Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s New Year message, imbued with a sense of hope and resilience, sets the tone for what lies ahead in 2025. His call to transcend past grievances and embrace the future with "unwavering faith" highlights an emotional side as the state prepares for another year of political scrutiny and public discourse.
The year 2024 was tumultuous for Sawant, characterized by intense debates over pressing issues such as land laws, illegal constructions, corruption, scams, controversies, land grabbing, jobs-for-cash scams, etc. Add to this a volatile political climate. Some of these challenges not only tested Sawant's leadership but also highlighted significant civil concerns, particularly around sustainable development and the preservation of Goa's environment. Probably for the first time in the State, the CM was battling against a ’toolkit’ launched seeking his ouster. It's another story that the toolkit idea didn’t click, and Sawant had the last laugh calling it a “toolkit of jealousy”.
Two of Sawant's finest initiatives during 2024 were initiating probes into land grabs and jobs-for-cash cases. However, both these issues await their logical conclusion, and it is to be seen if justice prevails in the new year. Another positive has been the concept of "Swayampurna Goem," aimed at promoting self-sufficiency in food production. However, it needs further momentum to diminish the state's reliance on external supplies.
Sustainable development has been the common man’s cry up to 2024 with serious opposition coming from sections against rampant development of land. There are concerns over environmental degradation, the protection of forests and the roar of a tiger reserve that is waiting to be heard. Mhadei water diversion remains a contentious issue with Karnataka continuing to dominate the narrative.
Another major worry for the State government is over borrowings. Information tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary raises concerns over the sustainability of the State's fiscal strategy. Data shows that from a figure of Rs 4,417 crore in 2005, Goa’s debt ballooned to a staggering Rs 31,758 crore in 2023, and further to Rs 34,758 crore by the end of financial year 2023-24. This trajectory reflects a deeper concern about the reliance on borrowing to fund essential services and growth initiatives without a coherent plan for debt management and repayment.
Infrastructure development is one area where the Sawant government will take pride in, and the CM boasting about achievements on the recent Liberation Day is justified, thanks to the double-engine push. However, it is to be seen whether the State can sustain this development. Lastly, Goa has witnessed several communal flare-ups with communities taking contrasting positions. It was a huge sigh of relief that the much-spoken harmony prevailed despite the turmoil.
Undoubtedly Sawant has weathered storms of varied kinds and has emerged stronger every passing year. Going into 2025, there are a plethora of issues that need attention, and there is a heavy mix of expectancy and resentment. The government must navigate not only the complexities of past challenges but also the expectations of a populace that seeks transparency, sustainable development, and effective governance.
The path forward, though fraught with difficulties, provides an opportunity for renewal and growth. As Goa grapples with these myriad challenges, the effectiveness of Sawant's administration in turning promises into tangible progress will be under close scrutiny.
