Panaji: Welcoming the Union Budget, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that it will help Goa in a big way especially in sectors like education, tourism and fishing, among others. "After looking at the entire budget, I feel Goa will be able to avail maximum benefits from the budget for tourism, education, women centric programmes, blue economy which is especially for the fishing sector, among others," said Sawant speaking to media persons in Panaji.
He said that the Budget presented is for aspirational India with focus on health, wealth, hospitality, agriculture, safety and security of all the people irrespective of caste and creed. Speaking further, he said, "The allocation of Rs 2500 crore for tourism which is a central scheme will definitely benefit Goa.
Goa will be able to avail benefit in a big way under Sagar Mitra Scheme for fisheries to encourage cage and inland fishing. The reduction in income tax from 20 per cent to 10 per cent on income between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh will ease the burden on middle class population.” He said the allocation of Rs 69,000 crore for health and setting up of hospitals on PPP model will help in setting up a private college in South Goa. The Data Centre Park can be a good opportunity for Goa, Sawant said.
"The budget has been announced concentrating on common man and which will help people in the Country in the long run. We will make all efforts to avail of maximum benefits from this budget," he said. When asked if the Union Budget will influence Goa’s budget, he said, “Considering all the highlights of the Union budget we will also try to prent state budget on similar lines.”