The state government is focussing on fitness and education for children and hence has been developing various grounds with a thrust on skilling, said Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Tuesday.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the ground (Filomena D’sa ground) in Cumbarjua and construction of an indoor hall with gymnasium at the village school playground at the cost of Rs 3.30 crore.
Those present were Chairman of Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, former Sports Minister and Priol MLA Govind Gaude, Cumbarjua Sarpanch Sachin Gaude, Deputy Sarpnach Sudhir Phadte and other panch members including Vrindra Joshi, Nandakumar Shet, Surendra Naik and dignitaries.
Sawant praised the Cumbarjua MLA for his untiring efforts in taking up numerous works across the constituency.
“While the constituency is known as Cumbarjua, the village itself has lagged behind in terms of development, be it in terms of roads and bridges. In fact, I had even suggested to the MLA to take up the work on the St Estavao and Cumbarjua bridges first. But there was no alternative route to Marcel so work on the Cumbarjua bridge will be taken up only after the road is built,” he said.
“I thank Rajesh for constantly following up with ministers to get the works done in the constituency. Rajesh is on the top of the list of MLAs and is continuously working to get works done. He works hard to complete small as well as big works, be it of small people or those of the community. We have completed many works in Cumbarjua constituency and many more projects are in the pipeline. Rajesh had won the elections with a big margin and I appeal to the people to continue supporting him in future. I assure to support him in carrying out progress of this constituency,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that a longstanding dream will be fulfilled with the commencement of the playground work. He also said that the government is focussing on fitness and skilling for the youth.
“Children will be the most enthusiastic to learn of the construction of the ground as they get a chance to play. We expect to inaugurate this ground by next Ganesh Chaturthi. We want the kids to attend next year’s August 15 function on this ground. Our government is focussing on fitness and hence we are developing playgrounds at those places across constituencies where the government owns land or wherever there is availability of land. In the past 6 years, the government has commenced work on developing grounds as children must play. In the rural areas and villages, after the National Games was held in Goa, we need our kids to participate in all sports disciplines, be it badminton, table tennis, hockey, volleyball, etc. Their fitness will be in check and hence we are focussing on this,” he said.
“We are also focusing on skilling the youth from the 8th, 9th and 10th standards. Whatever inclination they have in a particular skill, we are imparting this knowledge in these classes. If someone wants to be a mechanic, nurse, or doctor, the skilling course for these professions will be provided from 8th, 9th and 10th standards so that they can develop a liking in that field and in future they can seek admissions too. That is the government’s focus,” he said.
“Our thrust of our government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, is on Viksit Bharat 2047, and today’s children will be architects of this success. As we plan the future of this country, the children should plan their future as well, and the government is supporting this and providing various opportunities, be it in sports and education. They must grab these opportunities,” he said.
Faldessai said that his vision of developing this ground has finally seen this light of day.
“It is a moment of pride for all the villagers of Cumbarjua and the constituency. We have seen many tournaments hosted at this ground and many players have played cricket here, including those from across Goa and other states as well. This ground witnesses activities throughout the year. Yet being spacious, we didn’t have proper facilities. I thank the CM and Govind Gaude for the project,” he said.
“There will be 3 courts to play table tennis as well as a gym and changing rooms. I had a vision. Before becoming an MLA, I had promised that we would build this ground. And I have been continuously following up with the then minister and CM on this issue. Today we have been successful,” he said.
“The CM is working hard. The BJP led government simply does not install foundation stones. We work keeping targets in mind. We expect the work to be completed in another one year. The ground will be of such high standards that even a Ranji match can be hosted. We also lacked a hall and faced difficulty for functions and we often had to book halls on rent. Now we will have a spacious hall with a capacity of 1,000 persons,” he said.
Faldessai thanked the CM for this support in sanctioning various projects for the constituency.
“We all know that the progress of our constituency was lacking far behind. After I became MLA and with the help of the CM and the double engine sarkar, today you can see so many projects like Krishi Setu. The work on the Divar ground worth Rs 2.72 crore will also be taken up. The Gaudaulim overbridge work has started and all pillars are nearly erected, and by February the entire overbridge will be completed. Rs 150 crore was spent by the CM on organising the Exposition, and it was a huge success. Work on the Carambolim lake will also start, as well as the Old Goa police station. I thank the CM as he has sanctioned all my projects so far,” he said.
The MLA said that work on the Gaundalim road will be taken up first before the Cumbarjua bridge project.
“The Cumbarjua bridge was built during the Portuguese era, and it is now in a dilapidated condition. I held a meeting with officials in this regard. Work will be taken up by PWD, but first a 10-mt road from Gaundalim will be first built and then the main bridge will be demolished and reconstructed. Work will also start on the St Estevao bridge at a cost of Rs 21 crore which was approved recently,” he added.