Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai praised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for presenting a budget that he said addressed the needs of different sections of society.
Speaking during the general discussion on the budget in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Faldessai said the budget had made provisions for welfare schemes, infrastructure and development projects across the state.
He pointed to schemes such as Atal Asra and Mhaje Ghar as examples of initiatives aimed at assisting economically weaker sections.
“Earlier the government used to give 1.5 lakh but today it has been doubled to 3-lakh. Those who used to get 3-lakh now get five lakh. For the poor and the tribals this is a huge help. I welcome this proposal and congratulate the chief minister for a budget that offers something for everyone, the poor, the middle class, the rich, and everyone,” he said.
Referring to development in his constituency, Faldessai thanked the chief minister for allocating Rs 50 crore for the Kothi Tirth corridor project.
“Earlier no one used to visit the place. The site is visited by many tourists today to visit the ruins of the temple that was broken during the reign of the Portuguese. They take a look at the temple pond, spend some time there and it helps cool the mind because it is a serene place,” he said.
He also welcomed the announcement of two RoRo ferries on the Sao Pedro–Divar route expected to begin operations in November.
“In his budget he has kept the common man in mind. The people of Divar have no other option because they have to take the ferry one way or another. The RoRo ferries will relieve our worries,” he said.
Faldessai further welcomed the Rs 50 crore Dhauje bridge project, saying its completion would benefit residents who currently face long delays when railway gates close for passing trains.
“When completed it will be a huge help for the people,” he said.
The MLA also thanked the chief minister for approving the development of a cricket ground in Cumbharjua.
“Once upon a time, it was beyond imagination that Cumbharjua, which has an existing space for a ground, would ever get a ground. Today there’s a ground being built that will be good enough to host Ranji matches. I thank the Chief minister for this,” he said.
He noted that Rs 1,009 crore had been allocated for the drinking water department, adding that long-pending pipeline replacement works in Karmali and St Estevam were expected to move forward.
“I’ve been saying that the pipelines in Karmali, St Estevam need to be replaced since they’ve become old. I’m happy to state that the files for these projects will now get passed and hopefully get complete before the monsoons,” he said.
Faldessai also said that about 95 percent of underground cabling work in his constituency had been completed, which would help reduce power disruptions during the monsoon.
“During the monsoon, when it’s raining heavily, trees fall on the lines and cut power leaving people without power for two to three days. It was difficult for the linesmen also to work in such conditions,” he said.
Speaking about the Mhaje Ghar scheme, he said the initiative had benefited several families.
“A lot of people have been saying many things about the Mhaje Ghar scheme. Let them say. I’m here to tell you about the number of people who have benefited from the Mhaje Ghar scheme. The poor can today proudly say that the houses they live in are in their own name. It was an issue that was pending for 40 years. It helps with marriage proposals. On behalf of my constituency I want to congratulate him and thank him. It is a similar story for the Mhaje flat scheme,” he said.
He also referred to the provision for constructing a Yatri Niwas at Vailankanni, along with accommodation facilities for pilgrims in Ayodhya and Pandharpur.
“Pilgrims who go there and who cannot afford to stay in a hotel will be able to take advantage of this,” he said.
Faldessai also welcomed allocations for higher education and for farmers, noting that Rs 100 crore had been earmarked to compensate farmers for crop losses due to rains and flooding.
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