Government of Goa, in partnership with Bharat CSR Network, has officially launched the Smart Village Project of Shiroda Constituency. This landmark announcement was made during the recently concluded Swayampurna Goa CSR Conclave 2024. The Smart Village Project is a key component of the Swayampurna Goa initiative of the Chief Minister, Dr.Pramod Sawant. The project aims in transforming rural communities across the state of Goa through cutting-edge infrastructure, digital education, accessible healthcare and sustainable energy solutions.
Present on the occasion of the launch were Subhash Shirodkar, MLA of Shiroda, Minister for Water Resources, Joshua Peter De Souza, MLA of Mapusa, Deputy Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Shailesh Sinai Zingde, Director of Education, Gouresh Kurtikar, Director (Administration) WRD/Taluka Nodal Officer for Swayampurna Goa, Dr. Sajid Saiyed, Chairperson & Founder, Bharat CSR Network, Dr.Kailas Digambar Gokhale, Deputy Director, Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation, Ranganath Kalshavkar, Zilla Panchayat Member, North Goa Zilla Panchayat – Arambol Constituency and Chandrakant B. Shetkar, Convenor/ Swayampurna Mitra, Village Panchayat Bethora Nirancal Ponda – Goa. The event also witnessed participation of various Government officials, Sarpanchas, Deputy Sarpanchas, Swayampurna Mitras and key stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Subhash Shirodkar stated: “I am thrilled to collaborate with Bharat CSR Network to ensure that every village in Goa becomes a Smart Village under the Swayampurna Goa initiative. It gives me immense satisfaction that my constituency, Shiroda, has been chosen as the first to initiate this transformative project. The benefits of this initiative will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for the people in my village, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. The advancements we are bringing to the Shiroda Constituency will not only improve the quality of life for its residents but also set a benchmark for rural development across the state.”
De Souza expressed his support and enthusiasm for the project, stating: “I am immensely proud to support the Smart Village project under the Swayampurna Goa initiative. As we increasingly depend on modern technology in our daily lives, it is crucial that its benefits reach every part of our state, including our rural villages. The Government of Goa’s collaboration with Bharat CSR Network on the Smart Village initiative is a transformative step towards making this a reality. This project will ensure that even the most remote villages in Goa have access to the tools and infrastructure needed to progress and prosper in the digital age.”
During his address, Dr. Sajid Saiyed, Chairperson & Founder of Bharat CSR Network, said: “I am truly excited to be part of the Government of Goa’s visionary Smart Village project, which is a key initiative under Swayampurna Goa to uplift every village in the state. The support for this initiative has been remarkable. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister of Goa for enabling such a transformative project in Goa. I would also like to express my gratitude to Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resources; Joshua Peter De Souza, Deputy Speaker and MLA of Mapusa Constituency; Gouresh Kurtikar and especially Chandrakant B. Shetkar, whose unwavering commitment and leadership as Swayampurna Mitra have been pivotal. His guidance has been instrumental in bringing this project to life and ensuring it will make a lasting impact on Goa’s rural communities.”
The Smart Village Project is set to transform rural communities with a comprehensive approach to development. Central to this vision is education, with the construction of Smart Schools in Shiroda that will feature modern facilities and innovative teaching methods to prepare students for the future. Healthcare is also a priority, with the establishment of the AROGYAM Healthcare & Wellness Centre to provide free medical services to all residents. The project emphasises sustainability through Solar Energy Initiatives, aimed at promoting clean energy and energy security. Community empowerment is fostered through skill development and Micro-financing opportunities, driving local economic growth. Enhanced security and connectivity will be achieved with the installation of CCTV Cameras and the creation of Wi-Fi hotspots. Additionally, the project will invest in essential infrastructure, including children’s parks, playgrounds, and gymnasiums, to support the well-being and development of Goa’s youth.
The Smart Village project at Shiroda Constituency aims to integrate advanced infrastructure, digital education, efficient healthcare and renewable energy solutions to create a model of sustainable rural development. This project will not only uplift the local community but also set a benchmark for rural development initiatives across the nation.
