Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of Goa has presented a comprehensive list of financial demands to the Union government ahead of the upcoming budget. During a pre-budget consultation meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, Sawant sought a total budgetary provision of approximately Rs 4,000 crore for the coastal state's multifaceted development needs.
Major Push for Revised Funding and New District
A central part of Goa's appeal is a request to alter the funding pattern for centrally sponsored schemes. Sawant urged the Centre to revise the current 60:40 ratio to 90:10 in favour of the Union government. He argued that Goa deserves this preferential treatment due to its coastal vulnerability, environmentally fragile hotspots like the Western Ghats, and its unique cultural heritage obligations.
The Chief Minister drew a parallel with several north-eastern and Himalayan states that already receive 90:10 funding due to similar constraints. He stated that this revision would be an equitable adjustment, aligning with the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the request, Rs 500 crore, is earmarked as a special package for the capital and developmental requirements of the newly formed Kushavati district.
Infrastructure, Tourism, and Connectivity Projects
The detailed proposal includes funding for critical infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the state's economy and connectivity. Sawant has sought Rs 1,000 crore as special assistance for developing industrial corridors integrated with national highways.
To enhance tourism, a key economic driver, the Chief Minister highlighted poor rail connectivity. He pointed out that there are no regular train services to Goa from major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. He requested the introduction of direct superfast trains from these cities to boost tourist inflow.
For upgrading the Konkan Railway infrastructure, Goa has asked for Rs 160 crore. This fund is intended for the construction of a new railway station at Margao with intermodal connectivity and a new crossing station at Mayem.
Healthcare, Environment, and Urban Development
Recognising Goa's role as a healthcare hub for its residents, tourists, and people from neighbouring districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, Sawant sought around Rs 300 crore to strengthen the health sector. This includes Rs 100 crore for a Cancer Center at Goa Medical College and another Rs 100 crore for modernising district hospitals.
Given its coastal geography, the state has requested Rs 600 crore for mitigation projects focused on sea erosion control, mangrove restoration, river-bank protection, and flood mitigation.
Another Rs 600 crore has been sought for comprehensive upgrades to urban infrastructure. This covers sewerage system expansion, solid waste management modernisation, and stormwater drainage improvements across urban and peri-urban areas to prevent pollution.
Sawant also appealed for the continuation of the 15th Finance Commission's state-specific recommendations, which included Rs 700 crore for tourism and climate change, into the award period of the 16th Finance Commission.
Additional requests include establishing a Centre of Excellence for skilling in tourism sectors like event management and adventure tourism, a dedicated scheme for the concert economy and theme parks, and a Rs 100 crore grant as a special incentive for renewable energy projects in the state.
