PORVORIM: The Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant presented Rs. 21, 056 crore budget 2020-21. It is Revenuesurplus budget of Rs 353.62 cr . The Chief Minister was specific that the state’s economy is under tremendous pressure due to closure of mining & Goa needs to divert itself from such traditional economy for future development.
In order to mop up additional revenue the government proposes to increase duty and fees to be enhanced to generate revenue of Rs 100 crores. It also proposes to increase conversion fees and rationalise category of land on which it would be charged.
Later addressing a press conference Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that that he expects a revenue generation of Rs 500 crores from the mining industry in the next financial year. He also announced that 25,000 jobs in the private and government sector would be created by 2022
The Chief Minister also said that since 36 percent of the total revenue goes into salaries, pensions and other payments, only 28 percent remains for development and infrastructure plan of goa, the government is also exploring the possibility of generating non tax revenue from other means.
On Mhadei, the CM raised concern about the misconception of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change letter to Karnataka on Mhadei issue which will be taken up with the PM Narendra Modi. Rs 50 crore has been kept for constriction of dams over Mhadei.
The three main priorities underlined in the budget speech was resumption of mining, tourism and ease of business would be main priority.
The finance bill was introduced the Assembly session had to be adjourned three due to protest by all opposition MLAs who once again walked to the well of the House protesting against the post midnight arrest of MLA Rohan Khaunte for allegedly threatening BJP spokesperson Premanand Mhambrey. The Chief Minister’s budget speech was frequently disrupted by opposition MLAs.
Some oif the main highlights of his speech were:
· 100% piped water connections to all households shortly as several water supply projects will ensure 24×7 water supply
· Completion of Zuari bridge by Dec 2021
· Apprenticeship scheme announced with a Special Education Centre to promote education amongst the backward class community
· Special Tribal Bhavan to be constructed to provide a platform for to those itizens
· Increase in retirement age of Anganwadi workers from 60 to 62yrs.
· Organic Agricultural University to be set up
· Agricultural sector to be revamped with latest technology.
· Single universal labour smart card for labour workforce in the state to be introduced.
· GI tagging of some of the local fruits and vegetables to be done
· Centers to train students for UPSC examinations to be set up.
· A new Animal Husbandry hospital in Bicholim proposed.
· National school of law to be setup.
· Forest research and training institute to be set up
· State finance commission to be set up at the earliest.
· Infrastructure of international standards for tourists along with tourist guide support scheme and a theme and amusement park proposed.
· 100 percent door to door collection of waste to be done
· Beautification of Lohia Maidan to be taken up on priority.
· Staff of local bodies to be trained in double accounting.
· ZillaPanchayats to be empowered in both constituencies & members would be special invitees to the GramSabha .
· Construction of Goa Bazaar to be taken up in the next year at Merces.
· Facilitation center of the insurance company at Goa Medical College for insurance cover of the patients, to be established
· Integrated coastal zone management plan to be implemented in 5 years; estimated cost is Rs 200 crores.
· Forensics lab to be upgraded & new police stations at Quepem & Sanguem, 1200 personnel to be employed with new police headquarters at Porvorim & Margao
· Goa private university bill has been tabled
· New Goa State Museum to be constructed
· One lakh Archaeological records to be digitized
· 250 cr budgetary allocation made for NationalGames
· Setting up of electronic city at Tuvem to be expedited; 50 new electric buses to be introduced
· First flight from Mopa airport to take off in first quarter of 2022.
· Goa journalist welfare bill to protect journalists from unwanted incidents while performing duties to be introduced in the session
The CM, outlining his government’s priorities in infrastructure and other areas said “Despite facing financial crisis, the government was committed to continue infrastructure works in the field of health, education, public works. The government has presented a proposal for a ₹ 6330 Cr package before the 15th Finance Commission”
Dr Pramod Sawant concluded his budget speech asking all to work together in making Goa the golden dream of late Manohar Parrikar. At the post budget press conference, he said ‘Enough care has been taken to ensure that this budget puts no additional pressure on the common man”
