Kamat briefs PM on Keeling episode, pleads for funds

Panaji, Mar 18 (UNI) Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, while assuring Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that Goa continues to be a safe international tourist destination, urged that adequate funds be sanctioned to the state for strengthening road infrastructure to further boost tourism.

Mr Kamat, along with AICC general secretary in charge of Goa, Mr B K Hari Prasad, GPCC president and MP Francisco Sardinha and Shantaram Naik (MP), called on Dr Singh in New Delhi today to apprise him of the situation in Goa.

Mr Kamat also briefed Dr Singh on the developments following the February 18 rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Eden Keeling. Scarlett's mother Fiona, meanwhile, today accused the government of trying to bundle her out of India.

Talking to UNI on his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Kamat said the meeting was cordial and Dr Singh had assured him of all assistance for Goa's development.

Mr Kamat reminded Dr Singh of the assurance during his recent visit that the Centre would consider funding the National Games 2011 and for developing road infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said the Planning Commission of India had earmarked Rs 1737 crore for the year 2008-09 as against last fiscal's Rs 1410 crores, an increase of about 20 per cent. He held discussions with Planning Commission deputy chairman on the details of the state plan expenditure for the new fiscal.

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