Goa Budget likely to announce social schemes ahead of state elections

The forthcoming Goa budget for the next financial year is likely to announce some more social schemes, as the state is heading for elections next year.

"Ours is basically a social scheme-oriented state. So you can expect few more schemes for the welfare of the society. But the clear picture will emerge only after a week," a senior state finance official, working on the budget, told PTI on condition of anonymity.

This will be the last budget of the current state government as Assembly polls are due before March 2017.

The Chief Electoral Officer has already recommended that the polls be held in December this year.

"The budget exercise has begun and the model of taxation and revenue generation is being worked out. Inputs from various departments have also been gathered," the official said.

The Laxmikant Parsekar-led government will have to depend on revenue generation from other sources as the state's mining industry has failed to take-off substantially.

"The revenue from the mining industry would be calculated. But it cannot be to the volume as it was earlier. We will have to see how much we can get from the iron ore to be exported in the coming financial year," he said.

The state budget is also likely to mention infrastructure creation through centrally-sponsored schemes.

Union Shipping and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier announced infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,000 crore for Goa during his recent visit.

"I don't know whether it would be a populist budget or not. But, certainly all the elements that are required for the progress of the state will be considered in it despite several constraints," the official said.

Parsekar, in his 2015-16 Budget had stressed on industrial investment for creation of more job opportunities in the state.