Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa, announced at the Young Leaders Conclave in Dona Paula that the state government has already prepared a proposal for a metro train system and is currently in discussions with Indian Railways and other central authorities. He added that although the metro project is still in the planning stage, it is expected to be implemented in the long term.

Sawant also mentioned that 50 to 60 IT companies are already operating in Goa, and the government is considering the creation of an IT hub in the state.

Regarding the reconstruction of the old Panaji and Mapusa bus stands, Sawant explained that the proposal for their reconstruction is also in the planning phase, and despite delays, the project will move forward.

During a session with elected student representatives from colleges across Goa, Sawant shared that the government is working on creating a common complex on the Goa University campus. This will house architecture, music, and pharmacy colleges, providing them with new, modern buildings. He noted that the pharmacy college building is currently in a dilapidated state and that efforts are underway to build new facilities for these colleges on a 2-lakh sq m land near Goa University. Although litigation is on-going, Sawant assured that the foundation stone for the new pharmacy college would be laid within six months.

He also promised to support nursing students under the on-going Chief Minister’s apprenticeship scheme by offering them a stipend, especially for those pursuing post-graduate education. This initiative is aimed at encouraging nursing students to pursue MSc education, as there is a growing demand for nurses in superspecialty fields.

Virendra Singh Solanki, the national general secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP), remarked that student union elections play an important role in motivating students and fostering good leadership. Bhushan Savaikar, Director of Higher Education, was also present during the session.