The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant presented the budget for 2024-25. This is a growth-oriented and forward-looking budget in line with the national agenda of Viksit Bharat. The projected revenue surplus is 1720 crores and the GSDP is expected to grow at 13.87% in FY 2024-25. Per capita income is expected to increase from Rs 6.75 lakh for FY 2023-24 to Rs 7.64 lakhs for FY 2024-25 which gives an indication of positive growth in the State
Shrinivas V Dempo, President Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said that GCCI in its budget memorandum had requested Dr Sawant not to impose new taxes which has been accepted by the Government.
Thanking Dr Sawant, Dempo informed that the following suggestions in the pre-budget memorandum have been considered by the Government.
- Dempo had suggested dynamic allotment of sale deed registrations in sub- registrar’s office to reduce workload and backlog in certain areas and distribute the work uniformly, which also has been accepted by the Government.
- GCCI has suggested relief measures for very small liquor dealers in registration and compliance costs which has been accepted
- The tourism sector was facing difficulties in getting clearances for events and weddings due to the involvement of multiple departments; GCCI welcomed the Government’s decision for single window clearance for these events. This will also reduce the costs.
- Data Analytics software for efficient use of Central Government grants and disbursement to the needy to optimise funding on Social Security schemes for which Rs. 10 crores have been allotted with the formation of a dedicated cell. This will weed out ineligible beneficiaries. This can also be utilised for power consumption analysis in the State to cut down losses.
- GCCI Logistics Committee had requested the development of Inland waterways under which dredging at Chapora River; and new passenger jetties in Mandovi, Zuari, Mapusa, and Cumbharjua have been considered. We had also requested for scrapping of single-engine ferries 4 have been taken up for replacement this year.
- The Chambers’ suggestion for late-night transportation from industrial areas and last-mile connectivity is also reflected in this budget.
- The proposal to digitise House Tax, Trade Tax collection, water, and electricity NOC, issuance of Income certificates, Residence certificates, etc, and paperless workflow is a welcome sign of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) for local self-government.
- In startups, the Chamber welcomes the initiative to create co-working spaces near beaches.
- The introduction of EoDB with an online system in factories and boilers is also welcome
- Thrust has been given to Infrastructure development in Tourism, IT & employment generation which is the need of the hour
- The government will set up a Agro Food Park in the industrial estate will boost agro and food exports from the state.
- With the initiative taken by the Chief Secretary, Goa State has got funding of Rs. 700 Crs as ‘Viability Gap Grant Funding.’ It is proposed to use these funds for the creation of a transportation hub.
- We however request the Government to reconsider its decision of proposing an increase for Commercial Establishments fees, Land Revenue fees, Conversion fees, and TCP Department fees as this will indirectly affect the common man also.
