Goa CM lauds, Opposition slams Union budget

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday hailed the Union Budget, which was presented in the Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a boost for the common man, even as he conceded that the budgetary announcements did specifically yield much for the coastal state.

However, the Opposition has questioned the Budget's silence on unemployment, saying the financial statement had no specific Goa related announcement.

"The slashing of income tax rates will be a big boost for the middle class," Sawant told a press conference here.

Sawant also said the allocation of Rs 2,500 crore to boost tourism infrastructure and focus on increasing marine output would benefit Goa.

"Goa is in a position to take advantage of the announcements made for the tourism and fishing industries," Sawant said.

When asked about the lack of Goa specific announcements in the Budget, Sawant said that many general announcements were made in the Budget for the development of infrastructure and productivity of the states and Goa would stand to benefit from them.

Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat said the Budget had nothing for Goa, especially to boost the state's sagging mining and tourism sectors. He also questioned the silence in the Budget speech on the issue of employment.

"Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given a long talk but without any plan of action. There is nothing for Goa. It is now evident that the Union government is not interested in reviving mining and tourism industries in Goa," Kamat told reporters here.

( With inputs from IANS )