While the Election Commission has not formally declared any winners so far, several contests are witnessing a close battle, with margins in some cases down to two digits….reports Asian Lite News
The BJP claimed victory in the state Assembly polls, with the party which is contesting the elections on its own, leading trends on 19 seats and the Congress-Goa Forward alliance leading in 11 constituencies, according to the Election Commission of India statistics.
“This is a victory of Goan people and a victory for the government, a victory of the Prime Minister,” BJP national general secretary C.T. Ravi told reporters in Panaji.
While the Election Commission has not formally declared any winners so far, several contests are witnessing a close battle, with margins in some cases down to two digits.
When asked if the BJP would be speaking to other parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party for support to reach the magic number of 21, Ravi said that the decision would be taken after the final results are announced.
Goa recorded a high voter turnout of 78.94% in the single-phase election. UP and Uttarakhand recorded 62.52% and 59.61% turnout, respectively, reports Asian Lite News
Goa registered a very high voter turnout of 78.94 per cent in polling for the 40 Assembly seats which passed off peacefully with no untoward incident reported from any part of the state which witnessed a multi-cornered contest, officials said.
They said this was preliminary voter turnout and the final figure may cross 80 per cent as electoral fate of 301 candidates were locked in EVMs which will be opened on March 10 for counting. To check the spread of COVID-19, voters were provided hand gloves at polling stations.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal said the highest voting was registered in the Sankhalim constituency in North Goa at 89.61 per cent, while the lowest voter turnout was 70.20 per cent at Benaulim in South Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is the BJP candidate from Sankhalim.
The poll officer said the overall voter turnout stood at 78.94 per cent.
“This is a tentative percentage of voting, while the exact data would be available later. The voting percentage may cross 80 per cent after adding votes polled through ballot papers,” CEO Kunal said.
Over 11 lakh people were eligible to cast their votes. They include 9,590 persons with disabilities, 2,997 aged over 80 years, 41 sex workers and nine transgenders.
The Vasco constituency had the highest number of 35,139 voters, while the Mormugao seat had the lowest number of voters at 19,958, he said.
Kunal said, “13,150 postal ballots were issued and a total of 12,546 people voted through postal ballots.” He said polling was held at 1,722 booths, of which 105 were manned by only women personnel (also called ‘pink booths’) and eight by differently-abled persons.
The CEO said 80 candidates had criminal antecedents, which were published in the media before the voting as per a Supreme Court mandate.
A senior police official said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner and no serious complaint of any malpractice was received.
He said three FIRs related to different incidents were registered during the day.
In one of the incidents, the car of a person, who is related to a political leader, was set on fire at Bicholim, while at Sanvordem a person was found with cash, the police official said.
He said the total cash seizure was Rs6.06 crore during the period of code of conduct which came into force in early January.
Besides, liquor worth Rs3.57 crore was also seized during the period, the official added.
Over 62% polling in Uttarakhand
Over 62% polling was recorded in Uttarakhand where voting to 70 assembly seats spread over 13 districts concluded peacefully on Monday, officials said. The polling percentage in the 2017 assembly elections in the state was 65.56%.
“Polling was held peacefully at the 11,697 polling booths across the state with 62.5% of the electorate casting their votes till the close of polls,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Saujanya said at a press conference.
Polling came to an end at 6 pm.
Ninety-eight voter verifiable paper audit trails, 30 Central Units and 31 Balloting Units had to be replaced during polling while a total of 203 FIRs were lodged for Model Code of Conduct violations on Monday, she said.
Polled electronic voting machines will be kept in strongrooms after scrutiny by general observers and under CCTV camera surveillance till the day of counting on March 10, the CEO said.
Counting will be carried out under a three-tier security cordon, she said.
Seizures made up to the polling day were worth Rs18.80 crore which is three times more than the seizures worth Rs6.85 crore made in the 2017 assembly polls, Ms Saujanya said.
Long queues of voters were seen outside booths as polling began at 8 am amid strict adherence to Covid protocols, and among them were also centenarians, who despite their age exercised their franchise.
People were allowed to cast their votes only after wearing gloves.
Giving out district-wise polling data till 5 pm, officials said Haridwar district saw the highest voter turnout at 67.58 per cent followed by Uttarkashi with 65.55 per cent, Udham Singh Nagar 65.13, Nainital 63.12, Rudraprayag 60.36 per cent, Chamoli 59 per cent, Bageshwar 57.83 per cent, Champawat 56.97 per cent, Dehradun 52.93 per cent, Tehri 52.66 per cent, Pauri Garhwal 51.93 per cent, Almora 50.65 per cent and Pithoragarh 57.19 per cent.
There were also reports from Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts where around 10 villages boycotted the polls due to non-construction of roads.
In the day, CEO Saujanya inspected the model polling booths in Nehru Colony and Hathi Barkala in Dehradun to see if Covid protocols were being followed by voters and officials.
On faulty EVMs at certain polling stations, she had said they were immediately replaced.
61% turnout in 2nd phase of UP polls
Over 2 crore voters decided the electoral fate of 586 candidates in the fray today in the second phase of the election to 55 assembly seats in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh.
Of the estimated 2.02 crore eligible voters, there are 1.08 crore male, 94 lakh female, and 1,269 third gender voters.
In the second phase, 23,404 polling places and 12,544 polling stations were set up. Voting has ended in UP across 9 districts.
Voting started at 7 am and continued till 6 pm across 55 Assembly constituencies of Amroha, Budaun, Bareilly, Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur, Saharanpur, Sambhal and Shahjahanpur in the western part of the politically crucial state.
Earlier in 2017, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won 38 of the 55 constituencies, Samajwadi Party had bagged 13 and the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had got two seats each.
Shah further said that the people of Goa had sampled BJP and Congress rules and knew what the two administrations represented….reports Asian Lite News
Lack of decisive leadership by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had led to the delay in the liberation of Goa from the colonial Portuguese regime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday.
Shah, who was addressing an election rally in the Bicholim assembly constituency in North Goa, also said that voters in Goa had two clear choices ahead of the February 14 elections — either vote for a Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party or cast ballot in favour of dynasty-ridden party like the Congress.
“Goa got independence after a lot of sacrifice and struggle. It took a lot of time for Goa to be independent. Yesterday, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking in Parliament, raised this issue. Who is responsible for the delay in Goa’s independence?” Shah said at the rally in Bicholim where outgoing Speaker of the state legislative assembly Rajesh Patnekar is contesting the polls on the ruling BJP’s ticket.
“History is witness that if Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership was decisive, then right after India got independence on August 15, 1947, Goa should have been liberated soon after,” the Union Home Minister said. Goa was eventually liberated from Portuguese yoke in 1961.
Shah further said that the people of Goa had sampled BJP and Congress rules and knew what the two administrations represented.
“The people of Goa have witnessed both governments. The Congress rule was marked by instability and anarchy. BJP’s government was about stability and development. This time all BJP workers are working for a hat trick in Goa,” the Union Home Minister said.
“People of Goa have to decide whether they want a BJP government or a government led by a dynastic party where there is no democracy,” he added.
Shah also said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s borders had been secured as never before.
“There were attacks at Uri and Pulwama, our soldiers were burnt to death. In 10 days, the country’s Prime Minister responded by ordering surgical and airstrikes on Pakistan soil and killed the terrorists. Modi has made India safer and sent a message to the world, that you cannot dare to threaten India’s borders or Indian soldiers or you will be penalised,” Shah said.
Two of the three MLAs from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party also switched to the BJP during that period…reports Asian Lite News
Weeks after Congress party candidates took a public oath in front of religious deities against defecting to other political parties after elections, candidates of the AAP in Goa on Wednesday signed affidavits against switching political parties after the February 14 polls.
At a press conference in Panaji, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also said that the issue of defections had reached “world record” proportions in Goa, calling for the strengthening of anti-defection laws in the country.
“Goa’s politics is such that it has a history of defections. I think it must be a world record that 15 of the 17 elected MLAs of one party switch sides to another. This pledge is a legal document and if any of our candidates go against their pledge they can be prosecuted for breach of trust and swearing a false oath,” Kejriwal told a press conference in Panaji, during which the party’s 39 candidates posed with their signed affidavits.
Kejriwal was referring to the exodus of Congress party MLAs to the BJP between 2017 and 2022. Two of the three MLAs from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party also switched to the BJP during that period.
“We have chosen all good candidates, when choosing we have chosen based on who is clean and honest. We have chosen them well, yet we have felt the need for this affidavit because not only should you be honest, but you should also be seen to be honest. People have to be reassured (that) If I work dishonestly or change my party you can file a case against me,” the Delhi Chief Minister also said.
“Anti-defection laws need to be strengthened in India. Especially in the case of Goa. If an MLA wants to defect for reasons of ‘defection’ then they need to go back to the people. This is a confidence building measure that we are giving you in writing that we will not change. Today we are the only party that is bringing a statement of oath before the people,” Kejriwal said.
Fadnavis said that efforts to bring in both the rebels are back, but added that there is limitation to such outreach…reports Asian Lite News
Goa’s late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s son, Utpal, was not denied a ticket, in fact he was offered two other constituencies as options to contest from, the BJP’s poll in-charge for the coastal state Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters in Mapusa town, Fadnavis also said that there were limitations to the party’s outreach efforts to bring back into the fold rebels like Utpal Parrikar and former Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
“Utpal Parrikar has not been denied a ticket. We have given Utpal Parrikar the option to contest in two constituencies. One of them was a traditional BJP bastion, but he wanted to contest from the Panaji (assembly) constituency in particular. He rejected both assembly constituencies. We are sad that he is not with us,” Fadnavis said. Utpal Parrikar quit the BJP last week after he was denied a ticket to contest from the Panaji Assembly constituency, which was represented by his father from 1994 to 2019, when he died in office. Utpal Parrikar has claimed that he took the decision because of the tainted background of the BJP’s official candidate Atanasio Monserrate, who is being probed for raping a minor girl in 2018. Another major rebellion faced by the BJP is the one by Parsekar, who also quit the BJP and has filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate, after his claim for a ticket was also rejected in favour of sitting MLA Dayanand Sopte, who joined the saffron Party from the Congress in 2019.
Fadnavis said that efforts to bring in both the rebels are back, but added that there is limitation to such outreach. “It is always our wish, that if someone from our family is separated, then they should come back to the family. Such efforts are on. But if someone has decided that they do not want to come back, then there are limitations to our efforts too, but if someone does decide to return to the family, then we will certainly welcome them and bring them closer,” he said. Elections to 40 seats of the state legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held on February 14.
Poll dotted by dynasty raj
The dynasty phenomenon has appeared to have aged like fine wine in Goa ahead of the February 14 Assembly polls. And just like wine offers red, white and rose variants, the upcoming elections appear to have broken down the dynasty concept to sons and daughters, spouses and sundry.
The BJP appears to have displaced the Congress this time, when it comes to adopting the Family Raj doctrine, although the party appears to have preferred couples more than direct political descendants, when it comes to ticket allocation. The BJP has picked two couples, Vishwajit and Divya Rane from Valpoi and Poriem Assembly constituencies, respectively. The party has also nominated the Monserrates, Atanasio and Jennifer, as its candidates from Panaji and Taleigao seats for the Valentine’s Day poll.
The one couple which could not make the cut in the BJP are the Kavlekars. While Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar got the BJP ticket from the Quepem Assembly seat, his wife Savitri, who was also vying for a BJP ticket from the neighbouring Sanguem Assembly constituency, has had to contend with being an independent candidate. The Trinamool Congress follows the BJP, allotting tickets to two couples, Kiran Kandolkar and his wife Kavita from the Aldona and Thivim Assembly constituencies, while the Congress has settled for just one marital pair, Michael and Delilah Lobo from the Calangute and Siolim Assembly constituencies.
Sons of powerful political sires have however found less favour with the BJP this time, as compared to wedded couples. The notable omission is late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s son Utpal, whose claim for the ticket to the Panaji seat was rejected in favour of Atanasio Monserrate. Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik’s son Siddesh also could not make it to the BJP’s ticket roster. While Utpal has filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate, Siddesh has backed off from the brink of rebellion after he was offered the post of a secretary in the party’s state unit.
Late Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza’s son Joshua however appears to have made the cut in the BJP, with the party offering him a ticket to contest the Mapusa assembly seat. Francis D’Souza was undefeated in Mapusa from 1999, before the BJP’s most prominent Catholic face died in 2019.
The Alemaos appear to be the luckiest clan when it comes to cornering the most number of tickets in these polls. While the Trinamool Congress has fielded the father-daughter duo of Churchill and Valanka from the Benaulim and Navelim Assembly constituencies, respectively, in South Goa, Yuri Alemao, Churchill’s nephew, has secured a ticket from the Cuncolim Assembly constituency. Yuri’s father Joaquim incidentally has also been a Congress legislator in the past. The Dhavalikar brothers, Sudin and Deepak, are the only sibling pairing to contest the February 14 Assembly elections from the Marcaim and Priol constituencies representing the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.
The state’s most forested sub district of Sattari represents the sundry classification of the dynasty concept. The candidates contesting the two constituencies of Valpoi and Sattari would be more at home sitting at a family dinner rather than featuring as election combatants. The Poriem Assembly constituency in Sattari has been represented by former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane for over 50 years. Goa was poised to witness a contest between Pratapsingh Rane on a Congress ticket against his daughter-in-law Divya Rane, who has been fielded by the ruling BJP. Pratapsingh Rane withdrew from the contest at the goading of his son and Divya Rane’s husband Vishwajit, Health Minister in the outgoing government who is contesting from the Valpoi assembly constituency on a BJP ticket.
The Congress’ last minute replacement of Pratapsingh Rane in Poriem is yet another Rane– Ranjit Rane, who is the son of former MLA Jaysingrao, who belongs to the Rane clan.
The state Congress president also said that as announced by the party two years ago, no defector has been given a ticket by the Congress…reports Asian Lite News
The Congress has fielded 80 per cent new and young faces for the February 14 assembly elections, out of which 18 are first-time contestants, Goa Congress President Girish Chodankar said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Panaji, Chodankar also said that the party had stuck to its promise to the people of Goa of having no truck of any kind with defecting legislators who have switched from the Congress to the ruling BJP since 2017.
“Our list of candidates has 70 to 80 per cent new and young faces. Only six percent candidates are former MLAs. 31 candidates are new and young faces. 18 of them are first time contestants,” Chodankar told reporters.
The state Congress president also said that the party was contesting around 37 out of the 40 state assembly constituencies, adding that the party had far made the names of 34 candidates public. “The other names of candidates will be released soon,” Chodankar said.
He also said that only six candidates declared so far are former MLAs.
“Four candidates are in the age group of 30 to 40 years. 18 candidates are in the age group of 40 to 50 years and 10 candidates are between the ages of 50 and 60 years. We have fielded only five candidates who are above the age of sixty years. The average of Congress candidates is 48 years, which is young,” Chodankar said.
The state Congress president also said that as announced by the party two years ago, no defector has been given a ticket by the Congress.
“People wanted the Congress not give tickets to defectors and the party should field new, young faces. Congress took a firm decision on the demands of the people that Congress will not give tickets to defectors,” he said.
“We will not allow defectors any support even if they are fielded by our alliance partners,” he added.
Seventeen Congress MLAs were elected to the state assembly in 2017, out of which 13 defected to the Congress by 2021.
Other Congress MLAs like former Chief Ministers Ravi Naik and Luizinho Faleiro joined the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, respectively.
A glimpse from the Gala Dinner hosted by Government of Goa at Expo 2020 Dubai
The state pitched for investment opportunities in Tourism & Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Agro-based and Food Processing Industries., reports Asian Lite News
The Goa Week at India Pavilion, EXPO2020 Dubai concluded on Thursday. Inaugurated on 14th January by J. Ashok Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Tourism, Industries Trade & Commerce, Handicrafts Textile & Coir, Government of Goa and Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai and Deputy Commissioner General of India at EXPO2020, the state has successfully highlighted its business potential across sectors such as Tourism & Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Agro-based and Food Processing Industries.
Dr Puri also presided over other key events of the state.
The delegation, led by J. Ashok Kumar held various business meetings with global investors showcasing the investment-friendly policies and the availability of skilled labour in the state.
Talking about Goa’s participation at EXPO2020 Dubai, J. Ashok Kumar, said, “The state’s participation at the Expo 2020 was a great success. The Goa delegation had the opportunity to visit several other country pavilions as well as meet with key investors of the region. We look forward to building upon the relationships that we were able to establish in this brief time and host interested investors in Goa soon. My special congratulations to team India for their hard work.”
Mr. J Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Industries & Tourism, Government of Goa with Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary – Revenue, IT, Labour & Employment and Ms. Swetika Sachan, CEO, Goa-IPB and Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager, Goa Tourism Board at the inauguration of Goa Week at India Pavilion, EXPO2020 Dubai
The Goa delegation also met with Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) that resulted in a potential for investment collaboration with the state. The meeting was attended by J. Ashok Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Tourism, Industries Trade & Commerce, Handicrafts Textile & Coir, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary – Revenue, Information Technology, Labour & Employment and Smt. Swetika Sachan, Director, Directorate of Industries, Government of Goa, at the India Pavilion Dubai EXPO2020, Dilip Sinha, Secretary-General, IBPC along with other distinguished members of IBPC.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary – Revenue, Information Technology, Labour & Employment said, “The Expo is a marvellous exhibition of the technologies of not only today but also the future. Through our interactions with other delegates, investors, and innovators, we see the endless opportunities and will strive to implement their suggestions back home in the short term, while planning for the long term.”
Swetika Sachan, CEO, Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board said, “The Dubai Expo 2020 has become a great place for countries to come together and pave the way for innovation and advancement. The state of Goa participated to showcase its business potential in the fields of Tourism, Financial Service, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotechnology to global investors. We actively engaged with the business community of Dubai to strengthen our ties and reassured them of our commitment towards ease of doing business. Personally, I am excited about the investment opportunities that will make a difference in the lives of the people of Goa.”
Besides the focus sectors, the state of Goa also showcased its prowess in the start-up segment. Goa is the first state in India to have two consecutive start-up policies with a supportive ecosystem. It is also one of the most preferred destinations for start-ups across industries. The IT Policy 2017 and Start-up Policy 2021 offer attractive incentive packages to the budding start-ups in the state.
Trivikram Dhol Tasha’s performance at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai marking the conclusion of Goa Week.
Goa is the smallest state in the country with a rich heritage, serene atmosphere and well-developed infrastructure. Goa’s economic growth is driven by the strong performance of its industrial sectors such as tourism, fishing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Tourism is the backbone of the state’s economy, with 40% of the population directly or indirectly dependent on it. The state has recently framed a new tourism policy to offer a uniquely Goan experience to visitors by presenting a versatile concoction of historic, natural, ethnic, cultural locations and attractions. Besides Tourism, the state is also expanding its presence in sectors such as Light Engineering and R&D, Aviation and Technology.
Goa will take a holistic approach to promote key sectors and provide incentives to investors in these sectors. The state has always been open to dialogue about customising an incentives package based on the unique requirements of an investor. Ms. Swetika Sachan, IAS, Director, Directorate of Industries Trade & Commerce and CEO of Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board talks to Asian Lite
Ms. Swetika Sachan, IAS, CEO. Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board: Tourism is the biggest sector in Goa and rightly so. It is something we are proud of and will showcase at the Expo. At the same time, Goa has a lot more to offer and we want to utilise the Expo to display that too. Our focus sectors are: Agro and food processing; IT and IT enabled services; Knowledge-based industry; Light engineering and Niche tourism like medical and luxury tourism
Ms. Swetika Sachan
ASIAN LITE: How do you think Dubai Expo 2020 will help boost Goa’s plans to attract overseas investments to the state across sectors, besides tourism?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is best known as a tourist destination. At the Expo, the state pavilion will showcase various other strengths of Goa alongside its tourist appeal. Sectors such as IT and IT-enabled services, light engineering, agro and food processing are some of the prime areas where the state encourages investment. In our interactions with investors, we would like to highlight the support that the government is willing to provide to give a boost to these industries and other focus sectors of the state.
ASIAN LITE: Would you be looking to have long term trade deals/ agreements with countries in certain focus areas like health, education, SME’s, Aerospace & Defence, Infrastructure?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Absolutely yes. We want to create sustainable growth in the state and such agreements and deals will help the state to work with a long-term vision in mind. With regards to policy making also, it helps to have such agreements in place so that the development can happen on an ongoing basis.
ASIAN LITE: Besides the facilities and incentives, the new Investment Policy of Goa offers to the global investors which every state offers, what different/ unique has Goa got to offer in order to have an edge over others?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is in the process of drafting its new and updated Investment Policy. We will take a holistic approach in this policy to promote our priority sectors and provide incentives to those seeking to invest in these sectors. Besides that, the state has always been open to dialogue about customising an incentives package based on the unique requirements of an investor. This is what we intend to do in Dubai also. We would like to speak with potential investors, understand their needs and challenges and offer solutions that work for them. By extension, we also want the investors to see Goa’s uniqueness and understand the priorities of the state.
ASIAN LITE: Do you have a roadmap to follow-up on the investment interests generated at the EXPO and bring them to ground level? Will you also be making local employment a part of the agreements?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Local employment and preservation of Goa’s beautiful ecosystem are the main objectives of the state when evaluating investment proposals. This will be at the foundation of every discussion we have in Dubai. Goan youth is skilled and talented, and we want to bring the right opportunities in the state for their benefit, such as agro and food processing and technical sectors such as IT, FinTech, to name a few.
The roadmap is very simple, we want to talk to investors and find those who share the same motivations as the government to bring about responsible development in the state. State leadership will helm these discussions and myself and my team will be there along the way to provide necessary support.
ASIAN LITE: Goa is largely known for its tourism worldwide. What plans have you to position the state as an investment destination for other sectors also besides EXPO DUBAI 2020?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Tourism is the biggest sector in Goa and rightly so. It is something we are proud of and will showcase at the Expo. At the same time, Goa has a lot more to offer and we want to utilise the Expo to display that too. Our focus sectors are:
Agro and food processing
IT and IT enabled services
Knowledge based industry
Light engineering
Niche tourism like medical and luxury tourism
ASIAN LITE: India is targeting to become $5 trillion economy by 2025. What do you think will be the pie of Goa in the overall contribution of states?
SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is a leading contributor in terms of the SGDP and has demonstrated continuous growth rate of the same. As our connectivity with the world and rest of the country increases, tourism is expected to grow too. We have a new international airport underway and an expansive network of highways under construction. Besides this, the state is also encouraging investments in the focus sectors as mentioned earlier. Altogether, it is safe to say that Goa’s share of the pie will be significant and will continue to grow.
MR ASHOK KUMAR: Goa is vibrant state that is popular among Indian and international tourists equally. As such, the state does not need any introduction. We will be utilising the platform of the Expo to showcase the investment potential of the State apart from showcasing the vibrant culture of Goa and the Startup ecosystem in the State.
Goa is participating in the ongoing World Expo 2020 Dubai from January 14 – 20, 2022. The state will showcase its rich heritage while exploring opportunities in key business sectors including the Agro and food industry; Knowledge based industry; IT, IT-enabled Services, EMCs and Startups — emc (electronic medicines compendium); Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology and Tourism and Film shooting. The Goa government is taking proactive steps for the continued development of the state. By introducing reforms and policies that are aligned with global goals as well as provide various incentives for those seeking to make investment in the state, the Government envisages Goa to be the preferred investment destination in India in the coming years. Asian Lite speaks to Mr. J Ashok Kumar, IAS, Secretary to Chief Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Tourism, Industries Trade & Commerce, Handicrafts, Textiles & Coir, PPP Division.
Mr. J Ashok Kumar
ASIAN LITE. How do you plan to promote Goa at Dubai Expo 2020?
MR ASHOK KUMAR: Goa is vibrant state that is popular among Indian and international tourists equally. As such, the state does not need any introduction. We will be utilising the platform of the Expo to showcase the investment potential of the State apart from showcasing the vibrant culture of Goa and the Startup ecosystem in the State.
ASIAN LITE: Which are the key sectors Goa government will be promoting at the Dubai Expo 2020 for overseas investor and business groups?
MR ASHOK KUMAR:The state will be promoting its major focus sectors such as Agro& Food Processing, IT & Knowledge-based Industry, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology, and niche Tourism such as luxury, hinterland and medical tourism.
ASIAN LITE: Would you be interested in investment for other sectors that are not in your preferred list of priorities?
MR ASHOK KUMAR: Goa is the smallest state in India. We have a rich and diverse natural heritage, and it is our responsibility to protect it from unchecked development. For this reason, the state is selective when it comes to what kind of investments it is seeking. We have a thorough review and evaluation process for this. As long as a proposal meets our criteria and helps the state grow without negatively impacting the environment, we are happy to welcome investors.
ASIAN LITE: What facilities and incentives the new Investment Policy of Goa offers to the global investors?
MR ASHOK KUMAR: The state is in the process of rewriting its investment policy. The new policy will be drafted keeping in mind the current times and investment trends. The policy will encourage investments in the focus sectors and offer various benefits and incentives. We want to create an environment of mutual support between the state and the business community, and the policy will reflect the same.
ASIAN LITE: What is the Government’s message to the Global Goan Diaspora?
MR ASHOK KUMAR: Goa is known as a warm and welcoming place and of course, what is better than welcoming the children of this land back to their home state to witness its development and become a part of it. We have various benefits for Goan diaspora looking to invest in the state, especially in the IT sector, where the state IT Policy and Startup Policy offer policy-level incentives to the Global Goan Diaspora. I want to invite the Goan community in the UAE to visit us at the Expo and engage with our delegation.
ASIAN LITE: India is targeting to become $5 trillion economy by 2025. What do you think will be the role of Goa in the overall scenario?
MR ASHOK KUMAR: Goa has historically been a leading contributor to the nation’s GDP despite its small size. With the current growth mindset and a thrust to diversify in sectors beyond traditional tourism, this contribution is only going to increase in the coming times. Goa is also becoming increasing popular among startups and some of the big businesses of future are currently taking roots in Goa.
Goa Assembly polls will be held in February- March next year along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur. The BJP has been in power in the coastal state since 2012…reports Asian Lite News.
For winning the third election in a row in the state, the Goa BJP has started presenting a report card of state government to people.
The party workers are visiting every household with the works of the BJP government in the last ten years.
A well placed source said that a campaign has been launched to reach every house in the state with the works of the BJP government in 10 years.
For winning the third election in a row in the state, the Goa BJP has started presenting a report card of state government to people.
“We have started presenting our report cards to people. Report card contains works of the BJP government in the state since 2012. The campaign started on January 1 and will continue till January 10. In these 10 days, BJP workers will reach out to each and every household in the state and tell the voters what our government has done in the last 10 years,” he said.
Goa Assembly polls will be held in February- March next year along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur. The BJP has been in power in the coastal state since 2012.
Apart from knocking each door in the state, the BJP workers and leaders are also meeting eminent personalities with the report card and taking their suggestions. “We are meeting eminent personalities and influencers giving details of our government in the last two terms,” a party leader said.
The saffron party, meanwhile, is organising meetings at different levels to activate its cadres. “Assembly level convention of the party has started and workers’ meetings are also being organised across the state,” he said.
It has set a target to win over 25 seats in the 40-member Goa Assembly. BJP national general secretary and state in-charge, CT Ravi said that BJP will form the government for third term by winning more than 25 seats.
“People have seen development in the last ten years under the BJP government and will once again elect a BJP government to further accelerate the pace of development of the state. We are going to win over 25 seats,” Ravi said.
