Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has sought Rs 700 crore from the Centre for water augumentation projects and Rs 300 crore grant for the decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics scheduled later this year.
Sawant was participating in a pre-budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday and he said these initiatives are essential for Goa’s development.
“Attended the Pre-Budget Meeting chaired by Hon’ble Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman ji. Emphasized the need for a grant of ₹300 crore for the exposition of St. Francis Xavier, ₹700 crore for water augmentation projects and financial support for the Konkan Railway to strengthen connectivity and economic growth in our state,” the CM said in a post on X on Saturday.
“These initiatives are essential for Goa’s development, and I am certain they shall be included in the upcoming Union Budget 2024-2025,” he added.
The relics of St Francis Xavier are preserved at the Basili ca of Bom Jesus in Old Goa near state capital Panaji. The exposition is scheduled to be held
between November 21, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
Sawant was in Delhi on Saturday to participate in the GST Council meeting and the pre-budget meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
