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CEC Gyanesh Kumar says Goa should target 95% voter turnout, urging citizens to exercise their franchise and strengthen democracy. Asked if polls would be advanced to December, Kumar said: “Samay par hoga” (it will be held on time). • CM Sawant says a permanent office for Koti Tirth has been set up and Gopakapattana Port will be developed. He says the Adil Shah Palace was not built by Adil Shah but by the Kadambas, with remains showcasing Goa’s rich architectural heritage from the 10th to 14th century. The Koti Tirth Corridor project will be completed within one year. • Zenito Cardozo, an accused in Activist Rama Kankonkar attempt to murder case, has filed a petition before the High Court challenging order of the trial court to frame charges against him. High Court has deffered the proceedings of framing of charges scheduled on 7 September and has issued notice to Goa government. • CEC Gyanesh Kumar says elections in India are held as per the Constitution, adding that “One Nation, One Election” is not part of the Constitution as of now and it would be premature for him to define the concept. • The State of Goa and Crime Branch SP Rahul Gupta have filed a petition before the Bombay High Court at Goa, challenging a pre-cognizance order and notice issued by the Panaji JMFC Court in a private criminal complaint filed by activist Kashinath Shetye. Shetye has accused senior police officers of dereliction of duty and shielding subordinate personnel. The High Court has stayed further proceedings before the JMFC Court and issued notice to Shetye. • CM Pramod Sawant says the government has earmarked Rs 100 crore, with Rs 3,000 to be credited directly to beneficiaries. The scheme has no income limit and will also cover domestic PNG consumers. • CM Pramod Sawant said the Goa Archaeology Department, along with the Shri Saptakoteshwar Koti Tirth Restoration Committee, will organise Udakshanti and Mandovi Pujan at Shri Saptakoteshwar and Shri Koti Tirth Sthan, Divar, on September 4. • CM Pramod Sawant says Goa will write to PRAWAH seeking an urgent inspection along with the state team and approach the Jal Shakti Ministry for the same. The government has also submitted all documents before the Supreme Court and will file an interlocutory petition, he said. • Goa-based regional airline FLY91 has placed a landmark order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft, valued at around $1 billion — the largest ATR order globally by a regional airline; deal will expand FLY91’s fleet from 6 aircraft today to 60+ aircraft over the coming years, strengthening regional connectivity across India. The airline currently operates nearly 280 weekly flights to 12 cities, with its 13th destination set to launch later this month. • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant says forms for Goa’s three-free-LPG-cylinder scheme will be available at panchayats and with MLAs from September 5. Eligible beneficiaries who submit the required documents will start receiving Rs 3,000 directly in their bank accounts from September 9. CEC Gyanesh Kumar says Goa should target 95% voter turnout, urging citizens to exercise their franchise and strengthen democracy. Asked if polls would be advanced to December, Kumar said: “Samay par hoga” (it will be held on time). • CM Sawant says a permanent office for Koti Tirth has been set up and Gopakapattana Port will be developed. He says the Adil Shah Palace was not built by Adil Shah but by the Kadambas, with remains showcasing Goa’s rich architectural heritage from the 10th to 14th century. The Koti Tirth Corridor project will be completed within one year. • Zenito Cardozo, an accused in Activist Rama Kankonkar attempt to murder case, has filed a petition before the High Court challenging order of the trial court to frame charges against him. High Court has deffered the proceedings of framing of charges scheduled on 7 September and has issued notice to Goa government. • CEC Gyanesh Kumar says elections in India are held as per the Constitution, adding that “One Nation, One Election” is not part of the Constitution as of now and it would be premature for him to define the concept. • The State of Goa and Crime Branch SP Rahul Gupta have filed a petition before the Bombay High Court at Goa, challenging a pre-cognizance order and notice issued by the Panaji JMFC Court in a private criminal complaint filed by activist Kashinath Shetye. Shetye has accused senior police officers of dereliction of duty and shielding subordinate personnel. The High Court has stayed further proceedings before the JMFC Court and issued notice to Shetye. • CM Pramod Sawant says the government has earmarked Rs 100 crore, with Rs 3,000 to be credited directly to beneficiaries. The scheme has no income limit and will also cover domestic PNG consumers. • CM Pramod Sawant said the Goa Archaeology Department, along with the Shri Saptakoteshwar Koti Tirth Restoration Committee, will organise Udakshanti and Mandovi Pujan at Shri Saptakoteshwar and Shri Koti Tirth Sthan, Divar, on September 4. • CM Pramod Sawant says Goa will write to PRAWAH seeking an urgent inspection along with the state team and approach the Jal Shakti Ministry for the same. The government has also submitted all documents before the Supreme Court and will file an interlocutory petition, he said. • Goa-based regional airline FLY91 has placed a landmark order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft, valued at around $1 billion — the largest ATR order globally by a regional airline; deal will expand FLY91’s fleet from 6 aircraft today to 60+ aircraft over the coming years, strengthening regional connectivity across India. The airline currently operates nearly 280 weekly flights to 12 cities, with its 13th destination set to launch later this month. • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant says forms for Goa’s three-free-LPG-cylinder scheme will be available at panchayats and with MLAs from September 5. Eligible beneficiaries who submit the required documents will start receiving Rs 3,000 directly in their bank accounts from September 9.

POLITICS

ZP Polls: Goa Adds 19 Communities To OBC List

Goa govt adds 19 communities to OBC list for Zilla Panchayat elections 2025

12th Nov 2025 • 50 views

ZP Polls: Goa Adds 19 Communities To OBC List

The Government of Goa has officially included 19 communities in the State list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) for the purpose of reservation of seats in Zilla Panchayat elections 2025. The decision comes after considering the report and recommendations of the Goa State Commission for Backward Classes.

The communities notified as backward classes for political representation are:

Kumbhar (including Christian Kumbhar), Teli, Shimpi, Christian Mahar, Kalaikar/Blacksmith/Tinsmith, Pagui/Gabit, Christian Barber, Satarkar, Bhandari Naik, Dhobi/Rajak/Madval (including Christian Dhobi), Nhavi/Nai/Nabhik/Napit/Mahalo, Koli/Kharvi (including Christian Kharvi), Nathjogi, Gosavi, Dhangar, Vishwakarma/Chari/Mesta, Thakar, Komarpant, and Christian Render.

The notification states that this inclusion will remain in force for the entire term of the general elections to Zilla Panchayats 2025, ensuring provisioning of reservation in favor of the notified OBC communities.

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Sawant Says Applications Will Be Available At Panchayats And With MLAs; ₹3,000 Assistance To Reach Beneficiaries From September 9