PANAJI
Goa may not have found specific mention in the speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but some key new proposals she announced could benefit the State, specially the tourism sector.
She has announced developing of 50 destinations as part of a "complete package of tourism" which will be selected through challenge mode using an integrated and innovative approach.
Goa, seen as a high-visibility tourist destination, could have a few sites picked as part of these 50 destinations.
For these selected 50 destinations, Sitharaman said information on physical connectivity, virtual connectivity, tourist guides, food streets and tourist security and other relevant aspects of visitor experience would be made available through an app.
"There is a large potential to be tapped in tourism. The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular,” she said.
PLANS FOR COASTAL STATES
The budget has a proposal for mangrove plantations to be taken up along the coastline apart from salt pans, wherever feasible.
Goa could benefit from this proposal which Sitharaman has mooted through the convergence of MGNREGS, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund and other funding schemes.
Another proposal that Goa can hope to get benefits in the budget is the afforestation scheme MISHTI -- Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes.’
It is meant for mangrove plantation along coastlines and on salt pan lands wherever feasible, Sitharaman said.
A scheme for wetlands -- Amrit Dharohar -- meant to help local communities to generate incomes through eco-tourism and other activity is another proposal that Goa can hope to benefit from.
"The government will promote their unique conservation values through Amrit Dharohar, a scheme that will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands, and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities,” the finance minister said in her speech.
COASTAL SHIPPING
Sitharaman's budget has proposed promoting coastal shipping both for passengers and freight through PPP mode with viability gap funding.
Calling waterways as an energy efficient and a lower cost mode of transport, Sitharaman said it will be given emphasis. Goa is ideally positioned to take benefit from it.
50-YR INTEREST-FREE LOANS
Sitharaman has introduced the concept of giving States interest-free, 50-year loans for capital expenditure.
Crunched as it is for financial resources and burdened by a burgeoning debt, Goa will benefit immensely from this long-term loan.
UNITY MALL
The Finance Minister has introduced the idea of setting up 'Unity Mall' by States -- one in each State -- aimed at integrating tourism with the art and craft sector from which Goa can hope to benefit.
These Unity Malls will be meant to promote and sell each State’s own 'One District, One Product (ODOPs), Geographical Indication (GI) and other handicraft products which Sitharaman said the States will be encouraged to locate in the capital cities or the most prominent tourism centre or financial capital.
