Dear Netters, Whether the CM really wanted to do it---or whether the King of Good Times and Yuva Shakti,Dr.Vijay Mallya ,is forcing him to-----it is "Advantage Goan Youth" !
Viva Goa. Miguel Sunday, November 16, 2003 IFFI will promote Goans' interest: CM NT Staff Reporter Panaji Nov 15: The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar today emphasised that schemes of the International Film Festival of India would promote Goan interest and said that it would bring in an economic spin in the state. He asked the authorities to enlist the works which could be handled by the people particularly young entrepreneurs of the state. Presiding over the second meeting of the core committee of IFFI in the conference hall of the secretariat in the city, Mr Parrikar said that he was of the firm opinion that the Goans should benefit of the exercise of the magnitude of the IFFI and project Goa as a proper destination with hospitable, dynamic and forward looking people coupled with vibrant economic conditions where one could do business and leisure hand in hand. The Chief Minister informed that the government had already undertaken to renovate the heritage houses in and around Panaji in order to give a good look to the city. However, he clarified that he had no whatsoever intentions to transform the capital of Goa as Portuguese town as alleged by some persons. The fact is that, he said, the traditional character and heritage houses had to be preserved at all cost. Let them be Portuguese, Christians, Gothic, Indian or Hindu architecture. He also said that this scheme would be introduced in other towns and important villages. Mr Parrikar said that all the infrastructure facilities for hosting the festival were as per schedule which comprised construction of multiplexes at the premises of Old GMC, extending financial assistance to improve the existing theatres in the city and also to augment the civic amenities to match up with international standards in Panaji. The Chief Minister further said that along with creation of facilities for the IFFI at Panaji, Old Goa would be developed further to cater to the needs of pilgrims visiting the decennial exposition of holy relics of St Francis Xavier. He said since everyday it was expected that 1 lakh of devotees visit Goa, we had to provide all basic facilities to them and state government deemed it fit to provide these facilities as part of the IFFI. The second core committee for the IFFI reviewed the progress made by the infrastructure development committee in regards to integrated development of venue of the film festival in creating requisite infrastructure like multiplex, auditoriums, upgradation of the Kala Academy complex and the heritage buildings and other aspects related to the IFFI and took major decisions to provide opportunities to develop Goa as an ideal state and involve Goans in building up the requisite infrastructure. Mr Parrikar observed that the mega event would give the state a fillip and was of the strong opinion that each corporation adopt a taluka to take up cleanliness in the area. The Chief Minister also said an amount of Rs 20 lakh would be earmarked for repairs, painting of heritage building in the government and private sectors from the outside taking into confidence the owners maintaining their origin designs every year. He said the decision was taken in view of the IFFI to be held in Goa and also from the tourism point of view. Further on the issue creating permanent assets in the state for the IFFI, he said preference would be given to local technocrats and people at large. Elaborating on the execution of some projects for the event, he said expertise would be taken into consideration and the government would not compromise on quality. He called upon Goans to come forward and channelise their energy in this exercise. The Chief Minister further added that 110 applications from reputed consultants had been received and the expert committee constituted would shortlist the agencies. Several of the applications were from international agencies who were having a tie-up with local technocrats, he added. Discussing on the matter of developing Goa as a whole Mr Parrikar said at the prime stage the onus was in the development of the requisite infrastructure for the IFFI and Panaji city and its outskirts and that gradually the development would be extended to other major towns like Margao, Mapusa, Vasco. The meeting also discussed on the draft presented by the MLA, Mr Mathany Saldhanha in his absence on putting to maximum use the multiplex after holding of IFFI every year. The committee felt all legal socio-cultural activities be organised at the complex throughout the year and the project to be constructed by the government be given on lease to highest bidder. The meeting also discussed about construction of convention centre. The Chief Minister felt Verna was an ideal site for the prestigious project of 5,000 seating capacity and land was also available there. The matter for maintaining control over video piracy was also discussed at length. Mr Charles Correa, renown architect responsible for designing the KA complex, was contacted for further services towards its expansion programme. The planning for access from the KA to existing Pergola through children's park was also discussed. The members discussed upgradation of existing theatres, a scheme would be chalked out for providing subsidy to all theatre owners for purpose of upgradation and improvement, a 10 per cent relief in entertainment tax has also been provided. The Power Minister, Mr Digamber Kamat felt the urgent need to redress the production of garbage disposal and suggested that the proposed sites identified in North and South Goa be acquired for setting up disposal plants on priority basis. Mr Pratapsingh Rane suggested that heritage houses be given a face-lift even in villages for tourist attraction and scheme be worked up to permit owners rent premises to the visitors. Mr Harish Zantye pleaded with the government to look into interests of theatre owners as they were incurring huge loss. Mr Aleixo Sequeira, MLA, suggested development programmes should also be taken up in villages on lines with the programme proposed in major towns. 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