About Us
The Government Printing Press, formerly known as “Imprensa Nacional,” is the oldest institution of the government, dating back to the 19th century. Until 1980, the press was using pre-liberation printing technology. However, since then, modernization has taken place with the introduction of offset printing and computer systems. This has enabled the press to handle the increased workload associated with government developmental activities. The modernization and expansion efforts continue under various Five-Year Plans.
History of Press Technology in Goa
The first printing press in Goa was established in September 1556 by Jesuit Missionaries and functioned in the Colegio de São Paulo at Old Goa. Due to inactivity, it was later shifted to the Major Seminary at Rachol, Salcete, in 1616, where it operated until 1660.
First Government Publication
The Government Printing Press, formerly “Imprensa Nacional de Goa,” is the oldest government institution catering to all official printing needs. It has been the official publication organ of the government since its establishment in 1821.
The Government Printing Press (Imprensa Nacional)
The current Government Printing Press has been operating from its present building on Afonso de Albuquerque Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road), Panaji-Goa since the year 1900. Initially, its primary responsibility was the publication of the Government Bulletin, the "Boletim Official", along with other government printing and publication activities.
After Goa's Liberation, the press was converted into a full-fledged government department, headed by the Director. Apart from printing, it also manages the supply of stationery to various government departments and operates a Publications Depot for official government materials.
History of Official Gazettes
The first official publication of the government was released on 22nd December 1821 under the name “Gazeta de Goa.” It was published until 1826 and later reintroduced on 13th June 1835 under the title “Cronica Constitutional de Goa.” This bulletin was published until 1837, after which it was renamed “Boletim do Governo do Estado da India.” It remained a weekly publication until 1856, then became bi-weekly.
Until Goa’s Liberation in December 1961, the Boletim Official was published in Portuguese. Post-liberation, it was published in English and Portuguese as “Boletim Official – Government Gazette” until March 1962. In June 1970, it was officially renamed “Official Gazette”, and the Portuguese translation was discontinued.