PANAJI
Ahead of presenting the next State Budget 2025-26 in March, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed all the departments to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of the Budget for the current fiscal and to explore new sources of revenue generation for the coming financial year.
Sawant on Thursday chaired a pre-budget meeting with the Chief Secretary, Secretaries and Heads of departments, during which it was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister that there are 24 departments whose budget utilization has remained below 30 per cent. Of the total Rs 1680 crore allocated to these departments for the current fiscal, only Rs 323 cr have been utilized as of December end, 2024.
Speaking to media persons post the meeting, Sawant said that the State government has managed to achieve the revenue surplus budget as project, with total revenue of around Rs 1423cr, which is at lower side as compared to Rs 2400cr in 2023-24.
He said that the crucial discussion focused on key aspects of preparing and implementing a balanced, forward-looking budget for the state.
“As we have started preparation for the new Budget, departments have been asked to actively identify and implement innovative ways to boost revenue. They have been asked to submit detailed proposals,” Sawant said informing that the Budget 2025-26 would be presented in March.
He said that directions have been issued to all departments, Corporations, and Autonomous Bodies to explore strategies to monetize existing assets, for self-sufficiency and revenue enhancement.
The meeting laid a significant focus on addressing underutilisation of allocated budgets. “Departments must ensure effective and timely utilization of resources to prevent inefficiencies. Heads of the department are asked to ensure 100 per cent utilization of funds,” the Chief Minister said.
Further, the departments are asked to conduct regular evaluations of Corporations and Autonomous Bodies under their purview to ensure optimal performance, relevance, and output.
Stressing on the need to introduce new Reforms in service delivery, Sawant said that such processes are essential for efficiency and improved citizen satisfaction.
Only 14% assurances of 2024-25 implemented by Dec end
The Chief Minister said that of the total 476 assurances made in 2024-25 Budget, 70 have been completed and implemented so far, while another 107 would be implemented by March end.
“A total of 263 assurances would be taken up during the year 2025. There are seven assurances, which we are not going ahead with for now,” he said.
