Highlighting the benefits of working together, Sawant said joint efforts among the three coastal states could improve economic growth and connectivity along India’s western coast. He was speaking at the two-day meet, which was inaugurated earlier by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Sawant also spoke about Goa’s progress in digital governance, noting that the State now offers over 240 citizen services across 40 departments. He said this has improved efficiency, transparency and ease of access for people.
Echoing the need for collaboration, Birla said coastal states can turn challenges into opportunities. Referring to Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat chief minister, he said industrial growth helped transform drought-prone areas into centres of development.
Birla also stressed the important role of legislative bodies in achieving India’s development goals, especially highlighting the responsibility of young legislators. He called for sharing best practices among Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra, and encouraged healthy competition to improve governance and economic progress.
He praised young MLAs, saying active lawmakers and youth participation are important for a strong democracy, as people have high expectations from their elected representatives.
The conference, which has brought together legislators from key western coastal states, aims to strengthen cooperation and address major development issues. The inaugural function was also attended by Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar and other senior legislators.
Discussions began with a session on the role of young legislators in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. Sessions on April 10 will focus on regional priorities such as trade, tourism, urbanisation, environment and coastal connectivity.
