Goa annual plan pegged at Rs 2240

The plan size for the coastal state is up by Rs 500 odd crore. In the last financial year it was Rs 1737.65 crore inclusive of additional central assistance of Rs 35 crore for projects of special interests to the state.

However,the Planning Commission has agreed to provide Rs 40 crore for the national games as a special grant against the demand of a one-time grant of Rs 535 crore for the national games made by the Goa government.

Kamat impressed upon Ahluwalia important but critical issues faced by the state like hosting the national games in 2011,huge tourism pressure on the resources of Goa (more importantly road and other logistic infrastructure),burden of the Sixth Pay Commission,the state government’s intention to celebration the golden jubliee of liberation from Portuguese rule among other things.

He also informed the Commission the new revenue generation efforts of his government but also pointed the limitations the state faced in view of its small size and urged the Commission to provide the much needed financial support to achieve its avowed objective of becoming a model state.