PONDA: The decision by the government to appoint a committee for the feasibility study of the third district for Goa has been warmly welcomed by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik. He expressed his satisfaction with the move, noting that he has long advocated for the establishment of a third district with its headquarters in Ponda. Naik emphasised that this development would address the backwardness faced by seven constituencies, including Ponda, Marcaim, Priol, Shiroda, parts of Dharbandora, Valpoi in Sattari, and surrounding Sakhlim areas.
Naik, who initially proposed the idea, highlighted the inconvenience faced by locals in these talukas, who currently have to travel to either the South Goa District office in Margao or the North Goa office in Panaji for administrative matters. The introduction of a third district, according to Naik, would bring the administration closer to the people. He suggested that the vast government-owned land near the Agriculture Market Yard could serve as the headquarters, considering its proximity to the bypass road of National Highway.
The Agriculture Minister also foresaw additional benefits, such as rural district status and funding from the Central Government. This, he believes, would contribute to the overall development of these talukas and facilitate the establishment of a district hospital in the third district, ensuring better facilities for the local population.
In addition to Naik, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, another minister from Ponda Taluka, also welcomed the decision. He acknowledged the growing population in Goa, putting additional pressure on the administrative system. Gaude sees the proposed third district, covering rural areas, gaining rural district status, making residents eligible for various central government schemes. All four ministers from Ponda Taluka have welcomed the establishment of the third district, emphasising its potential for future development.
Oppn leader Yuri Alemao hails govt decision on third district, calls it a ‘Congress vision’
PANJIM: Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, welcomed the decision of the BJP-led government, headed by CM Pramod Sawant, to initiate the process for the creation of a third district in Goa. Yuri highlighted that the creation of a third district aligns with the Congress manifesto and represents a visionary approach for the State.
Yuri Alemao emphasised the positive impact of a third district on citizens in Ponda, Dharbandora, Sattari, and Sanguem talukas. He welcomed the government’s decision to constitute a committee to examine various aspects of the third district's creation, noting that the BJP is recognising the significance of Congress party policies.
“Our promise of creating a third district in Goa for effective administration and providing ease to citizens was criticised and ridiculed by top BJP leaders in the past. Finally, they have realised that the Congress party was planning for betterment of Goa and Goans,” said Alemao.
The LoP urged the government to ensure proper resources, including infrastructure and manpower, for the district administration to effectively deliver services to citizens. He also recalled the Congress party’s Goa Vision 2035 Document, prepared by a Committee of Experts chaired by Scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, and urged the Chief Minister to study and implement the recommendations for the State’s economic revival.