CM leads celebration of 46th Goa Liberation Day today

Panaji, Dec 19 (UNI) Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today led Goa in celebrating its 46th Liberation Day.

Addressing a colourful official parade at Campal grounds in the capital city after unfurling the national flag and taking salute, Mr Kamat vowed to make Goa a ''model state'' for others to emulate through measures that would ''touch the bottom of common man's heart''.

He also said the Congress government would not take any critical decision without considering the collective opinion and gaining confidence of people and the stake holders as in the case of the Special Economic Zones.

Regarding work at the seven SEZs notified, he said the task force constituted for the purpose besides the Cabinet Committee would examine all aspects of infrastructure projects before taking final decision amid opposition by a section of people.

At the same time, he had warned of stern action against those indulging in violence and vandalism which had no place in democracy.

The government had always been accessible to the people to redress their grievances, he said.

''We required cooperation of the cabinet colleagues and the people from all walks of life so that the dream of the freedom fighters is realised,'' Mr Kamat told the well attended gathering.

Bowing to the sentiments and majority opinion, he said, the Congress government had withdrawn the controversial Regional Plan-2011 and others while making a credible effort to formulate Regional Plan -2021.

He had further enumerated various people oriented schemes ever since his government took over six months ago.

Education and health sectors were priority of his government in the 11th plan period and all efforts were underway to achieve the goals, he said.

The Chief Minister later witnessed colourful cultural programmes including singing of national integration songs after presenting awards to 27 people for their meritorious services in various walks of life.

Prominent among those present at the occasion included speaker Pratapsingh Rane, former speaker Francisco Sardinha, North Goa M P Mr Shripad Naik (BJP), cabinet colleagues, bureaucrats including Director General of Police B S Brar and others.

Flag hoisting ceremonies with participation of different ministers and cultural events at different places marked the celebration of the Liberation Day.

Governor S C Jamir had hosted a reception at Raj Bhavan later in the evening. The Raj Bhavan was illuminated on this occasion.

UNI