Rohan Khaunte

Rohan Ashok Khaunte was born on 25 February 1974 to Ashok Khaunte and Sunanda Khaunte in Panaji, Goa. He graduated as an Electronics Engineer from Goa University. In his college days, Khaunte participated in extracurricular activities as well as in academics, representing Goa in cricket, basketball at the national Level, and table Tennis at the university level. He is involved in his family business which was founded by his father. He was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award by the then Governor of Goa, Kidar Nath Sahani in 2003.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

Before embarking on his political career, Khaunte worked on building the Shiv Samarth Group, a business entity employing hundreds of Goans.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} Since his early youth, he believed in the importance of "being in the system to change the system". After spending time on the grassroot level, Khaunte decided to enter politics in 2012 and won in the State Assembly Elections.{{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}}

Khaunte is currently the Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C and Printing and Stationery in the Government of Goa since April 2022.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-03 |title=Goa CM Pramod Sawant retains Home, Finance portfolios; Khaunte gets Tourism |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/goa/goa-ministers-portfolios-pramod-sawant-home-finance-7850705/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} He had played the role of an active opposition member pulling up the government on several issues such as traffic due to the construction of the third Mandovi Bridge,{{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=}} beach cleaning scam,{{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}} special status for Coconut Tree,{{cite news|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|date=15 January 2016 |publisher=}} etc.

During his first tenure from 2012 to 2017 as the MLA from Porvorim, Khaunte implemented many initiatives, making Porvorim known as the model constituency of India.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} These initiatives brought about some upgrades in the constituency such as reduced power outages, electricity in every household,{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Oct 29, 2018|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}} access to clean drinking water in every constituency, development of quality open spaces and waste management.

Khaunte has been recognized for his leadership skills. In 2013, he was selected as one of the 16 young MLAs from across the country and conferred with the "Adarsh Yuva Award"{{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}} by the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad Foundation{{Cite web|title=Leaders {{!}} Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad {{!}} India|url=https://www.bharatiyachhatrasansad.org/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=bcs1|language=en}} headed by the former Chief Election Commissioner of India, T. N. Seshan.

In May 2016, Khaunte submitted a complaint to the Goa Lokayukta about the multi-crore beach cleaning scam and alleged that the Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar has received kickbacks in awarding the contracts.{{Cite news|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|date=5 May 2016 |access-date=2016-05-28}}

In 2017, Khaunte was re-elected as MLA{{Cite web|author=Marcus Mergulhao|date=Mar 12, 2017|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}} winning by a margin of 4,213 votes. The only independent candidate to have been re-elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly, Khaunte was conferred the Lokmat ‘Goan of the Year’ title that year.{{Cite web|title=Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd.|url=http://lokmat.net/lokmatconnect-goanoftheyear.html|access-date=2021-10-06|website=lokmat.net}}

In 2017, Khaunte ascended as the Cabinet Minister for IT, Revenue, Labour and Employment and Planning and Statistics and Evaluation in the Government of Goa. Owing to his track record as an administrator, the then Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar him this post.

Khaunte has worked actively in Porvorim and undertaken initiatives such as LiveFree – free Wi-Fi internet services,{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Free-WiFi-service-launched-in-Porvorim/96758.html|title=Free WiFi service launched in Porvorim|publisher=}} 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.{{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}}

Khaunte has led in forming farmer's clubs in Porvorim with the objective to revive and encourage farming.{{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}} He has formed 16 Bhajani Mandals in his constituency. He has also supported tiatr and Goan art and folk dance. He is the founding Chairman of the Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust,{{Cite web |title=Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust (PYWT) |url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/pywt/ |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}} which was established in 2010.

Khaunte introduced a single-window system to make basic documentation easy and transparent for the locals of Goa. He integrated technology to simplify common services such as availing residence, income, mediclaim, caste certificates, and various other government permissions with full transparency. He also launched the government website www.goaonline.gov.in{{Cite web|title=Goa Online, Government of Goa, India|url=https://goaonline.gov.in/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=goaonline.gov.in}} for the same.

Khaunte further implemented a disaster management system in Goa by setting up atate and district Emergency Operation Centres{{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}} and training and deploying task forces. He proposed a new Revenue Bhavan to streamline all the systems for a smooth experience for the citizens of Goa. He also optimized the process of Mutation and Partition, ensuring issues are resolved within 90 days with or without objections. Khaunte transferred tenancy cases to Mamlatdar court to make handling of cases efficient.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

Khaunte implemented startup promotion policies, IT Policies and schemes{{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}} to boost entrepreneurship in Goa. He also launched E-tendering and auctioning for convenience and transparency, leading to a growth of revenue for ITG Infotech Corporation of Goa{{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}} from 10% to 45%.

Khaunte further proposed the setting up of a sustainable IT park in Chimbel village and the formation of an Electronic Manufacturing Cluster in Tuem village. He also launched Goa's first Citizens Service Centres (CSC){{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}} 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. He proposed the project of laying of Fibre Optic Internet to homes for providing high speed internet connectivity.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

1. Set up a skill training academy in partnership with leading corporates to train Goan youth for the changing needs of industries.
2. Proposed state-sponsored safe transport and night hostels for women working night shifts.
3. Launched 'Stri Sakhi Scheme{{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}}' 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.
4. Introduced a Smart Card system{{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|date=5 February 2019 }} to ease the process of seeking employment for Goans. The cards had professional data of the candidates, which could be easily accessed by employers.
5. Launched over 17 Schemes{{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}} to benefit construction workers, a vulnerable segment in the unorganized sector often devoid of information and benefits due to lack of transparency.
6. Launched Model Career Centre{{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}} to connect job seekers with relevant employment opportunities.
7. Commissioned multiple dispensaries{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=May 7, 2018|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}} under Employees State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, a task that was stuck in the bureaucratic processes for three years.  
8. Upgraded Margao ESI hospital{{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}} with 100+ beds and 3 ICUs.

Among Khaunte's progressive initiatives in his constituency of Porvorim is construction of, modern panchayat Ghar,{{Cite web|title=Panchayat Ghar, Socorro|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/myreportcard/panchayat-ghar-socorro/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}} comprehensive sewage network, pathways from the road to farms for farmers, underground cabling network, and a 15-20 MLD Water Harvesting and Treatment Tank. He also took initiatives such as door-to-door garbage collection and segregation, several street cleaning programs for the locals, and several beautification projects in Porvorim such as the Art Park.{{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}}

Khaunte has contributed to social causes across the state of Goa from organizing multiple health camps, to donating smartphones{{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}} to children from underprivileged backgrounds during lockdown to access online classes. With a focus on women empowerment,{{Cite web|title=Women Empowerment|url=https://www.rohankhaunte.com/myreportcard/women/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Rohan Ashok Khaunte}} Khaunte has helped start multiple self-help groups{{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}} in Goa, most notably in Porvorim.

{{Reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{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

Category:Goa MLAs 2022–2027

Category:Goa MLAs 2012–2017

Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Goa

Category:Independent politicians in India