Porvorim, August 26
Brenden Valentine Crasto, a Roman Catholic originally from Pakistan and long-time resident of Anjuna, expressed gratitude after receiving his Indian citizenship certificate under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, saying he had been waiting for it for a long time and was thankful for the fast process.
He is the third Pakistani national in Goa to obtain Indian citizenship.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant handed over the certificate in Porvorim.
On Monday, Crasto told ANI, "I was waiting for this citizenship for a long time and I am very thankful to the CAA. The process was very fast."
Meanwhile, on Sunday, CM Sawant said that his government was committed to ensuring housing for the underprivileged through its flagship 'Mera Ghar' scheme.
Speaking to ANI, Sawant said, "We had given houses to some people in our constituency. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, we conducted the housewarming ceremony for three huts... Our government worked on the principles of Antyodaya, Sarvodaya, and Gramodaya."
"We were working to ensure that those who had nothing received it through government schemes. Under the Goa government's Mera Ghar scheme, the government was working to resolve the problems of every house and land in Goa," he told ANI.
Besides, on August 10, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 14th edition of the Goa Marathi Film Festival in Panaji.
The Chief Minister attended the opening ceremony along with several delegates and celebrity guests, including Mahesh Manjrekar and Mrinal Kulkarni.
He also shared pictures from the event on his official social media handle, highlighting the celebration of Marathi cinema.
"I congratulated the organiser, Mr. Sanjay Shetye, for this vibrant celebration of Marathi cinema. I wholeheartedly welcomed all the film enthusiasts, artists, directors, and dignitaries who came to Goa for this festival. Their presence enriched our cultural heritage and inspired our creative community," CM Sawant wrote.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Goa has always been welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Happy to see the government supporting both citizenship for those in need and housing schemes for locals. Balanced development is key!
While I'm happy for Mr. Crasto, I hope the government is equally focused on streamlining citizenship processes for all eligible applicants, not just under CAA. The system should be efficient for everyone.
Interesting to see how Goa is becoming a model for integration - from citizenship ceremonies to Marathi film festivals while maintaining its unique cultural identity. More states should learn from this approach.
The Mera Ghar scheme mentioned here is actually doing good work in Goa. My relative got a house under this scheme last year. Good to see both citizenship and housing getting attention.
As a Goan, I appreciate that our government is supporting cultural events like the Marathi Film Festival while also addressing serious issues like citizenship and housing. This is the inclusive India we want to see! ðŸ™
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