Goa: To tighten finance belt of govt, red tape slackened

PORVORIM: Chief minister Pramod Sawant has announced a slew of measures to revamp administration and boost good governance in the state, in the budget.
With a view to curbing excessive expenditure on government corporations and autonomous bodies availing government grants, and making them self-sufficient, Sawant said that to start with outsourcing of non-managerial staff, real-time grant utilisation monitoring mechanism, increasing the scope of activities etc. would be introduced.
"I will implement this in mission mode. We have undertaken to shut down Brackish Water Development in Benaulim. The government is closely observing the performance of all its corporations. I am confident that these corporations will increase their efficiency and strive to turn profitable," said Sawant.
He further proposed to develop a Chief Minister's Dashboard with a view to speed up the administration using modern technology and resources. "Through this mechanism I will be able to have a comprehensive review of the administration," said Sawant.
Sawant further spoke about his plan to set up a CM's 24x7 helpline through which citizens will be able to get information about various schemes and services, as well as lodge complaints.
An online portal will also be set up to help the government review the delivery of various services under the Goa (Right of Citizens to Time bound Delivery of Public Services) Act, he said, adding that strict action will be taken against derelict employees.
Further, Sawant said that a Prashasan Stambh will be built to house all government offices and other professional associations scattered across Panaji and nearby areas under one roof. The foundation stone for the new Collectorate-North building will also be laid this year, said Sawant.
He also proposed to increase the honorariums to the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch and panch.
"Further, I have allowed development works to the extent of Rs 50 lakh per ZP member for taking up various works in their respective areas," said Sawant.
In order to avoid duplication of works by multiple agencies, the government will implement a GIS-based monitoring system for works, which will help the government in geo-tagging infrastructure works.