Special Correspondent
Panaji
Goa government has sought a special financial package of Rs 500 crore from the Centre to meet the capital and developmental requirements of the newly created ‘Kushavati’ district that has been carved out from the South Goa district with the objective of strengthening administrative efficiency, improving access to public services and ensuring balanced and inclusive regional development.
The government said that the new district is expected to boost hinterland tourism, adventure tourism and eco-tourism, besides regional development.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who on Saturday attended a pre-budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, presented a memorandum seeking financial support for various projects and developmental activities in Goa, through annual financial statement, for the next fiscal year.
Finance ministers of states and Union territories participated in the meet, which was held as a part of the consultation process for the Union Budget 2025-26. The meeting focused on gathering inputs and suggestions from the states on key fiscal priorities, economic challenges and policy measures ahead of the presentation of the annual Budget.
The key developmental requirements and funding proposals in the memorandum included continuation of SASCI Scheme for the financial year 2026-27, with increased allocation under the ‘Un-tied’ component, and carrying forward 15th Finance Commission recommendations on tourism, climate change and renewable
energy.
The memorandum also requested revision of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes’ (CSS) funding pattern from 60:40 to 90:10 to reduce fiscal burden.
In addition, it sought Rs 1,000 crore for industrial corridors integrated with national highways for improved logistics and manufacturing growth; railway infrastructure improvement including new stations, intermodal connectivity and direct Superfast/Vande Bharat trains from Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune; Rs 600 crore for climate-resilient infrastructure including sea erosion control, mangrove restoration, flood mitigation and river-bank protection; Rs 300 crore for strengthening of health sector including tertiary care upgrades, district hospital modernisation, emergency and trauma care and disaster preparedness; and finally, Rs 600 crore for comprehensive waste management including sewerage, solid waste, storm water drainage and waste-to-energy facilities.
The memorandum maintained special focus on tourism sector with dedicated schemes for concerts, theme parks, immersive tourism, and a Centre of Excellence for skilling in adventure tourism, wellness, water sports and event management; Rs 100 crore for renewable energy infrastructure, including rooftop and floating solar energy storage, grid modernisation; and support for India’s net-zero goals.
The memorandum also emphasised Goa’s record of highest per capita income, 100% literacy and successful implementation of flagship schemes, urging the Union government to incentivise high-performing states.
Sawant, who also holds the Finance portfolio, concluded that these measures are critical for achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Goa 2037’ and contributing to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, while maintaining sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents and tourists alike.
The memorandum further highlighted unique challenges arising from its small geographical size, high per-capita infrastructure costs, ecological sensitivity and tourism-driven service load.
The government sought support to enable sustainable economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure resilience and environmental protection.
The Budget session of the Parliament will commence on January 28 and continue till April 2. Sitharaman will present Union Budget 2026-27 on an unusual day, Sunday, February 1, 2026.
