TRANSFORMING GOA A JOURNEY OF GOVERNANCE AND INNOVATION

In the past five years, we have witnessed remarkable developments across various government departments, a testament to good governance and the dedication of vigilant, well-educated officers. Among these transformations, the Information and Publicity department in Goa stands out, having undergone a significant evolution.

Those who have visited the region recently can attest to a noticeable shift in staff approach, work efficiency, and overall discipline, with much of the credit rightfully attributed to Mr. Dipak Bandekar, the Director of the Information Department. The Incredible Goa team had the privilege of meeting with Mr.

Bandekar to delve into his recent responsibilities and forthcoming plans.

Embarking on his career journey as a Sales Tax Officer in 1996, Mr. Bandekar has traversed a remarkable path to his current role as Director of Information and Publicity. "I commenced my professional odyssey back in 1996 as a Sales Tax Officer within the Government Department," he recalled, elaborating on his ascent through the ranks.

Following his promotion to civil services in 2003, he seized opportunities to collaborate across various departments. "Throughout my twenty-seven-year tenure, the lion's share of my career-approximately twenty years-was dedicated to the taxation domain." As a Goa Civil Service officer, he assumed diverse roles, including Assistant Commissioner of Taxes, Additional Commissioner, and ultimately, Commissioner of the Commercial Taxes department. Mr. Bandekar underscored his service as Commissioner of the Commercial Taxes Department from 2015 to 2020, a period marked by the transition to GST.

Following his tenure as Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Mr. Bandekar assumed the role of Director of Industries and Mines for a year. "From 2020 to 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, I served as Director of Industries and Mines," he recounted. Subsequently, in 2021, he transitioned to the role of Director of Information and Publicity. "As of April 2024, 1 have completed three years in this capacity," he noted.