Staff Reporter
Panaji
The state government will seek Rs 28,000 crore for various developmental projects from the 16th Finance Commission during its visit to Goa on January 9 and 10.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting, which focused on the presentation to be made before the commission headed by Dr Arvind Panagariya.
The presentation will highlight Goa’s financial requirements, state-specific project proposals and the enhanced funding for disaster management.
The meeting was held at Mantralaya, which was attended by Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, secretaries and heads of the departments.
Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, Sawant said government will put up a demand before the 16th Finance Commission, seeking the allocation of Rs 28,000 crore for Goa to take up developmental projects.
The Chief Minister directed the departments to prepare state-specific proposals to be presented to the central government panel.
The tourism department has prepared a proposal of Rs 1,693 crore, education department will seek Rs 1,536 crore, health department Rs 631 crore, power department Rs 4,160 crore, green energy Rs 7,350 crore, public works Rs 5,460 crore and the WRD (including for agricultural purposes) Rs 3,401 crore.
A total of Rs 1,982 crore will be sought for disaster management, Rs 733 crore for waste management, and climate change action will push for Rs 379 core.
During its visit, the commission is scheduled to hold meetings with various stakeholders. The panel will meet cabinet ministers, senior government officials and elected representatives of local bodies.
Panel members will also visit some places in the state to take a review of ground works carried out by the government in various sectors.
The commission is responsible for making recommendations for a five-year period starting April 1, 2026.
The 16th Finance Commission has been requested to make its recommendations available by October, 31, 2025 to the central government covering an award period of five years commencing April 1, 2026.
