PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that the government will clear all pending development proposals within the Rs 40 crore ceiling by the end of this month.
Speaking during the supplementary demands in the Legislative Assembly, he also confirmed that proposals exceeding Rs 40 crore will be considered in the new financial year.
“Each constituency is allocated Rs 40 crore for PWD works. Some constituencies have exceeded this limit, which is why their files are currently pending with the Finance Department. These will be taken up in the next financial year. We will not keep any files pending because we are all working for Goa’s betterment,” Sawant assured.
He also stated that the additional funds would come from a special assistance package under the Government of India’s 50-year interest-free loan scheme.
“In the original budget, we projected a receipt of Rs 900 crore, but we now expect an additional Rs 600 crore this year. We have already received Rs 1,200 crore this year, something that hasn’t happened in the last 50 years, despite Congress having a ‘double-engine sarkar’,” he said, taking a dig at the Opposition.
The Chief Minister reiterated that all proposals within the Rs 40 crore limit would be processed by March 31. “We will not carry forward any pending utilisation,” he added.
Sawant also spoke about the creation of a separate Drinking Water Department, explaining that it is to ensure a focused approach to water management. “This is part of our long-term planning for the next 25 years,” he added.
