The Goa government has unveiled plans to introduce a metro train system, with discussions already underway with Indian Railways and other central authorities, according to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Speaking at the Young Leaders Conclave in Dona Paula, Sawant confirmed that the metro project is currently in the planning stage, and a proposal has been prepared. "We are in talks with Indian Railways, and in the long term, metro connectivity will come to Goa," Sawant said, emphasising that the project is a priority. Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the state's growing IT sector, with 50 to 60 IT companies already operational in Goa. The government is exploring the creation of an IT hub to further boost the sector. Sawant also outlined plans to reconstruct the Panaji and Mapusa bus stands, which are currently in the planning stage. Despite delays, the government is committed to taking up the reconstruction of these important transport hubs. In education, the state is working on a proposal to build a multi-disciplinary complex at Goa University for colleges in architecture, music, and pharmacy. This initiative includes plans to replace the dilapidated pharmacy college building with a new facility on a 2 lakh sqm plot near the university. "Litigation is ongoing, but we aim to lay the foundation stone for the new pharmacy college within six months," Sawant added. To support nursing students, the Chief Minister announced that nursing students pursuing postgraduate education will be accommodated under the CM apprenticeship scheme, offering a stipend to encourage MSc education, which is essential in today’s superspecialty healthcare environment. Virendra Singh Solanki, national general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP), praised student union elections for fostering leadership and motivating students. Bhushan Savaikar, director of higher education, was also present at the event. (ET)