Special Correspondent
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday met Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi and sought assistance for the speedy approval of proposals submitted by Goa under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
Sawant also discussed housing, urban development, citizen-centric infrastructure and welfare initiatives being implemented in Goa with support from the Centre.
The UCF is a centrally sponsored scheme with an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, approved by the Union Cabinet to promote market-led and reform-driven urban transformation across the country. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the fund aims to support urban infrastructure projects through a market-linked financing model.
After the meeting, Khattar said a detailed review was held on power transmission projects underway in Goa, including works being implemented under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), as well as issues related to the Urban Challenge Fund.
Later, Sawant met Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Kishan Reddy, and discussed the need for the Centre’s support for reforms in Goa’s mining sector, which he said would help strengthen the state’s economy and protect livelihoods dependent on mining.
The Chief Minister also
participated in the NDA Conclave at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
