Focus on administrative reforms: Kamat
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present an 'additional budget' on July 24, with a focus on administrative reforms.
Kamat made the announcement in the legislative assembly yesterday while replying to the general discussion on the budget.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, was unable to present a full budget for 2009-10, as the Election Commission had enforced the Model Code of Conduct for the Parliamentary elections. Instead he had presented a vote-on-account for four months to provide for government spending till July 31.
Speaking further, Kamat said, he will soon form a committee of Secretaries to build up Goa's case before central ministries for funds under various welfare schemes of the Central government.
Kamat said, one could not expect Goa to be insulated from the global recession and economic crisis that had adversely hit the Indian economy and stunted its growth from 9 per cent to 6 per cent.
The challenge, however, was for the government to maintain growth at acceptable levels, he said, adding that he had confidence in the ability of the people of Goa and together they will tide over the situation.
Kamat, nevertheless told the Assembly that inspite of the recessionary trends, the state's revenue receipts had increased and that tax rationalisation was introduced to achieve economic buoyancy. A revenue surplus of 82.91 per cent is expected this fiscal, he said.
Kamat also said, the Union Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh will visit Goa shortly to study the exact position vis-a-vis Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), including the issue of of traditional dwellers along the Goan coast, whose homes and holdings are facing the axe in the wake of directives from the Bombay High Court.
He said, the Union Minister will arrive in Goa via Cochin and after visiting Mumbai, would study the CRZ regulations and frame up some regulations to give solace to the traditional fishermen.
On Mopa, Kamat said, the steering committee will be reconstituted soon and that the government had issued section 6 of Land Acquisition Act, which would be finalised in the next two months.
