Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar has criticised the Goa Budget 2026–27, calling it a misleading “surplus” budget that fails to address rising debt, unemployment and challenges in the tourism sector.
In a press note issued on Thursday, Patkar said the BJP-led Government of Goa has claimed a revenue surplus of ₹1,666 crore, which he described as disconnected from the state’s actual financial condition.
He pointed out that Goa’s total liabilities are projected to rise to ₹35,608 crore by March 2026 and the state will face debt repayment obligations of over ₹11,370 crore in the next five years beginning 2026–27. “When such massive liabilities exist, presenting the budget as financially comfortable raises serious questions about fiscal management,” he said.
Patkar further stated that nearly 70 per cent of the state’s revenue is already committed to salaries, pensions and welfare expenditure, leaving limited scope for development or capital investment. According to him, the government’s claim of a revenue surplus appears more like a headline figure rather than reflecting the true financial reality.
Raising concerns over the tourism sector, Patkar noted that only ₹385 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget, lower than last year’s ₹440.98 crore. Of this, ₹269 crore is for revenue expenditure and only ₹116 crore for capital expenditure, which he said indicates a lack of seriousness in strengthening tourism infrastructure and protecting Goa’s cultural and heritage assets.
On employment, Patkar said the government’s announcement of 2,500 jobs is inadequate when over 1.1 lakh youth in Goa remain unemployed, citing estimates by NITI Aayog. He added that Goa’s unemployment rate stood at 9.7 per cent in January 2026, almost double the national average of around 5 per cent.
Patkar also criticised the ₹10 crore allocation for climate change initiatives, saying it was insufficient for a coastal state like Goa that faces risks such as coastal erosion, rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
“The people of Goa expected a budget that would generate employment, strengthen tourism, prepare the state for climate risks and ensure responsible financial management. Unfortunately, this budget relies on headline claims while leaving real issues affecting Goans largely unaddressed,” Patkar said.
