Team Herald
PANJIM: Raising concerns over the inadequate financial allocations to Goa, Opposition parties have demanded special funds from the upcoming 16th Finance Commission to address the unique needs of the State. They also alleged that funds promised under previous Finance Commissions had not been delivered.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao highlighted that Goa currently receives only 0.386% of the total funds allocated to States, a figure he described as insufficient to drive the State’s economic recovery. Alemao demanded that the double government ensure fairness and justice for a small State like Goa by providing sufficient funds to unlock its economic potential to support revival of tourism and other revenue-generating sectors.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai echoed these concerns, calling for a special allocation of funds for Goa due to its unique needs. Sardesai argued that States should receive a larger share of the net proceeds from taxes collected by the Centre, noting that the 13th Finance Commission allocated only 0.266% to Goa, a figure that was marginally increased to 0.378% by the 14th Finance Commission. However, Sardesai pointed out that the 15th Finance Commission further reduced the share to 0.386%.
Sardesai emphasized that States have a right to a 60% share of the net tax proceeds.
He said they are better positioned to address the needs and aspirations of their populations. He argued that increasing Goa’s share to at least 1% would help rectify the fiscal imbalance between the Centre and the States.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas expressed frustration over the execution of funds promised by the 15th Finance Commission. Viegas noted that with only one year left in the current financial plan, there has been little progress in the delivery of funds or the implementation of projects. He criticised the State government for underutilising its budget, with only 45-60% of the allocated budget being used, and blamed the Finance Department for blocking proposed schemes.
Meanwhile, the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, has been holding consultations with government officials and other stakeholders over the past two days. The Commission is expected to submit its final report by October 31, 2025, covering a five-year period beginning April 1, 2026.