PANAJI: The Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Dr Wilfred Mesquita on Sunday said the Goa government would encourage non-resident Goans to participate in the state’s development. He also assured the NRGs that the Goa government would also ensure protection to their property and interest in the state.

Speaking at the 23rd annual general meeting of the Goan Welfare Association in Hyderabad on Sunday, Dr Mesquita said that in March 2012 the people of Goa irrespective of caste and religion brought about parivartan, a change, in government. In the historic elections to the state legislative assembly, they gave a loud and clear mandate to the BJP to run the state government for next five years. The party and the coalition government have vowed to make Goa zero tolerant to corruption, its administration transparent and preeminently people friendly.

The NRI Commissioner said that Goenkars everywhere have risen to pinnacle of name, fame and glory; many of them have become wealthy and wielded power. Therefore, Goa beckons its sons and daughters to share their intellectual resources in a big or even small measure with Goa. He said that the Goa Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar on Saturday promised a single-window clearance system soon for investors thus creating an atmosphere conducive for quick and transparent approvals, sanctions, and quick redressal of grievances in the state.

Dr Mesquita seized the opportunity to inform fellow Goans all over the world that a new scheme ‘Muzo Gaon’ (My village) is under active consideration of the Goa government. Taking one more step towards e-governance the government, he said, has launched a web-based land records system known as Dharnakash which will enable the Goans anywhere in the world to view map outlines of properties in Goa and even take printouts after making necessary payments.

He lauded the work the Goan Welfare Association for promoting Goan culture and heritage beyond the boundaries of Goa and wished it all the success in all future endeavours.

The director for NRI Affairs, Mr U D Kamat was the guest of honour.