4 Goa MLAs asked to reimburse Brazil tour ticket amount

Panaji, Jul 2: Goa government has asked its four MLAs, including a cabinet minister, to reimburse the money spent on booking tickets to Brazil to watch the football World Cup, even as the legislators left for the South American country to witness the ongoing mega sporting event.

Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Director Sandip Jacques said here that the four legislators have been asked to reimburse the money by July 31. "We have written letters asking them to repay the money which was spent on their tickets booked by the SAG," he said.

The four legislators -- Avertano Furtado (Fisheries Minister), Benjamin Silva, Glenn Ticlo and Carlose Almeida left for Brazil yesterday on their ten-day long tour.

The then proposed 10-day trip for six MLAs to watch the World Cup in Brazil costing Rs 89 lakh to the state exchequer, had kicked off a storm last month.

The SAG had booked tickets for the six legislators. However, facing a relentless opposition assault over "wasteful expenditure" and "bowing to public sentiments", the Goa government had later cancelled their trip.

While the four legislators had decided to themselves foot the bill for the visit, without taxing the state exchequer, the SAG had cancelled tickets of two ministers-- Ramesh Tawadkar (Sports Minister) and Milind Naik (Power Minister)- as they refused to be part of the tour.

According to Jacques, the money for the tickets for the tour had been sanctioned before the state government cancelled it.

"The money had already reached the travel agent before the formal decision to cancel the tour came in. Now, we will get it reimbursed (from the four MLAs)," he said.

Responding to media criticism, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had cancelled the tour last month.

Parrikar had also asked the state chief secretary to draft proper guidelines for the foreign trips by the ministers and officers.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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