Goa Gets Statehood

Category : - All India Travel Tourism > Goa > Statehood

After Liberation
After liberation, the Government of India appointed Major General K.P. Candeth as the Military Governor of Goa and R.C.V.P. Noronha and G.K. Handoo as Chief Advisor and Special Advisor respectively. The first Lieutenant Governor of Goa, Daman and Diu took over on June 8, 1962. The Indian Parliament passed the 12th Amendment of the constitution in 1962, integrating Goa, Daman and Diu with the Indian Union from the day of liberation and including these as Union territories in the first schedule of the constitution.

An Informal Consultative Council consisting of 29 members was formed on September 24, 1962. In October, the first panchayat (rural, village level) election allowed people's participation in administration. In December, general elections for 30 State Assembly and 2 Parliamentary seats were held which sent Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) as the winner. The MGP formed the first popular ministry on December 20, 1962.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, took over the administrative control from the Ministry of External Affairs on September 1, 1964. The close lingual and cultural ties of Goa with Maharashtra and of Daman and Diu with Gujarat necessitated an opinion poll in January 1967. The people of Goa, Daman and Diu opted for Union Territory status instead of merger with respective states. A fresh general election followed when again the MGP won a majority.

The Goa State
The long-cherished dream of the people of Goa finally became a joyful reality when, on May 30, 1987, Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi formally declared Goa as the 25th state of the country, amidst thunderous applause of thousands of people gathered at this special occasion at Campal ground in Panaji.

The Emblem
The emblem of Goa state reflects Goa's rich cultural heritage. The central symbolic design depicts a "Vriksha Deep" (Plant Lamp), the unique and world-famed Goan traditional lamp which signifies enlightenment through knowledge. A circular stylised design of coconut leaves symbolising the bountiful and beautiful Goan nature at the same time suggesting the radiation of sun rays - the source of light and energy surrounds the inset in a halo of suggestive glory.

A Sanskrit "Subhashita" (an auspicious saying) forms the outside circle on the top of the inset and the wording "Government of Goa" at the base. The "Subhashita" taken from the sacred Upanishad (composed at the end of the Vedic period) means:
"Let everyone enjoy prosperity. Let none suffer any pain"

The global circle, which suggests land or the earth, is supported by two semi-cupped hands symbolising the sustaining, constructive and protective activity of the people striving together for the progress of the state. The lion-headed National Emblem is incorporated on the top.