VASCO
Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) on Wednesday welcomed the budget announcement of strengthening the Public Grievances Cell for transparency and fast delivery of services, but added that it appears to be an overestimated budget, prepared hurriedly without any inputs from various stakeholders.
In a press release, GSIA stated that hardly within three days of the swearing-in ceremony, it was expected that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant would pass Vote on Account rather than presenting a full budget.
"It appears to be an overestimated budget, prepared hurriedly without any inputs from various stakeholders. The Chief Minister has presented the budget outlay of Rs 24,467 crore. Revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs 17,097 crore and capital expenditure at Rs 7,367 crore. With no further increase in taxation, it is to be seen how this additional budget outlay will be achieved. The Chief Minister said that the government intends plugging of revenue leakages and strict compliances. However, much will depend on the efficiency of the government," GSIA added in the release.
"We find that, in the budget, there is no focus on revenue-generating sectors of the economy. There is hardly any budget outlay to develop infrastructure in the Industrial Estates. At present, the industrial sector contributes nearly 40% of the State’s GDP. The infrastructure in the Industrial Estates is pathetic and no new manufacturing industries are coming to Goa. To add to it, the existing industries are going outside the State for expansion."
"It is discouraging to note that recently, in one newspaper report, the Chief Minister has said that he does not want production based industry in Goa. It appears that he has based his hopes on mining, electronics manufacturing and IT which are, at present, non-starters in Goa."
"We, however, welcome the announcement in the budget of strengthening the Public Grievances Cell for transparency and fast delivery of services. Implementation of Public Services Act and announcement of Voluntary Retirement Scheme for government employees are also welcome initiatives," said the release added.
