RDA to set up bazaars for local products

| JANUARY 23, 2019, 03:00 AM IST

the goan I network

VASCO   

RDA Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar said Goa would soon witness projects like the Goa Bazaar, Global Village and Satellite Village Markets to be set up by the RDA.   

Salgaonkar was speaking to reporters along the sidelines of a function to inaugurate the beautification and development of the area near Cortalim Ferry point in the presence of Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Cortalim Sarpanch Angela Furtado, Dy Sarpanch Raymond Desa and others.   

Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha inaugurated three projects under the DRDA like beautification near the ferry point at Cortalim, Jogger’s track at OLPS school ground and development of open space at Siddharth colony near MES college, Zuarinagar.   

Speaking to the media, Salgaonkar said efforts were underway to start full-fledged operations at the DRDA. “Staff at the DRDA has come down from 90+ to 30 and hence, not much work can be done. However, we have approached the Central government and are trying to alter some guidelines and take some exemptions and start a full-fledged DRDA.”   

“Today, we can convert Central government schemes of one department and use it for the another department.”   

“We have already formed a department and we await a final consent. It has to be taken up before the cabinet and it will be confirmed at the next cabinet meeting. We have already got an officer appointed as director of DRDA and he has been given an additional charge of RDA North,” said the minister.   

Stating that the government is working to develop rural areas, Salgaonkar said there are various schemes in the Centre for rurban (a mix of rural and urban) areas, which bring amenities of cities in rural areas.   

“Since Goa has a high per capita income and far better amenities then other states, it does not qualify for certain schemes. But we are trying to get other schemes applicable to Goa under DRDA.”   

“DRDA is working restlessly towards poverty alleviation, woman empowerment, youth employment and literacy programs required at the grass roots. Besides, we will not only focus on creating more self-help groups, but also give them opportunities to exhibit their products and help them compete with other states by soon bringing in projects like Goa Bazaar, Global Village and Satellite Village Markets as part of an initiative of the RDA department,” said Salgaonkar.   

Saldanha said she was please to inaugurate three projects under DRDA in her Cortalim constituency specifically meant for residents of the area.   

“There are so many residential areas where we have many senior citizens and little ones and there is no area for them to come out and sit and relax or catch up with each other and enjoy each other’s company.”   

“They can enjoy the scenery here as we have nature at its best in these areas. I request people to use the place and also to take care of the facility and ensure that no anti-social elements misuse this lovely facility created for benefit of public at large,” said Saldanha.   

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