Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: After keeping away from the bond market during the opening five months of the financial year, the Goa government has now raised ₹100 crore through the sale of government securities.
The latest borrowing has been contracted at 7.8% interest for a period of 11 years, with the liability scheduled to mature in 2037.
The borrowing is well within Goa’s permitted net borrowing limit of ₹3,700 crore. However, official figures show that the state had not tapped the open market until August 31, choosing instead to finance its requirements through other sources.
Goa has also continued to meet its existing debt commitments. During the period, the government paid ₹1,103 crore towards previous loans, including both the principal component and interest, using its own revenue collections.
Data on fresh debt raised between April and August show that the state largely relied on central assistance rather than conventional market loans. Of the ₹338.5 crore incurred during the period, ₹311.1 crore came through special central assistance provided for capital expenditure.
These loans come without an interest charge and allow the state 50 years to repay the amount.
Another ₹27.4 crore was secured through two NABARD loans carrying 4% interest. The money is being used for Water Resources Department projects, including works planned in Calangute and the construction of twin barrages on the Chapora River. The projects are intended to support the supply of 250 million litres of raw water per day.
Alongside its borrowing strategy, the state has been pursuing measures to improve its revenue position. The focus includes strengthening tax collection, preventing revenue leakage, improving GST compliance and expanding non-tax income.
Goa recorded revenue collections of ₹20,281.2 crore during 2025-26. Tax receipts contributed ₹14,788.1 crore, while non-tax sources brought in ₹5,493.1 crore.
In the first quarter of 2026-27, the state collected ₹5,132.7 crore in revenue up to June. Tax revenue accounted for ₹3,581.2 crore, with non-tax collections contributing another ₹1,551.6 crore.
The latest ₹100 crore borrowing therefore comes after a period in which Goa relied significantly on concessional and interest-free financing while continuing efforts to strengthen its revenue base.
