Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Reviews Budgetary Allocations for 2026-27, Appoints Secretaries to Tackle Coordination Challenges
In a significant move to enhance governance efficiency, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a comprehensive review meeting on Friday to discuss the budgetary allocations for the fiscal year 2026-27 and assess the utilisation of funds allocated in the current financial year. The meeting, attended by the chief secretary, IAS officers, and heads of various departments, focused on addressing interdepartmental coordination issues that have historically impeded the effective implementation of budgetary programmes and plans.
Addressing Interdepartmental Hurdles for Smoother Implementation
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sawant highlighted the persistent challenges arising from poor coordination between different government departments, which often lead to delays and inefficiencies in project execution. To tackle this, he appointed senior government secretaries with a specific mandate to resolve these interlinked issues. "At the meeting of all the heads of departments, we took a complete review of the Central budget provisions and our budget too. There are some interdepartmental issues and to solve them, today I appointed some secretaries. They will resolve the linked issues," Sawant stated after the meeting.
He cited the Public Works Department (PWD) as a prime example of how multiple sectors intersect, noting its connections to water supply, sewerage, and road infrastructure. "A team was formed to address the interdepartmental issues. I think now things will be solved smoothly," he added, expressing optimism about improved coordination moving forward.
Key Priorities: Fiscal Prudence and Accountable Governance
The review meeting underscored several critical priorities for the Goa government, including:
- Effective Implementation: Ensuring that budgetary programmes are executed efficiently without unnecessary delays.
- Fiscal Prudence: Managing financial resources responsibly to maximise outcomes.
- Accountable Governance: Enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
By forming dedicated teams to address cross-departmental coordination challenges, the government aims to streamline budget execution and prevent the overlapping jurisdictions that have previously caused setbacks. The appointed secretaries are expected to facilitate seamless coordination between departments, ensuring timely project implementation and optimal utilisation of both Central and state budget allocations.
Upcoming Budget Session and Political Context
This review comes ahead of the budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence on March 6. During this session, Chief Minister Sawant, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the financial statement for 2026-27. This marks the seventh consecutive time since 2020 that he will present the budget, highlighting his continued oversight of the state's fiscal matters.
Notably, this budget is likely to be the last full-fledged financial plan before the assembly elections in 2027, adding political significance to the proceedings. The session, which starts on March 6, will continue until March 27, featuring 14 days of deliberations where budgetary allocations and policy directions will be thoroughly discussed.
The proactive steps taken by the Sawant-led administration reflect a commitment to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a more cohesive approach to governance. As Goa prepares for its upcoming budget presentation, the focus remains on ensuring that public funds are utilised effectively to drive development and meet the needs of its citizens.
