PANAJI
With Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget on February 1, the Goa government is hopeful of a revision in the Centre-State funding pattern for centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) from the existing 60:40 ratio. The State has sought a more favourable 90:10 formula.
The State has cited its unique geographical and ecological constraints, arguing that higher central assistance is essential to address challenges arising from coastal vulnerability, environmentally fragile hotspots such as the Western Ghats, and the additional responsibility of preserving its rich cultural and heritage assets.
Officials said the demand is in line with special funding considerations extended to several north-eastern and Himalayan States, which receive 90:10 funding due to difficult terrain, environmental sensitivity and strategic importance. Goa, they said, faces similar constraints owing to climate change impacts, coastal erosion and restrictions on industrial expansion imposed by environmental regulations, forest cover and limited land resource.
“The present 60:40 funding pattern does not adequately reflect the realities faced by a small coastal State like Goa, where development needs must be balanced with strict environmental safeguards,” a senior official said, adding that enhanced central support would enable more effective implementation of welfare and infrastructure schemes without overburdening the State’s limited finances.
Among Goa’s key demands is special funding of Rs 500 crore for the proposed Kushavati district, which the government has projected as a crucial administrative reform aimed at improving governance delivery in interior and fast-growing regions. Official said that early central assistance would be critical for setting up offices, connectivity and public services.
During a pre-Budget meeting with Sitharaman earlier this month, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sought an overall budgetary support of around Rs 4,000 crore for Goa. The proposal includes funding for the new district, development of an industrial corridor, tourism infrastructure, and construction of a new railway station at Margao.
Sawant said the demands stem from Goa’s small geographical size, high per-capita infrastructure costs, ecological sensitivity and the heavy service load driven by tourism. Apart from seeking Rs 700 crore for tourism, as reported earlier, the State has sought Rs 1,000 crore as special assistance for industrial corridors integrated with national highways, Rs 160 crore for the Margao railway station, Rs 600 crore for coastal erosion control and flood mitigation, and Rs 300 crore for strengthening healthcare services.
Goa has also requested Rs 600 crore for upgrading sewerage, solid waste management and storm-water drainage systems, along with a dedicated scheme to promote the concert economy, theme parks and immersive tourism assets. The State has further pitched for a Centre of Excellence for tourism skilling, focusing on event management, adventure tourism, wellness and water sports.
