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Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged the Centre to adopt a more balanced funding approach under centrally sponsored schemes, highlighting the state's unique responsibilities linked to coastal management, environmental protection and tourism. Speaking at the pre-Budget meeting for Union Budget 2026-27, he stressed the need for higher and more flexible capital support to sustain infrastructure development. Goa flagged priorities such as climate-resilient coastal infrastructure, improved rail and logistics connectivity, healthcare expansion, waste management and tourism diversification. The state also called for funding models that reflect pressures from its floating tourist population. Sawant said targeted central support is crucial to balance growth with ecological protection, while advancing Goa's long-term vision of sustainable development and Viksit Goa 2037
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has called for a more equitable Centre state funding framework under centrally sponsored schemes, citing the state's unique responsibilities linked to coastal management, environmental protection and national tourism. Advertisement
Sawant raised the issue during the pre-Budget meeting for the Union Budget 2026-27, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by finance ministers from states and Union Territories, along with senior officials from the Centre.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the chief minister said detailed discussions were held on key priorities for the upcoming Budget, with Goa placing emphasis on sustaining momentum in infrastructure development and capital investment.
According to Sawant, Goa highlighted the need for funding structures that recognise the state's specific challenges. These include managing a long and densely developed coastline, preserving the fragile ecology of the Western Ghats, and supporting tourism infrastructure that serves not only the state but also national and international visitors.
He said Goa sought continued support for capital investment and the carrying forward of state-specific recommendations of the Finance Commission. The state also urged the Centre to revisit the funding pattern under centrally sponsored schemes to better reflect regional realities, particularly for smaller states with high environmental and tourism-related obligations.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in Goa's submissions. The chief minister stressed the importance of improving industrial and logistics connectivity to support economic growth. This includes strengthening rail links to major urban centres, which are seen as critical for easing passenger movement, supporting tourism flows and improving freight efficiency.
Sawant also underlined the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, especially in coastal areas vulnerable to erosion, flooding and extreme weather events. Investments in such infrastructure are essential to protect real estate assets, public facilities and transport networks, while ensuring long-term urban sustainability.
Healthcare capacity expansion was another key area discussed. The state highlighted the need for upgraded medical infrastructure to support both residents and the floating population driven by tourism. Strengthening waste management and sanitation systems was also flagged as a priority, given the pressure on urban infrastructure during peak tourist seasons.
Tourism diversification and skill development were presented as important drivers for inclusive growth. The state stressed the need to move beyond seasonal tourism by supporting new formats, improving destination infrastructure and investing in workforce training aligned with hospitality, services and allied sectors.
The discussions also covered Goa's push towards renewable and clean energy, in line with national climate commitments. Sawant said accelerating this transition would support sustainable urban development and reduce long-term infrastructure costs.
These consultations are an important step in aligning state aspirations with national development goals, the chief minister said, adding that Goa is working towards its long-term vision of Viksit Goa 2037, aligned with the broader national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The state government expects the Union Budget to reflect these priorities through targeted allocations and policy support, enabling Goa to balance growth, environmental protection and infrastructure expansion.
Source: PTI
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