In CM’s absence, Speaker to unfurl tricolour on Independence Day

NT NETWORK

PANAJI

Speaker of Goa legislative assembly Dr Pramod Sawant will unfurl the national flag on August 15, Independence Day, at a state level function to be held in front of the Old Secretariat in Panaji.

The government has taken the decision in this regard, as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will be in the United States of America on August 15 for follow-up medical treatment related to his illness.

Probably this will be for the first time in the history of Goa that Speaker of the

state assembly will hoist the tricolour and receive the salute of the guard of honour on Independence Day at state level function when elected government is in power.

Even as it is a decision of the government to nominate the Speaker for hoisting the flag, there is talk in the political circles as to why the Chief Minister has not nominated any other minister, who is a part of the elected government, in his absence for this honour.

The department of protocol and hospitality has issued an order regarding celebration of Independence Day 2018 and programmes at the state level and the taluka headquarters.

As per the order issued by the government, Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte will perform the flag hoisting in Mapusa, MLA Rajesh Patnekar in Bicholim, Minister for Public Works Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar in Ponda, MLA Isidore Fernandes in Canacona, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho in Vasco, Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai in Margao, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar in Pernem, mamlatdar of Sattari in Valpoi, MLA Nilesh Cabral at Quepem and MLA Prasad Gaonkar in Sanguem.