PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 will be tabled in March. Goa has achieved a revenue surplus of Rs 1,423 crore for the ongoing fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in its financial management.
Additionally, nearly 100 assurances made by the government are on track to be fulfilled by March 2025. The Chief Minister also highlighted a reduction in the state’s overall debt ratio from 30% to 29%, reflecting improved fiscal discipline.
In preparation for the upcoming budget, Sawant chaired a crucial pre-budget meeting at Mantralaya,
The meeting focused on identifying strategies to enhance revenue, improve resource utilization, and streamline governance. Departments were urged to innovate and actively explore new revenue sources to strengthen the state's financial health. The CM also emphasized the need to address underutilization of allocated budgets, directing departments to ensure timely and effective use of funds to prevent wastage and inefficiencies.
Monetizing existing assets emerged as another key agenda, with instructions for departments, corporations, and autonomous bodies to develop strategies for leveraging their assets to generate revenue and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Improving public service delivery was also a priority, with the CM calling for reforms to simplify procedures and enhance citizen satisfaction. Departments were tasked with optimizing service delivery to ensure maximum impact for the people of Goa.
The meeting further stressed the importance of accountability and efficiency through periodic reviews of corporations and autonomous bodies. Departments were directed to regularly evaluate these entities to ensure they remain productive and aligned with the state’s development goals.
“The discussions emphasized the importance of innovation, accountability, and efficiency in budget preparation and execution. Together, we aim to build a stronger and more self-reliant Goa,” said Sawant.
The Chief Secretary, departmental secretaries, and heads of government departments were in attendance.
