PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday tried to justify the Union government’s move to provide Rs 5,300 crore assistance to the Upper Bhadra Project in Karnataka by stating “Goa has also got funds for its irrigation scheme in the past and will continue to receive even now”.
In her budget speech in Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “In the drought-prone central regions of Karnataka, a Central assistance of Rs 5,300 crore will be given for the Upper Bhadra Project.” Apparently, the poll-bound Karnataka was the only State that got mentioned in the Union Budget.
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Responding to media questions, Sawant said, “We have also asked for irrigation project in the past. Last year, we got around Rs 100 crore for the Tillari irrigation scheme. Every year, the State gets funds for the irrigation scheme.”
Speaking on the Mhadei river diversion issue, the Chief Minister reiterated that the State’s fight is ongoing legally and technically. “Our fight is on and we will win,” he added.
When pointed out that Goa found no place in the Union Budget, Sawant said:“Last year we received special assistance of Rs 300 crore as we celebrated 60 years of Goa Liberation.”
