The concise budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is set to commence on Friday, February 2. Secretary (Legislature) Namrata Ulman, outlined that the session is scheduled for six days – February 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Originally slated to conclude on February 9, it got extended due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the State on Tuesday, February 6. The session begins on February 2, with the Governor’s customary address marking the inaugural session of the New Year. Bills approved by the Governor will be reported to the House, alongside the presentation of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) report. Discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address will span two days. The Chief Minister is expected to present the Budget for 2024-25 on February 8. Financial proceedings will witness Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presenting the budget, Supplementary Demand, and seeking a Vote on Account for the initial four months of the upcoming financial year. Government bills, including the Goa Appropriation Bill, will be tabled during the session. Ulman disclosed that five Private Members’ resolutions are scheduled for discussion on Friday, February 9. The agenda encompasses obituary and congratulatory references, calling attention notices, and zero-hour mentions. On February 2, a motion will be proposed for the postponement of the House sitting from February 6 to 10.
Prohibitory Order in Porvorim and Panjim for Assembly Session: The Superintendent of Police (SP) for North Goa District has imposed a prohibitory order in the areas covered by Police Stations Porvorim and Panjim from February 2 until the conclusion of the Eighth Legislative Assembly session. The order explicitly bars individuals or groups from convening, assembling, taking out processions, staging demonstrations on roads, streets, or thoroughfares, and holding public meetings in specified areas. Compliance requires obtaining a license from the SP well in advance. The order additionally enforces restrictions within a 500-meter radius around the Assembly Complex at Porvorim and the area under the jurisdiction of the Panjim Police Station.
