Panaji: Speaking during the General Discussion on the Budget for the State of Goa for 2025-26, MLA Sankalp Amonkar extended his full support to the Budget presented by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, praising its focus on inclusive development under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
MLA Amonkar lauded the ₹28,163 crore Budget, which projects a revenue surplus of ₹2,403 crore, and highlighted its emphasis on sectors such as tourism infrastructure, green energy, public transport, education, skill development, and efficient public service delivery.
Amonkar welcomed the allocation of ₹2,100 crore for the education sector and lauded initiatives like the CM-CARES programme for coding and robotics in schools, distribution of laptops, upgradation of labs, and repair of all government schools. He also appreciated the launch of mobile “Skills on Wheels” units to provide training in remote areas.
In the general administration sector, he commended the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme for government staff and the declaration of State Festival status for the Shirgao Devi Lairai Jatra and Margao Dindi Utsav. He also welcomed the ₹26.05 crore acquisition of land for Ayodhya Goa Ram Nivas.
Highlighting employment generation, Amonkar mentioned the recruitment of around 4,000 GHRDC staff to be deployed in the private sector with benefits like maternity leave and bonuses. He also appreciated the revision of recruitment rules to include private sector experience for government jobs.
Focusing on his constituency, he thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning the construction of a 20-bedded PHC in Mormugao and acknowledged the ₹100 crore capital works fund to be allocated to each constituency.
On infrastructure, he highlighted ongoing and upcoming GSIDC projects worth ₹640 crore and welcomed the creation of the new Drinking Water Department, Green Corridor construction, and common utility ducts along highways.
In the electricity sector, Amonkar supported initiatives such as underground cabling, smart meters, and the Goa Tamnar power project. He also welcomed benefits for municipal daily wage workers and the development of a new Mopa City.
Under tourism, Amonkar praised projects like modern cruise terminals, aero tourism, an oceanarium, and a digital museum dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tax holidays for investments in hinterland hotels and hospitals were also acknowledged.
He expressed gratitude for the commissioning of Ro-Ro ferries on the Chorao-Ribandar route and appreciated the focus on river navigation, inland waterways, and establishment of the Goa Maritime Board.
Amonkar welcomed health initiatives like new 108 ambulances, daycare cancer centers in district hospitals, expansion of MBBS seats, and satellite OPDs in Canacona, Curchorem, and Pernem.
In trade and commerce, he backed incentives under the Logistics and Warehousing Policy and tax holidays for mega investments. He welcomed the plan for working women’s hostels in four industrial estates.
On sustainable development, he supported sand extraction in Zuari and Mandovi, the formation of cashew, bamboo, and poultry boards, and new schemes for Panchayats linked to reforms and revenue generation.
MLA Amonkar also lauded schemes for tribal welfare, divyang empowerment, food safety enforcement, and police modernization. He welcomed the proposed Goa State Audio Visual Archive, new Ravindra Bhavans in Sattari, Pernem, and Sanguem, and the Mario Miranda painting gallery at the Goa State Museum.
Concluding his speech, Amonkar said the Budget aligns with the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and delivers on the aspirations of women, youth, farmers, and the underprivileged. He reiterated his strong support for the Goa Budget 2025-26.
