Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jul 24: In a firm declaration aimed at strengthening Goa’s financial foundation, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in the Assembly that the State government would steadily cut back on market borrowings and intensify structural reforms in the years ahead.

Sawant stated that despite having permission to borrow Rs 4,100 crore in the last financial year, the government borrowed only Rs 1,050 crore. Of this, Rs 440.58 crore was spent on capital investment. He stressed that the government is determined not to leave behind a financial burden for future administrations and added that the debt remains well within control.

Sawant highlighted the State’s improving financial health, noting a significant reduction in the fiscal deficit—from 2.5% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2018-19 to 1.2% in 2022-23. He also stated that Goa had achieved a revenue surplus in three of the past five years, with the highest in 2022-23.

On employment, the Chief Minister said that 2,500 government jobs will soon be announced. Recruitment will be managed by the Goa Staff Selection Commission to ensure transparency. He further said that students receiving experience certificates under the apprenticeship scheme will now be required to have one year of work experience for applying to MTS and LDC posts in the government.

Sawant also urged that Goan students begin preparing for competitive exams early, citing the success of students from Bihar who start as early as Class VIII. He stressed that Goa too needs to adopt a similar model to improve success in GPSC and UPSC exams.

Dismissing claims of a decline in tourism, Sawant said there has been no fall in footfall, although he acknowledged that airfares and hotel tariffs are higher on weekends. He said the matter would be taken up with the GST Council, as suggested by industry stakeholders.

Sawant took aim at infrastructure consultant RITES Ltd, alleging irregularities in evaluating defective road works. He confirmed that the company has been removed from further projects, and that show-cause notices have been issued to errant contractors. One contractor has already been blacklisted, he added.

Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao questioned the delay in resuming iron ore mining, despite multiple blocks being auctioned. He estimated a loss of Rs 15,000 crore to the State exchequer since the ban in 2012. He also raised concerns over unregulated real estate growth and demanded a study to assess the carrying capacity of Goa’s land resources.

Alemao also voiced concerns over the growing insecurity among minority communities. He said Goan Catholics were being labelled as Portuguese nationals, Indian Muslims as Pakistani sympathisers, and Indian Catholics as loyal to Rome.

Regarding the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, Sawant announced that a new tender for an ethanol plant will be floated within a month. He acknowledged that previous tenders failed to draw interest but assured farmers that the plant will be established and that sugarcane grown by them would be purchased.

The Chief Minister also announced a 50% ticket concession for women working in the private sector who travel by public transport. He said the Labour and Transport Departments are working on the proposal to make it effective soon.