Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday stated that the State government will put forth a demand for Rs 28,000 crore central assistance from the 16th Finance Commission, which will arrive in the State next week.
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After holding a meeting with heads of various government departments, Sawant said that the government has prepared proposals amounting to Rs 28,000 crore, to place before the 16th Finance Commission.
The presentation before the Commission will be made on January 9. Although the resident population is less, due to the approximately one crore floating population comprising tourists and migrants, the State will make a demand of 1 per cent funds, which was denied to the State due to its small size previously, he said.
Since the population and the area of Goa is less, the State received 0.35 per cent of the overall funds thus far, however we will demand for 1 per cent funds this time, Sawant added.
Sawant gave department-wise breakup of funds to be sought from the Commission. The government will seek approximately Rs 1,693 crore for Department of Tourism, Rs 1,536 crore for Directorate of Education, Rs 631 crore for Health Department, Rs 4,160 crore for Electricity Department, Rs 7350 crore for Green Energy, Rs 5,460 crore for Public Works Department (PWD), Rs 3,401 crore for WRD, Rs 1,980 crore for State Disaster Management, Rs 733 crore for Waste Management and Rs 379 crore for Climate Change.
The Chief Minister said that preparations for the visit of the Finance Commission had already started and that a final presentation will be ready by Monday.
A five-member 16th Finance Commission headed by Chairman Arvind Panagariya will visit the State from January 9 to 10, 2025.
