Team Herald
PANJIM: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, on Thursday announced that the central government is working towards streamlining the E-Visa facility for international tourists, which is expected to significantly boost the tourism sector, particularly in states like Goa.
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Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Panjim, Prasada stated, “Tourism is the biggest industry in Goa. India will develop 52 tourist destination sites in partnership with states through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Mudra loans will be provided for homestays, skill development programmes will be launched for youth in the hospitality sector, E-Visa facilities will be enhanced, and cruise tourism will be expanded. Additionally, Goa’s beaches, heritage sites, and eco-tourism destinations will be redeveloped under the PPP model. Connectivity at major airports will also be improved.”
Prasada, who is on a two-day visit to Goa, highlighted that the state will benefit the most from the UDAN scheme and other initiatives, such as improved connectivity and ease of travel through E-Visas.
He also pointed out that Goa’s pharmaceutical industry contributes 12% to India’s overall pharmaceutical sector and will benefit from government initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry.
Regarding sports infrastructure, he stated that Rs 3,000 crore allocated for nationwide sports development will directly benefit Goa’s football and athletic training centres. Additionally, there is a provision for developing Goa as a hub for filmmaking.
Speaking on inflation, Prasada acknowledged that it remains a concern and assured that the government is actively monitoring key indicators to ensure food supply remains stable.
“Food inflation, affected by adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions, has been effectively managed,” he said.
He further compared inflation rates under different administrations, stating, “Under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1999 to 2004, food inflation was maintained at 2.2%. During United Progressive Alliance (UPA) I, it rose to 6.5%, and under UPA II, it reached 11%. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, under the NDA government, food inflation has been brought down to 5.3%.”
