PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented his ninth consecutive budget, this time a paperless one, on Wednesday, the last day of the 9th Session of the 8th Goa Assembly.
The GOA BUDGET 2025-26 focussed on creation of tourism infrastructure, renewal energy, easy transport, 100% literacy and fastest delivery of services, Sawant stated. The estimated receipts for the financial year are project at Rs 27,993.97 crore. The total gross domestic expenditure is estimated at Rs 28,162 crore.
In terms of URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Projects worth Rs 423 crore will be completed under Smart City and made operational from this year. Panjim will get Rs 135cr under Centre's Cities 2.0 and 3 Smart Roads will be developed under Smart City. There will also be smart illumination for the city.
A New Mopa City has also been proposed under a central scheme.
The restoration of Margao Municipal Council has been proposed, along with rejuvenation of major towns
For the TOURISM sector, coworking spaces, cafes, an app aggregator, a Cruise Terminal, mini convention centre, new jetty terminal, caravan park in Kerim and other places, oceanarium and drone park at Quitol have been proposed.
For HIGHER EDUCATION Sawant allocated Rs 700 crores. Govt proposes Cluster University with coming together of colleges. For TRIBAL WELFARE, the chief minister allocated, Rs 1480 crores for tribal sub plan under various departments, which is 15% of the total budget. For DRINKING WATER, the chief minister has proposed Feasibility study to be done for 5 new dams to augment drinking water due to rising water needs.