Goa Requests Rs. 700 Crore for Water Projects, Rs. 300 Crore for St Xavier's Relics Exposition

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has requested Rs. 700 crore from the Centre for water augmentation projects and an additional Rs. 300 crore for the decennial exposition of St. Francis Xavier's relics, officials reported on Sunday. Sawant made this appeal during a pre-budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday, emphasizing that these initiatives are crucial for Goa's development.

The relics of St. Francis Xavier are housed at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, near the state capital, Panaji. The exposition is scheduled from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and attracts lakhs of visitors from around the world every ten years.

In the meeting, Sawant highlighted the need for a Rs 300 crore grant for the exposition, stating its importance for both cultural and religious tourism in Goa. Additionally, he sought Rs 700 crore for water augmentation projects and financial support for the Konkan Railway to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the state.

"The chief minister said these initiatives are essential for Goa's development, and he expressed certainty that they will be included in the upcoming Union Budget 2024-2025," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated.

Sawant, who also oversees the state finance department, was in Delhi to participate in both the GST Council meeting and the pre-budget session led by the Union finance minister.

ET