
Goa seeks Rs 700 crore for water projects, Rs 300 crore for exposition of St Xavier’s relics
According to officials, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has requested Rs 700 crore from the Centre for water augmentation projects and a grant of Rs 300 crore for the decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics scheduled for later this year. The request was made during a pre-budget meeting led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday. Sawant emphasized that these initiatives are crucial for the development of Goa.
The remains of St Francis Xavier will be safeguarded at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, located near the state capital of Panaji. The display is set to take place from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
This decennial event attracts numerous visitors from around the globe, with attendance reaching up to hundreds of thousands.
In a statement released by the CM’s office, it was highlighted that the chief minister emphasized the necessity of a Rs 300 crore grant for the decennial exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier during the meeting in Delhi on Saturday. Additionally, Sawant, who oversees the state finance department, requested Rs 700 crore for water augmentation projects and financial assistance for the Konkan Railway to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth in the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of these initiatives for the development of Goa and affirmed his belief that they will be incorporated in the forthcoming Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, as per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Sawant traveled to Delhi on Saturday to attend the GST Council meeting and the pre-budget meeting led by the Union Finance Minister.