FM assures Goa of extending financial support

Panaji, May 25 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today assured to extend 'adequate' financial support, particularly for viable infrastructure projects to showcase Goa to the rest of the world.

''Goa, with several fiscal prudent measures, could generate additional revenue by opening a world class second airport even as upgradation of the existing airport at Dabolim was underway at a cost of Rs 500 crore,'' Mr Chidambaram said while addressing members of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here.

He said this will facilitate inflow of more tourists, making Goa an international tourist destination all through the year.

The minister also cited many other infrastructure development projects such as construction of a second zuari bridge and augmentation of drinking water supply and sanitation with external assistance to meet the growing demand of the tourists.

He suggested use of funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission for critical infrastructure development. ''You can get more money provided your projects are presented and prepared properly,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

Goa could be in the forefront of development with ''virtually zero'' fiscal deficit this year and Rs 404 crore debt consolidation even as it was expected to get more than what it got as ''resources transfer'' from the Centre to the tune of Rs 912 crore in 2006-07 as against Rs 894 crore in the previous fiscal, the Finance Minister added.

UNI