Goa cabinet approves funds to upgrade rural infrastructure

The Goa government had earmarked Rs 35 cr for the scheme under the current financial year

The Goa government has approved an infrastructure upgradation scheme which provides Rs 1 crore each for village panchayats to provide basic social services to citizens. The Goa cabinet approved the scheme today, which was announced earlier in the state budget by Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. State Panchayat Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told reporters after the cabinet meeting that panchayats will have to create durable assets with the money given to them.

"Panchayats will have to submit their proposals before applying for the money," he said.

The Goa government had earmarked Rs 35 crore for the scheme under the current financial year, while Rs 20 crore annually would be added to ensure that all 90 village panchayats are covered.