Margao: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticized the Union Budget, stating that Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has overlooked Goa, leaving the coastal state with no major benefits.
“The Main Engine seems to have forgotten the Engine in Goa. While alliance partners like Bihar have received a significant share of budgetary announcements, Goa has been seemingly overlooked,” Alemao said.
He questioned what happened to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s proposals for a Metro project and additional funds for Goa, for which he had met the Union Finance Minister and other cabinet ministers in Delhi.
“Goa needs additional funds for Mhadei water conservation, improved sewerage connections, better internal roads, enhanced public transport, and upgraded education and health infrastructure, besides safeguarding coastal areas from climate change,” he added.
Alemao said either the state government failed to present its demands effectively, or the central government has simply ignored them. He also highlighted the absence of support for Goa’s tourism and fishing industries in the budget.
Commenting on the income tax rebate up to Rs 12 lakh, Alemao said the budget only emphasizes this announcement while leaving people confused.
“There is no clarity on whether the tax slab increase applies only to those earning up to Rs 4 lakh or to those earning Rs 12 lakh. The announcement remains vague, as reports suggest that individuals earning Rs 11 lakh will still have to pay 10 percent tax,” he stated.
