In Goa, 65th Independence Day was celebrated today as in the rest of the country. Several functions were held to mark the occasion. The main state level function was held near old secretariat in Panaji where the Chief Minister Mr. Digambar Kamat unfurled the National Flag, reviewed parade, took salute and later addressed the people of the state.
Announcing a host of packages for the state in his address, the Chief Minister said, his Government has decided to enhance the honorarium of Panchayat, Municipal and Zilla Panchayat members from this year, besides increasing the stipend being given to school going children of the minority communities. So also the economically backward school going children will get a hike in the scholarship which they get, the Chief Minister said.
Announcing a six point programme for promotion of language and culture in the state, the Chief Minister said the Government has decided to open one Konkani and one Marathi model school in each of the 11 talukas, with a view to impart quality instruction, from the next academic year. He said, every student wishing to pursue education in Konkani and Marathi will be given an annual special scholarship of Rs. 500. With a view to improve the standard of Marathi and Konkani medium school students, a special provision will be made to coach them in English. Mr. Kamat said the government will constitute a task force to improve the standard of Konkani /Marathi schools. This task force will advise the government on problems faced by the schools and recommend suitable remedial measures. The state government he said has also plans to translate the Social Science, Science and Mathematics text books in Konkani at the High School level.
The Chief Minister also presented President Medals to those who excelled in various fields.