->SimLibrarian: rm lines from "Other initiatives" duplicating info given above, rm many fluff/advertising/promotional sentences and phrases, rm peacock tag

2022-01-09T23:52:56Z

rm lines from "Other initiatives" duplicating info given above, rm many fluff/advertising/promotional sentences and phrases, rm peacock tag

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{{Short description|Indian politician (born 1974)}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Advert|date=October 2021}}}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Rohan Khaunte
| image = Rohan Khaunte.jpg
| caption =
| party = Bharatiya Janata Party
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|02|25|df=yes}}
| awards = Adarsh Yuva Award
| birth_place = [[Goa]], India
| office = former Member of the [[Goa Legislative Assembly]]
| constituency = [[Porvorim]]
| termstart = 2012 }}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}

'''Rohan Ashok Khaunte''' (born 25 February 1974) is a politician and philanthropist from [[Goa]]. Former MLA from [[Porvorim]] constituency<ref>{{Cite web|title=Goa Legislative Assembly|url=https://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/member_profile.php?mem_id=38|access-date=2021-10-06|website=www.goavidhansabha.gov.in}}</ref> from the [[North Goa|North Goa district]], Khaunte has previously served as Minister of IT, Revenue, Labour and Employment and Planning and Statistics and Evaluation in the Cabinet of Hon'ble [[Manohar Parrikar|Late Shri Manohar Parrikar]]. Rohan first contested the Goa Assembly Elections in 2012 as an independent candidate from the newly formed Porvorim Constituency and won by a majority of votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/32-panchayat-secretaries-posts-to-be-filled/articleshow/19485723.cms|title=32 panchayat secretaries posts to be filled - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|publisher=}}</ref> In 2017 he became the first Independent MLA to be re-elected in Goa.

During his career in politics, Khaunte has initiated several social initiatives for public welfare under Porvorim Youth Welfare Trust.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust (PYWT)|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/pywt/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> Rohan Khaunte is also the President of the Goa Boxing Association<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boxing association office-bearers|url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Sports/boxing-association-officebearers/65462|access-date=2021-10-06|website=oHeraldo}}</ref> and Chairman of Sporting Clube de Porvorim.

==Early life==

Rohan Ashok Khaunte was born on 25 February 1974 to Late Ashok Khaunte and Mrs Sunanda Khaunte in [[Panaji|Panjim city]] of the state of Goa and is an Electronics Engineer from [[Goa University]]. In his college days, Rohan participated in extracurricular activities as well as in academics, representing the State of Goa in Cricket, Basketball at the National Level, and Table Tennis at the university level. Rohan is involved in his family business which was founded by his late father. He was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award by the then [[List of governors of Goa|Governor of Goa]], Late Shri [[Kidar Nath Sahani]] in the Year 2003.

Prior to embarking on his political career, Rohan Khaunte worked on building the Shiv Samarth Group,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leadership - Group Shiv Samarth|url=https://www.shivsamarth.com/leadership/|access-date=2021-10-06|language=en}}</ref> a business entity employing hundreds of Goans. Since his early youth, Khaunte believed in the importance of "being in the system to change the system". After spending time on the grassroots, Khaunte decided to enter politics in 2012 and won in the State Assembly Elections.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-03-11|title=Goa Election Results 2012: Full list of winners of all constituencies in assembly elections of Goa and how it can change in 2017|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/goa-assembly-elections-2017/goa-election-results-2012-full-list-of-winners-of-all-constituencies-in-assembly-elections-of-goa-and-how-it-can-change-in-2017-4560713/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==Political career==

Rohan Khaunte is the founding Chairman of the Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust (PYWT)|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/pywt/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> which was established in the year 2010.

Rohan has played the role of an active opposition member pulling up the government on several issues such as traffic due to construction of third [[Mandovi River|Mandovi]] bridge,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Panjim/Who-will-be-accountable-for-traffic-snarls-for-18-months/98204.html|title=Who will be accountable for traffic snarls for 18 months?|publisher=}}</ref> Beach Cleaning Scam,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Times|first=Navhind|date=2016-01-12|title=Khaunte alleges scam in beach cleaning works|url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2016/01/13/goanews/khaunte-alleges-scam-in-beach-cleaning-works/|access-date=2021-11-22|website=The Navhind Times|language=en-US}}</ref> Special status for Coconut Tree,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/House-declassifies-coconut-tree/articleshow/50583554.cms|title=House declassifies coconut tree - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|publisher=}}</ref> etc.

During his first tenure (2012-2017) as the MLA from Porvorim, Rohan Khaunte implemented many initiatives,<ref>{{Cite web|title=My Report Card Archive|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/myreportcard/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> making Porvorim known as the Model Constituency of India. These initiatives brought about some upgrades in the constituency such as reduced power outages, electricity in every household,<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Oct 29|first1=TNN /|last2=2018|last3=Ist|first3=11:43|title=Underground power cabling for Porvorim: Rohan Khaunte {{!}} Goa News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/underground-power-cabling-for-porvorim/articleshow/66407258.cms|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> access to clean drinking water in every constituency, development of quality open spaces and efficient waste management.

Khaunte has been recognized for his leadership skills and execution. In 2013, he was selected as one of the 16 Young MLAs from across the country and conferred with the "Adarsh Yuva Award"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adarsh Yuva Vidhayak Puraskar|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/event/adarsh-yuva-vidhayak-puraskar/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> by the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad Foundation<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leaders {{!}} Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad {{!}} India|url=https://www.bharatiyachhatrasansad.org/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=bcs1|language=en}}</ref> headed by the Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, [[T. N. Seshan|Shri T.N. Seshan]].

In May 2016, he submitted a complaint to the Goa [[Lokayukta]] in the multi crore Beach Cleaning Scam and has alleged that the [[Dilip Parulekar|tourism minister]] has received kickbacks in awarding the contracts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Khaunte-wants-Lokayukta-to-probe-Parulekar-scam/articleshow/52118438.cms|title=Khaunte wants Lokayukta to probe Parulekar 'scam' - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2016-05-28}}</ref>

In 2017 when Rohan Khaunte was re-elected as MLA<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Mar 12|first1=Marcus Mergulhao / TNN / Updated|last2=2017|last3=Ist|first3=11:52|title=Goa election results: Rohan Khaunte creates history, becomes first independent to retain seat {{!}} Goa News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/khaunte-creates-history-becomes-first-independent-to-retain-seat/articleshow/57600212.cms|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> by the people of Porvorim by a 4,213 vote margin. The only Independent candidate to have been re-elected to the Assembly, Khaunte was conferred the Lokmat ‘Goan of the Year’ title that year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd.|url=http://lokmat.net/lokmatconnect-goanoftheyear.html|access-date=2021-10-06|website=lokmat.net}}</ref>

Khaunte ascended as the [[Cabinet Minister (India)|Cabinet Minister]] for IT, Revenue, Labour and Employment and Planning and Statistics and Evaluation in 2017. Owing to his track record as an administrator, the then CM [[Manohar Parrikar]] had confidence in Khaunte's ability to boost entrepreneurship, streamline revenue and generate employment for the State.

Rohan has worked actively in Porvorim and undertaken initiatives such as LiveFree – free Wi-Fi internet services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Free-WiFi-service-launched-in-Porvorim/96758.html|title=Free WiFi service launched in Porvorim|publisher=}}</ref> sewerage works, door to door garbage collection and segregation, street cleaning programs and hot mixing of roads. He has been lauded for setting up synchronized traffic signals along the National Highway that passes through the constituency. Despite no financial assistance from the government, Rohan implemented this project in record time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.navhindtimes.in/traffic-signals-bring-no-relief-to-pedestrians-near-holy-family-church-ocoqueiro-junction/|title=Traffic signals bring no relief to pedestrians near Holy Family church, O'Coqueiro junction|work=[[The Navhind Times]]|access-date=2016-05-28}}</ref>

Rohan has led in forming farmer's clubs in Porvorim with the objective to revive and encourage farming.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inauguration - New Green Field Farmers Club|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/bwg_gallery/inauguration-new-green-field-farmers-club/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> He has formed 16 Bhajani Mandalsin his Constituency. Rohan has also supported [[Tiatr]] and Goan Art & Folk Dance.

== Key reforms as Revenue Minister of Goa ==

# Introduced a Single-window system to make basic documentation easy and transparent for the common people of Goa.
# Integrated technology to simplify common services such as availing Residence, Income, Mediclaim, Caste Certificates, and various other government permissions with full transparency. Launched www.goaonline.gov.in<ref>{{Cite web|title=Goa Online, Government of Goa, India|url=https://goaonline.gov.in/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=goaonline.gov.in}}</ref> for the same.
# Implemented a disaster management system in Goa by setting up State and District Emergency Operation Centres<ref>{{Cite web|title=District Emergency Operation Center {{!}} Goa State Disaster Management Authority|url=https://sdma.goa.gov.in/content/district-emergency-operation-center|access-date=2021-10-06|website=sdma.goa.gov.in}}</ref> and training and deploying task forces.
# Envisioned and proposed a new Revenue Bhavan to streamline all the systems for a smooth experience for the citizens of Goa.
# Optimized the process of Mutation and Partition, ensuring issues are resolved within 90 days with or without objections.
# Transferred tenancy cases to Mamlatdar court to make handling of cases efficient.

== Key reforms as IT Minister of Goa ==

# Envisioned and implemented robust Startup Promotion policies, IT Policies and schemes<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-19|title=Goa Startups To Get A Big Push, Government To Roll Out IT Startup Schemes Soon|url=https://inc42.com/buzz/goa-startups-to-get-a-big-push-government-to-roll-out-it-startup-schemes-soon/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Inc42 Media|language=en-US}}</ref> to boost entrepreneurship in Goa.
# Launched E-tendering and auctioning for convenience and transparency, leading to a growth of revenue for ITG Infotech Corporation of Goa<ref>{{Cite web|title=ITG- Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd.|url=http://infotech.goa.gov.in/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=infotech.goa.gov.in}}</ref> from 10% to 45%.
# Proposed the setting up of a sustainable IT Park in [[Chimbel]] village and the formation of an Electronic Manufacturing Cluster in Tuem Village.
# Launched Goa's first Citizen Service Centre (CSC)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Government of Goa, Directorate of Settlement & Land Records|url=https://egov.goa.nic.in/dslr/scentres.htm|access-date=2021-10-06|website=egov.goa.nic.in}}</ref> adopted under the Right to Time Bound Services Act with a vision to reduce the time and efforts of Goans by getting rid of long procedures and bypassing all officers.
# Proposed the Project of Laying of [[Fiber-optic Internet|Fibre Optic Internet]] to homes for providing high speed internet connectivity

== Key reforms as Labour and Employment Minister of Goa ==

# Set up a skill training academy in partnership with leading corporates to train Goan youth for the changing needs of industries.
# Proposed state-sponsored safe transport and night hostels for women working night shifts.
# Launched 'Stri Sakhi Scheme<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stri Sakhi Scheme|url=https://www.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SCHEME-TO-INSTALL-SANITARY-NAPKIN-VENDING-MACHINE.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>' to ensure menstrual hygiene for women working at industrial sites. Eco-friendly sanitary pad dispensing machines and napkin incinerators were installed in several schools, colleges, and construction worksites.
# Introduced a Smart Card system<ref>{{Cite web|title=Govt makes employment registration online|url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Govt-makes-employment-registration-online/142258|access-date=2021-10-06|website=oHeraldo}}</ref> to ease the process of seeking employment for Goans. The cards had professional data of the candidates, which could be easily accessed by employers.
# Launched over 17 Schemes<ref>{{Cite web|last=Times|first=Navhind|date=2018-10-02|title=Govt launches 17 schemes for construction workers|url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2018/10/03/goanews/govt-launches-17-schemes-for-construction-workers/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Navhind Times|language=en-US}}</ref> to benefit construction workers, a vulnerable segment in the unorganized sector often devoid of information and benefits due to lack of transparency.
# Launched Model Career Centre<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-27|title=Goa Chief Minister inaugurated Model Career Center at employment exchange -|url=https://www.skillreporter.com/2019/01/regional/goa/goa-chief-minister-inaugurated-model-career-center-at-employment-exchange/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Skill Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref> to connect job seekers with relevant employment opportunities.
# Commissioned multiple dispensaries<ref>{{Cite web|last1=May 7|first1=TNN / Updated|last2=2018|last3=Ist|first3=11:15|title='Soon, dispensary in every village with ind estate' {{!}} Goa News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/soon-dispensary-in-every-village-with-ind-estate/articleshow/64056509.cms|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> under Employees State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, a task that was stuck in the bureaucratic processes for three years.
# Upgraded Margao ESI hospital<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yet another assurance by Khaunte on Margao ESI hospital|url=https://www.thegoan.net//yet-another-assurance-by-khaunte-on-margao-esi-hospital/42176.html|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Goan EveryDay|language=en}}</ref> with 100+ beds and 3 ICUs.

== Other initiatives and contributions ==
Rohan has also set a benchmark with his progressive initiatives in his constituency of Porvorim, with modern panchayat Ghar,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panchayat Ghar, Socorro|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/myreportcard/panchayat-ghar-socorro/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> comprehensive sewage network, pathways from the road to farms for farmers, underground cabling network, and a 15-20 MLD Water Harvesting and Treatment Tank. Khaunte also took initiatives such as door-to-door garbage collection and segregation, several street cleaning programs for Porvorkars, and several beautification projects in Porvorim such as the recently launched grand Art Park.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Art Park on trial run in Porvorim|url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-inshorts/art-park-on-trial-run-in-porvorim/66493.html|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Goan EveryDay|language=en}}</ref>

Rohan Khaunte has contributed to social causes across the State of Goa from organizing multiple health camps, to donating smartphones<ref>{{Cite web|title=Independent MLA distributes 100 free mobiles for online education|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/independent-mla-distributes-100-free-mobiles-for-online-education20200908003954/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref> to children from underprivileged backgrounds during lockdown to access online classes. With a focus on Women Empowerment,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Women Empowerment|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/myreportcard/women/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> Rohan has helped start multiple Self Help Groups<ref>{{Cite web|title=Promoting Self Help Group in Porvorim|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/event/promoting-self-help-group-in-porvorim/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}}</ref> in Goa, most notably in Porvorim.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Khaunte, Rohan}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Porvorim]]
[[Category:Goa MLAs 2017–2022]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Goa]]

Rohan Khaunte - Revision history

->SimLibrarian: rm lines from "Other initiatives" duplicating info given above, rm many fluff/advertising/promotional sentences and phrases, rm peacock tag