Porvorim: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday re-presented the Budget 2019-20 with the figures resembling those presented by former chief minister Manohar Parrikar in January 2019, but added a few strokes to give it his special touch.
Beginning his Budget speech, Sawant remembered Parrikar and asked his fellow colleagues for support. The first announcement was also on Parrikar. “We will make a Rs 10 cr provision for Manohar Parrikar memorial,” he said.
Continuing with his speech, Sawant said his government would lay stress on employment, agriculture, education and health.
In a significant statement, the CM said that the government proposes to revamp the entire curriculum and bring it on par with the country. “Goa University and Goa Educational Developmental Corporation has been given a task to prepare the curriculum,” he said.
On creation of jobs, Sawant said he will create a Single Window System under Investment Promotion Board. “Digitisation of the entire process of this single window system by digitising entire back end process of all the line departments has already started,” he stated.
With the Planning Board no more in existence in the State, the chief minister said that the State will replicate the institution of Niti Ayog in the State. “Government plans to set up an institution on lines with NITI Ayog which will advise the State on policy making, having sustainable developmental goals and implementing the developmental plans,” he said.
The chief minister said that none of the social welfare schemes have been compromised in the Budget, while stress has also been given on completing the infrastructure projects currently undergoing in the State.
One important announcement in the Budget was that the Chief Minister said that creation of infrastructure in terms of wayside facilities, to visiting tourists, so that
roadsides and open spaces are maintained clean and the unique aesthetics of our villages and surroundings are preserved.
“Outsourcing such centres, where adequate users of change room facility, toilets, dining etc are provided for. The revenue and operational model will be suitably prepared,” he said. This, he said, was for tourists who create nuisance by cooking on the side of the roads anywhere.
Further, Sawant said during the last financial year, 20 infrastructure projects were completed, while 15 are at the advanced stage of completion.
The chief minister also said that towns would be taken up for underground cabling based on priority besides creation of infrastructure for uninterrupted power supply.
Sawant also said that all the options including legislative and judicial measures are being explored to ensure that the mining industry resumes in the State.
The chief minister in his budget also proposed to construct 100 model Anganwadis for the entire State to provide best infrastructure for children.
The chief minister also announced a Transport Bhavan besides support to cashew cultivators.
