SGZP budget estimates pegged at Rs 7.70 crore

SGZP budget estimates pegged at Rs 7.70 crore
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 30  
The South Goa Zilla Panchayat has passed the annual budget estimates pegged at Rs 7.70 crore.
The budget was passed at the first meeting of the newly-elected members on Tuesday, even as members questioned the chairperson Maria Rebello and the Chief Executive Officer N S Navti for preparing the budget estimates at the fag end of the financial year.
The ZP body has laid stress on health sector by making allocation of Rs one crore, while Rs one crore has been allotted for repair and maintenance of primary school buildings.
A provision of Rs 30 lakh has been made for the SC and ST communities.
The CEO informed the members that funds are expected to the ZP body in view of the Finance Commission report. Navti said he had a meeting with the Panchayat Minister Babu Azgaonkar, who has assured funds to the Zilla Panchayat. In fact, he said the budget has been prepared as per the assurances given by the minister.
Incidentally, members, including Dayanand Pagi and others felt the budget meeting ought to be convened in December so that the estimates reach the government on time.