Dona Paula: Goa Forward Party on Thursday accused State government of asking “peanuts” from the 15th Finance Commission which is currently holding series of meetings in the coastal state.
The commission led by its chairman N K Singh held series of meetings with the local bodies, representatives of trade and political parties.
GFP President Vijai Sardesai who made presentation before the Finance Commission alleged that State government was asking “peanuts” from the central body, when State deserves much more.
“State government is hesitant to ask for the fundings. We are not asking for any favour, what we are asking is the royalty which has paid to the central coffers. It is our own money,” said Sardesai.
The GFP has sought Rs 6,000 crore financial package from the Finance Commission for “mining affected people.”
He said that the party has asked more fund from the commission for local bodies for solid waste management, sewerage treatment and other facilities.
“We have also asked for the funds for public rapid transport and monitory benefit to strengthen the judiciary,” he said.
Sardesai said that Goa has been “historically meted out with injustice because of Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.”
“The State has missed first finance commission. We have represented that special treatment should be given to Goa,” he said adding that the funds have also been sought to digitalise the archives and also create tiger reserve.
Sardesai claimed that during the interaction, one of the member of the commission observed that the easy of doing business is less in the state and there is no devolution of power to third tier (zilla panchayats).
The commission will be hold meeting with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday before winding up its two day long visit.
