Panaji: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar spoke in the Goa Legislative Assembly during the general discussion on the State Budget for 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and expressed strong support for the financial plan. He said the budget reflects the vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and aims to move the state towards a “Viksit Goa” while strengthening the concept of Swayampurna Goem.
Amonkar highlighted that the budget projects a total expenditure of ₹30,195 crore with receipts of ₹29,181 crore and a projected revenue surplus of ₹1,666 crore. According to him, the budget focuses on sustainable infrastructure, skill development, digital transformation, healthcare, tourism, and social welfare, ensuring progress across multiple sectors.
Speaking on employment generation, Amonkar welcomed the proposal to establish a special cell under the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation (GHRDC) to train and upskill youth and connect them with international institutions and companies for global job opportunities. He also appreciated the government’s decision to revise the honorarium and regularize services of GHRDC employees.
He further praised the functioning of the Goa Staff Selection Commission, stating that it has been operating transparently and will facilitate the filling of around 2,500 government posts. The decision to waive application fees and experience certificate requirements for persons with disabilities was also welcomed.
Referring to the education sector, Amonkar noted that ₹3,439 crore has been allocated for education, higher education, and technical education. He said initiatives like PRAYoG will promote research and innovation among college students, while the proposal to provide biodegradable sanitary pads in schools will benefit girl students. He also welcomed the permission granted to international schools to establish institutions in Goa.
On skill development, Amonkar praised the introduction of the Mukhya Mantri Sukanya Kaushal Vikas Protsahan Yojana, which will exempt tuition fees for women enrolling in government skill development courses and is expected to benefit around 1,000 women annually.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Amonkar pointed out that ₹1,897 crore has been allocated to the Public Works Department. He thanked the Chief Minister and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat for road development works in his constituency, including the hot-mixing work near Ravindra Bhavan Junction at the entrance of Baina Beach.
He also welcomed the ₹1,009.50 crore allocation for the Department of Drinking Water and thanked the government and minister Subhash Phal Dessai for sanctioning twin 800 cubic metre Ground Level Reservoirs in Mormugao, which he said will help address water supply issues in the constituency.
Speaking on tourism, Amonkar said the ₹385 crore allocation will strengthen the sector through initiatives like the Inbound Tour Operator Incentive Scheme and the Goa Wellness, Ayurveda and Yoga Policy 2026, which aims to position Goa as a global wellness tourism destination.
On transport reforms, he said the proposed Goa Digital Taxi Policy will modernize taxi services through digital technology and improve efficiency and transparency, while the addition of 137 Kadamba buses will enhance public transport services.
In the health sector, Amonkar highlighted the ₹963 crore allocation and welcomed the establishment of a dedicated AYUSH department. He said the statewide free adult vaccination programme for senior citizens and the proposal to enhance coverage under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) will strengthen healthcare access. He also thanked Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for approving the construction of a 20-bedded Primary Health Centre in Mormugao.
Amonkar also spoke about major infrastructure projects at Goa Medical College, including new hospital blocks, a super speciality facility, a resident doctors’ hostel, and allied health science college facilities.
He further welcomed initiatives to support MSMEs through the Chief Minister’s MSME Innovate Scheme, which will provide financial assistance for innovation, research, skill development, and startup incubation.
Highlighting social welfare schemes, Amonkar said the government has allocated ₹554 crore for the Social Welfare Department and made provisions to increase benefits under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme launched by former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. He also welcomed initiatives supporting traditional occupations and welfare schemes for OBC communities.
The MLA also praised programmes for persons with disabilities, including the Divyang Ghar scheme and Divyang Kaushalya Yojana, which aim to provide long-term care, skill training, and employment opportunities.
On housing, he welcomed the Mhaje Ghar Yojana, stating that Mormugao constituency will benefit significantly since many houses are built on government land and hundreds of families will receive ownership rights.
Concluding his speech, Amonkar said the budget aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and focuses on empowering women, youth, farmers, and economically weaker sections. He reiterated his support for the budget presented by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and expressed confidence that it will contribute to building a self-reliant and developed Goa.
