Goa State Budget 2024-25: Expected it to be forward-looking!

Yet another round on the budget, by Dr. Pamod Sawant, the dashing CM of Goa!

If one quickly runs through the 112-page budget speech, one would most likely say, “commendable job Mr. Chief Minister!” A revenue surplus budget, with a projected figure of Rs. 1700 crores for FY 2024-25. Do we, really, need one?

The opening statement of the budget speech is very captivating. The government intends to promote good governance on the principles of ‘Antyodaya’ and move from Amrit Kaal to Kartavya Kaal to realise a Vikashit Bharat (developed country) by 2047. Considering the current per capita GDP of India, we need to grow by more than 11.5% on an annual basis to get close to becoming a developed country.

One may ponder if such growth is possible. The answer is a big ‘YES’. But we need to be forwardlooking and look at making budgetary provisions for the next 20-25 years. The most important of them is in making capital investments on key issues that would power the earning capacities. These must be directed toward job creation, sustainable income generation and achieving self-reliance on basic needs for food, energy, water and technology.

Even after half a century, Goa still depends on imports for food, energy and technology. This budget yet again misses the opportunity to address this. Let's look at the details.

Rs. 260 crores for agriculture; Rs. 84 crores for fisheries; Rs. 107 crores for skill development; Rs. 74 crores for industries; Rs. 70 crores for rural development. The government must promote highyielding agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture and animal husbandry to be ‘self-reliant’. To meet global standards in skill development programs, a professional approach is essential. This will aid in achieving the dreams of a ‘developed country’. A developed rural economy will reduce the problems of urbanisation and boost potential tourism. Interestingly, the government plans to spend Rs. 77 crores on information and publicity which has the least ROI.

While the world needs to make rapid strides in sustainable and environment-friendly transportation we could have planned to address these. The budgetary allocation on transport is only about Rs. 300 crores. Myopic views persist on protecting the world from the ill-effects of global warming. The budgeted expenditure on the Environment and renewable energy is Rs. 20 crores and Rs. 63 crores respectively.

More than 55% of the total allocations are on the mundane choices of PWD, health, electricity and education and mostly for revenue expenditures i.e. salaries of government employees. Even in these areas, capital expenditures are paltry.

The tourism sector has the maximum potential for higher growth in the state of Goa. Mopa Airport has aided in the growth of tourist arrivals, but we still have lower arrivals of international tourists. A big push on building high-quality tourism infra is needed to fill the gaps. The capital allocation on tourism is about Rs. 83 crores. I feel this is substantially low.

An appeal to the team at the Chief Minister’s Office is to have a forward-looking approach in the next round. Let’s spend more on employment generation, healthcare and environmental protection. ‘Jai Hind!’