Goa Budget 2017: Social Security, Education Take Spotlight

Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar presented the state budget for 2017-18 today (24 March). The size of the budget is higher this financial year compared to the previous one, increasing from Rs 14,694 crore to Rs 16,270 crore. The projected growth in the gross state domestic product is 11 per cent.

The emphasis of the budget is on agriculture, social security and education. The Chief Minister proposed Rs 900 crore for the social sector, Rs 475 for women and children and Rs 190 crore for tribal welfare. Allocation towards public works department was raised by 40 per cent to Rs 1,900 crore.

The minister said the focus is on revamping the education system. Special emphasis will be placed on building advanced integrated educational complexes at Margao and Mapusa. Also, additional grant for schools imparting education in Konkani and Marathi is proposed.

With the announcement of Rs 978.84 crore for the social sector, Parrikar said Goa will be made a garbage-free state by 2020. He also stressed on making Goa the first ever beggar-free state, saying that for a state with a high per capita income, it is certain to see a rapid rise in the number of beggars. The Chief Minister said Goa's per capita income stood at Rs 271,793, the highest among states.

Parrikar also announced 30 per cent reservation for Goans in all housing projects.

Highlighting the state’s importance as one of the most favoured tourist destinations, Parrikar announced the allotment of Rs 150 crore for improving public transport. He said the Dabolim Airport will be upgraded from time to time even after the Greenfield Mopa International Airport is completed.

For the development of the infrastructure sector, Parrikar allocated Rs 500 crore for Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (GSIDC) in addition to four railway over-bridges, which will be built with financial support from the rail ministry. He also proposed to restrict GSIDC to niche projects along with allocation of Rs 550 crore to make Panaji a smart city.

Primary health centres, said the Chief Minister, will be upgraded with more beds. A new primary health centre will also be set up.

Financial benefits under flagship programmes like Dayanand Social Security Scheme, Grih Aadhar and Ladli Lakshmi would be linked to inflation, reported PTI.

To stem corruption, Parrikar proposed constituting a special squad to investigate graft cases, including those related to disproportionate assets.

With Inputs From ANI.