Panaji: In a significant boost to Goa's development initiatives, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Monday that the state government will receive a substantial tax devolution share of Rs 5,570.8 crore from the Union Budget. This financial allocation is poised to strengthen ongoing development projects across the coastal state.
Direct Impact on Goa's Development Pipeline
The Budget ensures Goa gets Rs 5,570.8 crore as a devolved tax share — this will directly strengthen Goa's development pipeline, stated CM Sawant. He emphasized that this substantial financial infusion comes at a crucial time when Goa is positioning itself as India's premier tourism brand.
Tourism and Employment Generation
Sawant highlighted that with proper guide upskilling programs and the implementation of a digital destination grid, Goa can create better employment opportunities for local youth while enhancing tourist experiences. Goa is India's tourism brand, he remarked, underscoring the state's unique position in the national tourism landscape.
Coastal Economy and Fisheries Development
The Chief Minister detailed how Goa would benefit from multiple initiatives targeting the blue economy, fisheries sector, and coastal livelihoods. The Union Budget includes provisions for integrated development of 500 reservoirs and strengthening the fisheries value chain in coastal areas.
These initiatives will incorporate market linkages involving:
- Start-ups and innovative enterprises
- Women-led community groups
- Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)
Logistics and Coastal Shipping
A particularly significant component for Goa is the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, which aims to shift freight transportation from traditional road and rail networks to waterways and coastal shipping. This initiative targets increasing the share of coastal shipping from 6% to 12% by 2047, which Sawant described as crucial for coastal states and port-linked economies like Goa.
For a coastal state like Goa, fisheries value-chain strengthening and coastal cargo promotion directly supports livelihoods, logistics efficiency, and coastal enterprise, the Chief Minister explained.
Seaplane Connectivity and Tourism Enhancement
The Budget also includes incentives for indigenous manufacturing of seaplanes and a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to support operations. These measures are specifically aimed at improving last-mile and remote connectivity while boosting tourism infrastructure.
Sawant noted that Goa can leverage seaplane connectivity to enhance high-value tourism circuits and improve access to select coastal destinations, creating new opportunities for premium tourism experiences.
Agricultural Support for Coastal Crops
Addressing Goa's agricultural sector, the Chief Minister pointed to specific provisions for high-value agriculture support mentioned in the Budget, with particular focus on coastal crops including coconut, cocoa, and cashew.
This Budget speaks directly to Goa's strengths — coconut and cashew, Sawant stated. The dedicated programmes can strengthen farm incomes and value addition in our coastal belt, he added, highlighting how these measures align with Goa's traditional agricultural practices.
MSME Sector Development
Recognizing that Goa's economy largely runs on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — particularly in tourism, services, processing, and local manufacturing sectors — Sawant emphasized that the Budget includes measures to improve credit flow and growth capital for these enterprises.
The Union Budget was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, with these provisions forming part of the broader economic strategy for coastal states development across India.
