Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday stated that under the 12 years of the double engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has witnessed comprehensive development, including the expansion of national highways, introduction of new trains, upgradation of railway stations, opening of bank accounts, establishment of institutions, and benefits for the fisheries sector, among others.
Financial Inclusion and Support for Small Businesses
Sawant revealed that over 2.27 lakh accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have been opened in the state. Additionally, more than Rs 5.7 crore was disbursed to small businesses under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and 3,000 loans were provided to street vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme.
Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister, along with Power Minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, and WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar, addressed a press conference to list the benefits the state has received over the last 12 years under the Modi government.
Sawant highlighted that 299 km of national highways have been constructed at a cost of Rs 999 crore, including the enhancement of a 12.7 km road under port connectivity with six lanes and a 7 km Mopa airport link road on NH-66S costing Rs 1,183 crore.
He also noted that 24 km of new railway tracks were laid and 164 km were electrified. Two Vande Bharat routes have been operationalised between Madgaon–Mumbai and Mangalore–Madgaon. Additionally, Madgaon, Sanvordem, and Vasco-da-Gama railway stations have been selected as Amrit Stations for world-class development under the Modi government.
Aviation and Tourism
The Greenfield Manohar International Airport at Mopa, built at a cost of Rs 2,870 crore, has been operationalised. Three new air routes under the RCS UDAN scheme have also been launched. The Goa airport has been integrated under the Krishi Udan Scheme to assist local farmers with agro-product transport.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Rs 197 crore was sanctioned for the development of Fort Aguada and Dona Paula jetty. Mayem Lake was renovated at a cost of Rs 12 crore.
Educational and Sports Institutions
Sawant said that institutions like the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa with 40% reservation, the National Institute of Water Sports to boost sports training and water tourism skills, and the All India Institute of Ayurveda established at Rs 302 crore with 50% reservation for Goan students have been set up in Goa.
Urban Development and Digital Inclusion
The Chief Minister mentioned that Panaji was developed under the Smart Cities Mission. A 4G mobile tower in Morpila was installed to ensure last-mile digital inclusion. Additionally, 18,249 km of underground electricity cabling was laid to ensure safe and reliable power supply.
Social Security Schemes
Under key central schemes, over 8.40 lakh beneficiaries have enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, over 3.91 lakh in the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and over 1.18 lakh in the Atal Pension Yojana. More than 1 lakh Ayushman Bharat health cards have been issued, and over 18 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been set up.
Agriculture and Irrigation
Sawant said that 915 hectares have been brought under irrigation through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Crops of 5,892 farmers are insured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, while 72,187 soil health cards have been distributed to strengthen agriculture.
Fisheries Sector
In the fisheries sector, Rs 126 crore has been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, with Rs 11.2 crore utilised under the Neel Kranti Mission. Additionally, 21,569 fishermen have received QR code-enabled Aadhaar cards.
