PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed various queries related to the Budget, unfulfilled promises and alleged scams as the first week of the monsoon session of the legislative assembly ended on Friday.
While he responded to concerns whenever necessary, Sawant also highlighted the fact that his government had effectively utilised about 20.3 per cent of the full-year budget in the initial three months (April-June), stating it is a positive indication of progress and development.
Promises questioned
The Opposition legislators, who also came prepared to corner the government on various issues, presented a list of unfulfilled promises from the previous Budget and past assembly sessions. To provide evidence of his government’s achievements, Sawant tabled a compilation of completed projects and accomplishments, while confidentially claiming the booklet is open for verification by anyone interested.
Expense and
efficiency
Sawant further defended the government against the Opposition's claims of wasteful expenses after the latter raised concerns about the substantial funds spent on various events as against the deteriorating state of the Smart City, crumbling infrastructure, and delayed welfare scheme funds. In response, Sawant reiterated that the government had been efficiently carrying out all the works and fulfilling assurances. He also mentioned that within three months of the current fiscal year, 32 out of 329 assurances had been fulfilled.
Regarding the expenses incurred on events, Sawant clarified that such spending was essential to ensure effective outreach of government initiatives and schemes to the people.
Mining block
On mining, the Opposition once again raised apprehensions about its non-resumption to which Sawant reassured that mining activities were on track to resume, and the government will soon introduce a Dump Mining Policy to facilitate the e-auction of iron ore rejects in various lease-bound areas.
On borrowings
Sawant assured the Assembly that the State’s borrowings remained within the specified limit. For the financial year 2022-23, the State borrowed only Rs 1,850 crore from the market, well below the allowed limit of Rs 3,585 crore. In the current year, the State had borrowed Rs 630 crore so far, well within the borrowing limit of over Rs 4,000 crore. Additionally, last year, the government borrowed Rs 670 crore from SIDBI and Rs 550 crore from NABARD for infrastructure and tourism projects.
ST quota
When the issue over ST reservation was raised, which also saw Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar supporting it, Sawant agreed to lead a delegation from the State to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law to seek political reservation for the tribal community in the assembly.
