Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant presented a ₹28,163 crore budget for the state, emphasizing tourism infrastructure development, green energy initiatives, and public service efficiency. With a revenue surplus of ₹2,403 crore and a fiscal deficit of ₹2,826 crore, the budget aims to balance growth with financial discipline.
Budget Overview:
- Total Budget Size: ₹28,163 crores
- Revenue Expenditure: ₹20,299 crores
- Capital Expenditure: ₹7,863 crores
- Revenue Surplus: ₹2,403 crores
- Fiscal Deficit: ₹2,826 crores (2.5% of GSDP)
Major Announcements:
Infrastructure and Tourism
- ₹100 crores of capital works to be sanctioned for each constituency.
- Development of green corridors along national highways and utility ducts for new roads.
- Establishment of the Goa Maritime Board to develop a state maritime master plan.
- Redevelopment of jetties to promote inland waterways tourism.
- RoRo ferries to be operationalized.
- Tax holidays for investments in 3-star hotels and hospitals in hinterland talukas.
- Wayside amenities, cruise terminals, oceanariums, and a Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum.
Social Welfare and Employment
- Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme for government staff, ensuring 50% of the last average pay and family pension.
- Deployment of GHRDC staff in the private sector with government support.
- CM Fellowship for Goans working in R&D roles in multinational companies.
- Mukyamantri Swayam Rojgar Yojana launched to encourage entrepreneurship.
- Mukyamantri Arth Sahay Yojana providing low-interest loans to government-empaneled contractors.
- Temporary status for municipal daily wage staff who have worked for over 7 years.
Education and Skill Development
- Mukyamantri Kaushalya Sahay Yojana providing accessories and kits to students in skill courses.
- Skills on Wheels initiative for remote skill development.
- Internships made mandatory for higher education students.
- CM Fellowship extended to private sector R&D projects.
- Establishment of Bhartiya Gyan Parampara Cell to revive traditional knowledge systems.
- Goa Happiness Index to be formulated.
Healthcare and Public Services
- 108 additional ambulances to be purchased.
- Cancer daycare centers at both district hospitals.
- GMC Satellite OPDs in Canacona, Curchorem, and Pernem.
- Establishment of a Chest and TB Hospital, Critical Care Hospital, and Allied Health Science College.
Environment and Sustainability
- AI-powered tree health monitoring.
- Protection of Goan island identities with sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Restoration of degraded mangroves and conservation of salt pans.
- Strict action against illegal borewells and pipe automation for irrigation.
Industry and Economy
- Tax holidays for industries investing over ₹5,000 crores.
- Eight new schemes under the Logistics and Warehousing Policy.
- Establishment of a Global Capability Center at Verna.
- Preferential policies for Goan IT companies in government projects.
Cultural and Social Initiatives
- Madgao Dindi and Devi Lairai Jatra declared state festivals.
- Construction of Goa Ram Niwas at Ayodhya and Goa Bhavan at Navi Mumbai.
- Promoting Kunbi cloth for government school uniforms.
- Ravindra Bhavan cultural centers to be established in Sattari, Pernem, and Sanguem.
Additional Reforms and Policies:
- Online Panchayat Services with equal grant distribution based on reforms.
- Amnesty Scheme for waiver of penalties on property transfer registration.
- Reintroduction of the One-Time Settlement Scheme for VAT legacy disputes.
- Establishment of a State Audio Visual Archive.
- Single Window Clearance for live events attracting over 2,500 people.
This comprehensive budget reflects the state’s focus on promoting growth, sustainability, and equitable development across all sectors.
