposes. The 50% of milk requirement in Goa is being brought from outside the state. The government says that this milk is adulterated and not good for consumption.   Cow dung as well as cow urine and many other collateral by-products can boost Goa’s economy as well create more employment if proper attention is given and their use explored, professionally.

3. Forestry

Goa has significant forest area Private as well as government which are approximately 34% that is much higher compared to the forested area in the country.  Yet these forests do not give any tangible benefits to the GDP and growth of Goa.   A scheme has to be worked out without disturbing the delicate ecology and environment to make use of these areas for GDP as well as employment growth, and this can be done.

4. Fishing and Pisciculture

Goa has many rivers and rivulets also about more than 150 kms of sea frontage.   Special schemes may be provided to explore fishing in the inland waters as well seaward side.  Again through this vertical of the primary economic sector, huge employment can be provided and we may use the latest technology to explore this industry for fishing and allied products, which can be done with good results – professionally.

5. Floriculture and Horticulture

Goan land is the most ideal place for the growth of this industry viz Floriculture and Horticulture. Everyday tons of goods under this sector come to Goa from different places.  The area by the side of roads can be developed for horticulture which will also beautify the roadsides and driving will be a pleasure.    The hinterland can be used for horticulture -to grow different types of fruits and vegetables, which will help the secondary economic sector as a forward integration for canning and other types of industries.

6. Mining

Due to the multifarious restrictions on the extraction, sale / export of iron ore we may not be able to secure the same benefits which Goa used to get before the closure of the mining sector.  We can still work in this sector as a raw materials provider for the internal consumption in India and also mining can be explored within the strict framework of Government of India mining rules and regulations.

The Government of Goa should give importance and come out with some beneficial schemes for aggregate business, manganese business as well as special high grade iron ore business.  The Government of Goa as well as Goans should address this mining business differently and think of “out of the box” solutions which are implementable.

Goa Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant

A proper strategy should be adopted to use these raw materials for the upliftment of the secondary economic sector that is manufacturing as well as the growth of the tertiary economy which is the service industry.

Goa does not provide adequate raw materials which are normally required by the manufacturing industry thus these are bought from other parts of the country. Raw materials can be used by the industry for forward integration as an input to the state’s industry and finished products can be sold to other parts of the country, if the product is in excess.

Secondary economic sector

The raw materials for the Primary economic industry such as agricultural products, animal and poultry products, fisheries and pisciculture products, floriculture and horticulture products and mining products are used for growth and  the forward integration industry that will satisfy the needs of  Goan population and the excess products could be sold outside, which will help the employment and GDP. Over and above the manufacturing units, the Government of Goa should encourage SMEs which are at present situated in different Government industrial estates as well as in private industrial estates.

Many MSME industries are not flourishing and expanding mainly because of the non-supportive approach by the government.   There are enough entrepreneurs and skilled personnel in Goa who can set up MSMEs in the state, but due to red-tape and inordinate delay in securing the requisite permissions,  the products manufactured in the unit gets defunct and the unit becomes unviable, also because of many other contributory factors such as paucity of  timely loans, interest burden, etc.

IPB is a good initiative but IPB should not become one more statutory approval window, although IPB is supposed to be one-window clearance for any industry to be set up in Goa.

The Government should encourage private industrial estates and also private industrial buildings having micro and small entrepreneurs who just want approximately 50 sq.mt. to  100 sq.mts.  area to set up their tools or machinery that will be part of micro and small industrial units.

This private sector should be outside the purview of the panchayats which are a big stumbling block because of their vested and conflicting interests.   There should be a body which gives all the approvals including a Sanad for these private industrial estates.   It can even come under IDC with some good amendments and rules to the present by laws and it should be the responsibility of the IDC to collect the necessary taxes due to various authorities, including Panchayats.

The Pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest industries in the State of Goa having all the major MNC pharmaceuticals. 

Sugar factory has become a white elephant for decades.   This can be converted into an economy boosting industry if proper thought is given. A proposed scheme “Sugar plant analysis, options and optimisation” that was shared during Parrikar’s regime can be revisited. The Goa Government can still ponder over this proposition; the idea was for the forward integration of the molasses available to be converted into ETHANOL.   This proposal was given by me to the Goa Government in   the year, 2016 / 2017.

C. Tertiary Economy

Goa has very high potential growth in the tertiary economy which is mainly service-related industry.    The main industries in this tertiary economy are:

1.   Tourism & Hospitality related industry:

There is a tremendous opportunity for the Goa Government to explore this vertical of the tertiary sector. Goa requires incentive schemes and booster-incentives. These should be floated by consulting talented and non-tainted professionals with a sole intention to secure a minimum of 150 million tourist footfall in Goa of which 25% is comprised of foreign tourists. Abundance of Forestry and huge water ponds artificially created because of mining can be converted into water sport entertainment lagoons and also can be explored for other related industrial activities.  Forestry area also can be explored for tourism-related activities plus for agriculture-related activities because of abundant availability of water.   The Government should facilitate the infrastructure through its own resources as well as through incentive Schemes to Goan entrepreneurs.   This one vertical of tertiary economy sector itself is sufficient for Goa to become the highest GDP earner as well as employment generating state in India.

2.   Knowledge Village Industry: The Government should provide incentive schemes to bring world class institutions to each of  the following talukas – Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim, Sattari, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona – so that other institutions of  Goa along villages may be developed.  Moreover, the western belt of Goa, along the coastal belt could be explored for the tourism and allied industry, while the Eastern belt of Goa, which has vast areas but less in population compared to the Western belt, can have knowledge village based industry. The Eastern side which consists of 7 Talukas namely Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim, Sattari, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona are considered   backward areas.   However, most of these Talukas are blessed with minerals like iron-ore, Manganese ore, and Basalt. Because of mining, many areas in some of  the Talukas of the eastern belt, have deep excavated land / deep pits, now forming a lake like water bodies which with the help of  the Government can be converted into water sports activities supported by amusement parks, etc. There is probably insufficient material/soil to fill these big pits and some sort of other avenues to engage these areas for economic upliftment of the nearby villages should be explored .Fear psychosis and villagers mind set needs to be changed. Students must be welcomed. Villages and Talukas benefit in terms of economic upliftment and employment benefits.

Goa Institute of Management

3.   IT and IT related industry:  Basically mainly Software and the Hardware industry: Goans are intelligent, English speaking and are educated.   There are approx. 2000 engineers who come out of Goa every year.   There is at present brain drain of the educated intelligentsia. Incentivised schemes encouraging young entrepreneurs on setting-up “starts ups” should be enhanced.  One large digital related company should be invited to Goa to set up.

Goa’s security on the digital front must be enhanced to avoid unwanted elements coming to Goa.

4.   MOPA Airport:

Mopa Airport will give big boost and can be a game-changer to the GDP growth of GOG, if proper study and implementation of different projects connected with the Airport is done mainly on tourist handling facilities and cargo handling (which will be huge in numbers) facilities and also allied industrial units that may start, because of the proximity to the international airport (Mopa). The Government of Goa should encourage and grant permission to set up  hotels in the north Goa beaches as well as in the backward Talukas like Pednem, Bicholim, Sattari and some eastern side of Bardez Taluka and also entertainment related facilities must be encouraged. A proper TCP planning of  the Talukas near Mopa Airport must be taken up on top priority.

5. Major Ports: Mormugao Port –  a salient natural port should be expanded for import and export of raw materials and goods.  It has tremendous potential if GOG and GOI   think seriously to expand this natural God-given port.

6. Renewable Energy: Renewable energy–to be explored with a futuristic idea with latest technology.   A very good and ideal industry to be explored to the fullest extent for the industrial development of Goa. At present Goa is purchasing energy.

7. Goa being a highly literate state

Financial related services as well as Health and Social care related services also can also be encouraged.

8.   Health and Social Care

Ghar-Ghar-Me-Jal can be a unique business proposition. .Goa gets yearly about 3000 cms (120 inches) of Rainfall.   It is presumed that in the Ghat areas which to the east of Goa region, the rainfall is about 5000 cms (200 inches) Most of this rain water goes to the Arabian Sea. Goa has many rivers, tributaries and rivulets into which this rain water flows and ultimately goes to the sea.   Because of the high tide and the unique topography of Goa, most of the rivers, up to approximately 20 kms from the coastline get the saline water into their streams.   The salinity decreases from September to the month of May and then the rain starts.

Rivers have comparatively sweet water after 20 kms of length from the sea-line.    There are many villages, having 50 to 100 houses, which are situated within one km of these sweet water rivers, tributaries and rivulets.    There is always shortage of water in the months of April and May for tapped/sweet water at different cities in Goa.

A required height of smaller dam / Bhandaras / Barrages should be built on these rivers/tributaries to accumulate the water and then pump the water near the assigned village by constructing a lake to store this water, purify the water to make it drinkable and supply this water to the nearby houses so that the water problem faced by the villagers is solved permanently.   This sort of scheme will make the government have additional water supply, having disconnected the existing water supply line from the main source of water supply from bigger dams and supply this surplus water to the cities which suffer water scarcity in the months of  March,  April and May every year. A full-scale holistic scheme can be worked out.

The state of Goa is burdened with a huge debt of more than 20 thousand crores.  Moreover, routine instalment of compensation cess from the Central Government has also been discontinued and a recent working-paper released by the Central Agency has stated that Goa, besides Punjab and Chattisgarh will have serious financial crisis post stoppage of compensation cess under GST.   Under such circumstances, it’s high time that the state government and its people take war-like and urgent steps to revive the Goan economy.

(As told to Rahul Laud, Associate Editor, Asian Lite)

ALSO READ: Rediscovering Goa beyond beaches and nightlife