Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The Winter Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly began today with Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju setting 2037 as the target year for Goa to become a fully developed State, even as the House witnessed noisy protests by Opposition MLAs over the Arpora nightclub fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives.
In his address, the Governor said the government’s long-term roadmap is laid out in the Goa Vision 2050 document, aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
“The Goa Vision 2050 document, now in its final stage, will serve as a long-term blueprint for a Viksit Goa. The State has set 2037 as the target year to become fully developed,” Raju said.
As slogans were raised and placards displayed, marshals intervened and protesting MLAs were escorted out, after which the Governor continued with his address.
Raju announced that the government plans to create a new Kushavati district to improve governance in South Goa’s hinterland.
“The formation of Kushavati district will reduce travelling time and promote infrastructure development and tourism in the hinterland areas,” he said.
Calling the Mhaje Ghar scheme a milestone, the Governor said it would finally fulfil Goans’ long-standing aspiration of owning homes.
“This move has brought an end to decades of uncertainty and will enhance the happiness of Goans,” he added.
Three new hostels are being built at government colleges in Sanquelim, Khandola and Quepem, with the Sanquelim hostel already operational and the Khandola facility nearing completion.
Goa was also declared fully literate, achieving a 99.72% literacy rate, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Union Government under the New India Literacy Programme.
The Governor said ₹3.27 crore was disbursed to 3,024 farmers hit by unseasonal rains, including non-Krishi Card holders. Over 29,600 farmers received mechanisation support, while 6,414 benefited under PM-Kisan.
Goa recorded 14.94% economic growth in 2023-24, driven by GST reforms, he said. The Investment Promotion Board has cleared 17 projects worth ₹397 crore, while three mega projects worth ₹2,245 crore are expected to generate over 4,000 jobs combined.
Goa also secured No.1 ranking in the services sector under BRAP 2024.
Major works such as the Sangolda–Majestic elevated corridor, NH-66 approaches and Dhargal flyover are underway. The Sanjivani Sugar Mill will be revived under a PPP model, while ₹1,721 crore worth of NBCC-led redevelopment will modernise key government buildings.
Fire and Emergency Services responded to 7,111 calls in 2025 so far, saving 140 lives and 690 animals.
The government will also launch Android and iOS apps enabling citizens to lodge grievances with photo, video and location tracking, the Governor said.
At the end of his speech, the Governor expressed condolences over the Arpora nightclub fire tragedy, paying tribute to those who lost their lives and extending sympathy to the bereaved families. However, Opposition members demanded stronger accountability measures, leading to disruptions in the House.
