Elections 2025

GMC, GDC PG seats: Cong protests delay in quota notification

NT Reporter | Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said Goa has always prioritised the welfare, dignity and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs) while speaking at the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances camp held recently at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali. Sawant said the initiative ensures that assistive devices and support systems [] The post GMC, GDC PG seats: Cong protests delay in quota notification appeared first on The Navhind Times .

25 Nov 2025 11:12 am
CM tells cops not to heed MLAs directives

Amresh Parab Panaji Providing respite to police officers from undue political interference, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has instructed them not to entertain directives from members of the legislative assembly (MLAs). Sawant, who also holds the home portfolio, told officers to ask any MLA issuing such directives to route them through the Home Minister, sources said. [] The post CM tells cops not to heed MLAs directives appeared first on The Navhind Times .

22 Nov 2025 1:05 am
Rising crimes: Major shake-up in Goa police

NT Reporter | Panaji Amid the rising crimes in the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant effected a major shake-up in the state police posting superintendent of police (Konkan Railway) Harishchandra Madkaikar as North Goa superintendent of police, replacing incumbent SP Rahul Gupta. Guptas transfer comes in the wake of the rising crimes including daring dacoities. [] The post Rising crimes: Major shake-up in Goa police appeared first on The Navhind Times .

21 Nov 2025 12:34 pm
Police to adopt new strategy to foil crimes

NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the Goa police will adopt a new strategy primarily aimed at crime prevention. Sources said that while discussing various policing issues at a crime review meeting Sawant reprimanded police officials over the rising incidents of crime, and sought total dedication towards duty. He said that [] The post Police to adopt new strategy to foil crimes appeared first on The Navhind Times .

20 Nov 2025 1:22 am
Girl who shielded father in attack should get PM award: Virato

NT Reporter Vasco South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes has written to the office of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recommending 15-year-old Nakshatra Nayaks name to the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), the central agency responsible for selecting awardees for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to be bestowed on January 26, 2026. He has additionally [] The post Girl who shielded father in attack should get PM award: Virato appeared first on The Navhind Times .

20 Nov 2025 12:25 am
Two Navhind journalists bag awards forhealth & education on National Press dayawardees on National Press Day

NT Reporter Panaji The Navhind Times bagged two awards at the Goa Journalist Awards 2025 function held to mark National Press Day on Monday. Christine Machado and Ramandeep Kaur of The Navhind Times received awards at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for Reporting in Public Health and Hygiene, and Education, respectively. The other []

18 Nov 2025 12:56 am
CM defends medias right to criticise govt, cautions against damaging states image

NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that it is the right of journalists to write about the governments mistakes, but, in doing so, they should also ensure that such reports do not tarnish the states image. Sawant was speaking at the National Press Day function in Panaji on Monday. It is the duty []

18 Nov 2025 12:56 am
8 DMF-funded vehicles will benefit mining-affected people

NT Reporter | Margao Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that eight vehicles procured at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore by the South Goa District Mineral Foundation would be used for the benefit of mining-affected people in the district. The District Mineral Funds have consistently been allocated for their intended purpose. These eight []

15 Nov 2025 11:02 am
Land allocation for forest dwellers mere fragment of original area

NT Reporter | Margao Former minister and Scheduled Tribe leader Prakash Velip on Thursday alleged that the state government had issued sanads to forest dwellers granting them only a fraction of the land they have cultivated and possessed for decades. He urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure that these families are allotted the land []

14 Nov 2025 12:01 pm
Seize opportunities, become entrepreneurs, Sawant tells youth

NT Reporter | Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said there are many opportunities for Goans in tourism, services, manufacturing and medical fields and urged them to make the best of these chances by becoming entrepreneurs. Aiming to push the local youth towards self-employment, Sawant unveiled details of the newly notified Mukhyamantri Swayam Rojgar []

13 Nov 2025 11:10 am
Activists challenge CM to debate, allege he is misleading over coal expansion

NT Reporter | Margao A day after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said there were no plans to increase coal handling in the state, Goyant Kollso Naka on Wednesday accused him of misleading people and challenged him to a public debate to prove the facts. The group, which organised a largely attended public meeting on Sunday, []

13 Nov 2025 11:08 am
Cabinet approves EPF benefits for 7,000 govt contract workers

Special Correspondent| Panaji The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved a one-time scheme granting Employees Provident Fund (EPF) benefits to nearly 7,000 contract workers, effective from 2017. Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the scheme would place a burden of around Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 crore on the state treasury. The Cabinet also []

13 Nov 2025 11:06 am
Stay vigilant: CM in wake of Delhi blast

NT Reporter | Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that Goa has been placed on alert following the deadly car blast in Delhi on Monday, emphasising that the move is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining peace and order. In response to the blast, Goa Police have stepped up security across the state, conducting []

12 Nov 2025 11:11 am
No plans to increase coal handling, CM assures Goans

NT Reporter | Panaji A day after thousands of Goans gathered in Margao to demand that the state government stop handling of coal at the Mormugao Port and also halt its transportation and related projects in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said coal handling capacity in the state has not been increased at []

11 Nov 2025 11:20 am
IFFI 2025 to open with 26-float parade at Old GMC Complex

NT Reporter | Panaji The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a 26-float float parade, on November 20,while for the very first time the inauguration will be held outdoors at an open venue at the Old GMC complex in Panaji. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the decision on []

11 Nov 2025 11:03 am
CM directs fresh probe into cash-for-job scam

NT Reporter | Mapusa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday directed the police to conduct a fresh investigation into the cash-for-job scam following an allegation made by prime accused Pooja Naik that a minister, an IAS officer and a PWD engineer were involved in the Rs 17 crore recruitment racket. Asking police to register a []

10 Nov 2025 10:54 am
Accused in Goa job scam claims minister, IAS officer's involvement; CM Sawant assures probe

An accused in the Goa cash-for-jobs scam has alleged the involvement of a state minister, a senior IAS officer, and an engineer. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured a thorough investigation. The accused claims she collected money on behalf of these individuals. The police will record her statement in the presence of a magistrate.

9 Nov 2025 2:42 pm
CM blames migrants for most crimes, illegalities

NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that migrants are involved in most of the illegalities and crimes taking place in the state. Responding to media queries on the sidelines of the launch of six new fire tenders procured by the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services in the city, the Chief []

8 Nov 2025 12:08 pm
Vande Mataram is the heartbeat of India, says CM at songs 150-year celebration

Special Correspondent Panaji Joining the state in celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday described the poem written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskritised Bengali as an ode to the motherland and the heartbeat of India. It is a song that unites people of all religions and symbolises the nations []

8 Nov 2025 12:03 pm
FIDE World Chess Cup trophy named after Viswanathan Anand

The trophy was unveiled during a colourful opening ceremony which was attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and FIDE chief Arkady Dvorkovich

31 Oct 2025 8:42 pm
Goa govt signs MoUs worth Rs 6,160 crore in Mumbai

Shoma Patnaik Mumbai With several states eyeing investments at the India Maritime Week 2025 taking place in Mumbai, Goa tied up Rs 6,160 crore of funding from domestic and international investors through memoranda of understanding signed on the inaugural day of the mega event. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government will fast track projects []

28 Oct 2025 1:28 am
MPA only accredited green port in India

NT Reporter Mumbai Giving a lift to the state, it was announced at the India Maritime Week 2025 that Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) is the only accredited green port in India. The green accreditation, which is for the operational areas of the port, is valid until June 2028. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who attended the []

28 Oct 2025 1:26 am
Goa minister and former CM Ravi Naik passes away

Paying tributes to Mr. Naik, Goa CM Pramod Sawant said his leadership, humility and contribution to the public welfare will always be remembered

15 Oct 2025 8:09 am
Goa Minister and Former CM Ravi Naik Dies

Paying tributes to Naik, Goa CM Pramod Sawant said his leadership, humility and contribution to the public welfare will always be remembered

15 Oct 2025 8:03 am
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik passes away at 79

Ponda: Goas Agriculture Minister and former chief minister Ravi Naik passed away late Tuesday night following a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 79. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the news. Expressing grief on the death of his ministerial colleague, Sawant said it is a big loss for Goa. Naik was a man of the masses []

15 Oct 2025 2:19 am
Unity Mall, Prashasan Stambh projects planned on area declared as wetland

NT Reporter Panaji A day after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the proposed Unity Mall and the 17-storey administrative tower Prashasan Stambh, set to come up at Chimbel, have all required permissions, chairman of the Chimbel Biodiversity Committee Govind Shirodkar said the projects are planned on land officially classified as wetland by the government []

24 Sep 2025 12:31 am
Goa open to global universities: CM

Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that Parul University has become Goas first private university, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said two more private universities have been approved by the government, thus taking the total number of such universities in the state to three. The government is also open to international universities setting up their campuses []

19 Sep 2025 1:50 am
Top scientist flags deterioration of Goas lakes, calls for urgent revival

NT Reporter Panaji Sounding an alarm over the deteriorating condition of Goas lakes, Dr Sharad P Kale, former Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientist and chief advisor to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, on Thursday said 39 water bodies in the state have been placed under E category by the Central Pollution Control Board due to []

19 Sep 2025 1:47 am
Goa CM Sawant urges industries to ensure occupational safety

Occupational safety and health at the workplace is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral responsibility towards one another, stated Dr Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, during the inauguration of the Occupational Safety and Health exposition for health and safety professionals in the industry. Sawant emphasized the crucial role of safety and health in the workplace, noting that they significantly contribute to enhanced productivity and the overall growth of the country. The marke

17 Sep 2025 10:34 am
Goa CM Pramod Sawant Shares His Vision For The State | Reveals His Favourite Beach And More | TBC

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant opens up about his vision for the future of Goa in this exclusive interview. From boosting tourism and sustainable development to enhancing infrastructure, Sawant shares his plans to make Goa a top destination while preserving its unique culture and environment. He also reveals his favorite beach spot in Goa, giving fans a glimpse into his personal side.People did not think of Goa beyond 'Sun, Sand and Sea'. We added 'Spirituality' into it. People are now driven

11 Sep 2025 9:10 am
Opposition to IIT project at Codar angers CM

Panaji: Voicing concern over the pervading trend of protests across the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the mentality to oppose everything, including the project like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), in a literate state like Goa is not right. Speaking to mediapersons at Mantralaya, Porvorim, he said some people are opposing everything []

10 Sep 2025 1:19 am
Student found dead at hostel room in BITS Pilani campus in south Goa; Government orders probe

It is the fifth such incident since December 2024; Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters a committee has been formed under the collector to probe these incidents

5 Sep 2025 10:07 am
Coordination failure

Administrative machinery must remember that it needs to be sensitive to peoples suffering Chief Minister Pramod Sawants statement yesterday deferring the closure of the highway section in Porvorim from OCoqueiro junction to Mall de Goa has brought much relief to commuters ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. He said that the decision on the proposed closure of []

26 Aug 2025 12:44 am
Ganesh Chaturthi: Goa Govt's Push For Clay Idols Gives Traditional Artisans Fresh Lifeline

The Pramod Sawant-led government has been promoting a subsidy scheme providing Rs 200 per clay idol for up to 250 idols.

23 Aug 2025 10:26 am
Goa govt to draft policy for taxis by September 10: Pramod Sawant

Goa's government is set to create a comprehensive taxi policy by September 10, addressing transparency, security, and fair pricing in the taxi sector. This initiative follows discussions between officials and taxi associations, aiming to replace current cab aggregator guidelines with a state-specific policy.

23 Aug 2025 10:24 am
Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar Resigns, Joins State Cabinet As Minister

BJP MLAs Ramesh Tawadkar and Digambar Kamat were sworn in as ministers in the Goa cabinet led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday.

21 Aug 2025 2:42 pm
Goa: Former CM Digambar Kamat, assembly speaker Ramesh Tawadkar sworn in as ministers

Former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Ramesh Tawadkar were sworn in as ministers in the Pramod Sawant-led state cabinet on Thursday. Tawadkar, representing Canacona, resigned as Speaker before taking the oath, while Kamat, previously a Congress CM, joined the BJP in September 2022. Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju administered the oath at Raj Bhavan.

21 Aug 2025 2:40 pm
Goa: Ramesh Tawadkar, Digambar Kamat sworn in as Ministers in Pramod Sawant Cabinet

Hours before the swearing-in, Ramesh Tawadkar resigned as the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly

21 Aug 2025 1:09 pm
Goa Minister Aleixo Sequeira resigns citing personal reasons

Sequeira handed over his resignation letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the afternoon

20 Aug 2025 5:18 pm
CM gives mantra of innovation, involvement and investment

Unauthorised security agencies to be closed down Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said innovation, involvement, and investment form the foundation for the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa. Addressing the 79th Independence Day state-level function in Panaji, Sawant highlighted the ongoing efforts to empower local artisans, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives []

16 Aug 2025 1:43 am
700 Goa Police recruits pass out from Lachit Borphukan Academy

Assam's Lachit Borphukan Police Academy celebrated the graduation of 700 Goa Police recruits, including 131 women. Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pramod Sawant emphasized the training's role in strengthening ties between the states.

13 Aug 2025 12:02 am
Goa becomes second state after Manipur to send police recruits to Assam for training

GUWAHATI: Goa became the second state after Manipur to send its police recruits to Assam for training. Marking a milestone in interstate police cooperation, 700 police recruits from the western Indian state graduated from the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Assams Dergaon on Tuesday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his Goa counterpart Pramod Sawant, attended the passing out parade. The recruits, who underwent a 43-week gruelling training in physical fitness, mental resili

12 Aug 2025 6:26 pm
CM assures Assembly of action over misuse of Goan surnames

Special Correspondent Panaji Admitting that the government has received multiple complaints of outsiders adopting Goan surnames, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that if required, the government will take necessary steps to further amend the Change of Name and Surname (Amendment) Act, 2022, so as to make it more stringent and prevent its misuse. []

5 Aug 2025 10:41 am
Sawant denies recruitment freeze at Goa University

Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that there is no recruitment ban in Goa as far as filling vacancies at Goa University is concerned, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said the government has adopted alternative measures to improve the universitys NAAC rating. The Goa government has been supporting Goa University with regards to infrastructure. For the []

5 Aug 2025 10:27 am
Goa Eyes Glass Liquor Bottles Ban Near Beaches Amid Complaints Of Injury

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the legislative assembly that the state government was considering a ban on the sale of glass liquor bottles near beaches and replacing them with cans.

31 Jul 2025 10:13 pm
Goa Earned Rs 1,661 Crore As Fees From Casinos In Five Years: CM Sawant

The Goa government has earned more than Rs 1,661 crore as recurring fees from onshore and offshore casinos over the last five years, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said in the state assembly.

30 Jul 2025 2:40 pm