PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that he has written to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking a special package for Goa to promote tourism activities — especially hinterland tourism — in a bigger way from next season.
Sawant said after the closure of mining in Goa, tourism was a prime revenue-generating sector, but income from the tourism industry has been badly hit due to the
pandemic.
“Our state is dependent on four parameters: mining, tourism, industry and agriculture,” Sawant said.
“The pandemic has affected tourism activity the most, and the state has lost income from tourism activities. Mining activity is already shut due to a ban by the Supreme Court. We have given the people whatever relief we could.”
Sawant said Goa is now looking for the Centre’s assistance.
“Now I have requested Sitharaman to give Goa a special package to promote tourism,” he said. “I have asked for a special package to promote hinterland tourism. I think we will definitely be provided with this assistance. We will try to promote tourism and hinterland tourism in a bigger way for the next season.”
He said that during allotment of funds by the 15th Finance Commission, Goa sought to be treated differently from bigger states.
“The 15th Finance Commission has already visited the state, and we should be treated differently from bigger states both in terms of population and area,” he said. “The way we are carrying out development and other works at the municipal and gram panchayat level, it is important to make special provisions for smaller states. This time around, the 15th Finance Commission will make a special provision for us, I think.”