PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday said that State budget 2020-2021 to be presented by him in the Legislative Assembly on February 6, would focus on rural development. A brief session of Goa Assembly Starts from February 3. Speaking to reporters at the Goa Assembly Complex, Porvorim, Dr Sawant said, "Job creation cannot be focus of a budget. Budget focus is sustainable development of the State. When we say sustainable development, it is all inclusive. We will focus on rural development. To a question, Dr Sawant said, "We have assessed the prevision State budget and we will also present Action Taken Report (ATR) on last year's budget." Earlier, the Chief Minister launched a special portal to invite suggestions and ideas from people to be included in the State budget 2020-2021. He said ideas and suggestion will help the government formulate a more comprehensive budget with focus on areas and sectors important to its citizens.
The interested citizens and association may register on www.goaonline.gov.in by providing the required details and the last date to submit ideas/suggestions is January 31 until 6 pm. Dr Sawant said opposition members and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should submit constructive suggestions ands ideas to the government over budget in stead of petitioning courts. He said that good ideas and suggestions will be considered by the government while preparing the State budget. He said that he had already started process of discussions with captains of industries and other eminent persons before preparing the budget. "I met representatives of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association," he added. Secretary (Finance) Daulat Hawaldar was also present. Meanwhile, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) met at the Porvorim on Monday and finalised the business to be transacted during the five-day session of Goa Assembly. It may be recalled that a few days ago Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte had demanded that the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant present Action taken Report (ATR) on the assurances given by him on the floor of the House during the monsoon session of Goa Assembly session held in July-August last year.