Elected student representatives from colleges across Goa came together for ‘Campus Connect’, an interactive programme with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in Panaji. The session gave student leaders an opportunity to speak about issues affecting their colleges, seek answers and discuss the opportunities available to young people in the state.
The students made the most of the interaction, raising concerns related to campus facilities and infrastructure. Issues discussed included bus services and streetlights at Goa University, tuition facilities, fees and infrastructure at Goa College of Architecture, internet connectivity at Goa Engineering College and the condition of pathways at MES College. Students of Goa Engineering College also thanked Chief Minister for resolving their earlier security-related concerns. Dr. Sawant responded to the questions and shared information on various government initiatives.
Speaking to the student representatives, Dr. Sawant reminded them of the responsibility that comes with being elected leaders. “You are the leaders of today. You have been elected as student representatives because people have placed their trust in you. You must not hesitate to ask questions. It is only when you raise questions that you gain information and understand what is happening around you,” he said. He also encouraged students to stay informed about developments in Goa and make use of the opportunities available to them.
Referring to the CM Scholarship Portal, he said that 33,278 students had benefited from the scheme and urged students to take advantage of the CM Apprenticeship Programme as well.
CM Dr. Sawant also spoke about the importance of staying connected with developments across the country. He encouraged students to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, which has been sharing information about the country’s progress and new initiatives for the past 14 years. He urged young people to contribute actively to the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Goa. Taking the interaction a step further, CM Dr. Sawant announced that similar programmes would be organised in colleges under the name ‘Coffee with CM’. He invited students to raise their questions openly and said he would be happy to answer them.
The interaction also highlighted the importance of listening to young people and understanding the issues they face in their educational institutions. Through such direct exchanges, student representatives can share their concerns, stay informed about government initiatives and play a more active role in the development of their colleges and the state.
