Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has welcomed the Goa Budget 2026–27 presented by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the Goa Legislative Assembly, describing it as a people-centric, inclusive and forward-looking budget aimed at strengthening the state’s economy and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Reacting to the budget, GCCI President Pratima Dhond said the budget outlines a comprehensive roadmap for Goa’s development with a balanced focus on infrastructure, employment generation, industry growth, education and social welfare.
The Chamber noted that the budget, with a total expenditure of ₹30,195 crore and a projected revenue surplus of ₹1,666 crore, reflects fiscal prudence while simultaneously investing in long-term growth and development.
GCCI particularly appreciated the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, including investments in roads, water supply, electricity, sewerage and urban development. It highlighted allocations such as ₹3,000 crore for National Highway projects, ₹1,897 crore for Public Works infrastructure and ₹1,009 crore for drinking water projects, which are expected to improve connectivity and public utilities across the state.
The Chamber also welcomed the government’s focus on employment generation and skill development, including plans to fill 2,500 government vacancies, the establishment of a Drone Pilot Institute in South Goa and the strengthening of the Employment Exchange into a Model Career Centre to help job seekers access opportunities through digital platforms.
From an industry perspective, GCCI appreciated initiatives aimed at boosting MSMEs, IT and exports, including support for industries generating employment for Goans, common effluent treatment plants in industrial estates, research and development promotion for MSMEs and the introduction of safety supervisor courses for MSME units.
The Chamber further noted the government’s continued push towards green and sustainable development, including expansion of solar power initiatives, rooftop solar subsidies, village-level green energy generation and measures to reduce power distribution losses.
GCCI also welcomed the government’s emphasis on education and human resource development, highlighting initiatives such as the Academic Excellence Scheme, internship opportunities for students in premier institutions such as IITs and NITs, the proposed increase in MBBS seats and the development of an integrated college complex at Dona Paula.
The Chamber noted that initiatives such as the Digital Taxi Policy, tourism infrastructure development, hospitality skilling centres, coworking spaces near beaches and urban redevelopment projects like Vasco would further strengthen Goa’s position as a leading tourism and service economy.
GCCI stated that the budget reflects the government’s commitment to building a “Viksit Goa 2037” and expressed confidence that the proposed initiatives will contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved ease of doing business in the state. It also expressed hope that the government will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the announced schemes and policies.
