Goa Budget 2025-26: Controversy and Democratic Concerns

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will present the 2025-26 state budget on March 26, amidst opposition dissatisfaction. The short assembly session and handling of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings have sparked concern. Opposition leaders, like Yuri Alemao, emphasize the need for democracy and representation during the session.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is set to present the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 26. The decision, finalized at a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, comes amid discontent from opposition parties who have voiced their concerns regarding the BAC's operations.

During the BAC meeting at the assembly complex in Porvorim, opposition figures like Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao urged for fairness in the assembly, emphasizing the necessity of allowing opposition lawmakers to address key issues and participate fully in the democratic process. Alemao criticized the potential sidelining of Private Members' Business due to the brief two-day session.

The atmosphere has been further strained by the rejection of the Public Undertaking Committee's report in a previous session, a move Alemao condemns for negating transparency and accountability. GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai echoed concerns about the legitimacy of the BAC meetings, claiming they serve no more than procedural formality.

(With inputs from agencies.)