Panaji: While responding to the Budget on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the Government for failing in debt management, employment generation, health administration, and tourism promotion, accusing it of prioritising events that serve as avenues for draining the State exchequer.
Alemao highlighted that Goa’s debt has crossed ₹35,000 crore, with public debt having doubled over the last decade. “Interest payments, salaries, pensions, freebies and fixed commitments consume nearly 54 paisa of every rupee,” he pointed out, noting violations of the FRBM Act.
On employment, he said the Government has little clarity on actual job creation. “Projects approved by the Investment Promotion Board remain in cold storage. How many Goans are actually employed in these industries?” he questioned. He also described provisions for new schemes as “peanuts and chicken-feed,” citing token subsidies for MSMEs and the mere renaming of the MSME department as tokenism.
On the health sector, Alemao said it has “completely collapsed.” He pointed out that PHCs are disconnected from basic facilities, with the Government failing to provide even essential infrastructure.
Turning to tourism, he lamented that Goa’s image of “Sun, Sea, Serenity, Forests, Food and Music” has been reduced to nightlife and casinos. “International tourist arrivals remain far below pre-Covid levels, safety concerns are rising, and the Tourism Department is failing to promote Goa effectively,” he added.
Alemao also flagged road safety concerns, calling Goa the “death capital” due to accidents. “Every passing day, accidents occur because of Government negligence. Urgent measures are needed,” he stressed.
On social harmony, he warned against divisive forces. “Goans celebrate festivals together, but some non-state actors are trying to disturb our unity. Heritage is our identity, and it must be preserved,” he said.
He concluded by cautioning that Goa’s Happiness Index is under threat. “In reality, the Frustration Index is increasing in the state,” Alemao observed.
