CM urges FC for devolution of more funds

Panaji, Jun 27 (UNI) Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today made a fervent plea with the 13th Finance Commission for devolution of more funds, keeping in view the state's financial performance and all round development.

''Goa is a well performing state and should be incentivized by the finance commission to perform better. The finance commission should give due weight to efficiency consideration, while framing its devolution criteria. Incentives should be provided for better fiscal management and prudence, '' Mr Kamat told the FC members.

Members of the Finance Commission, headed by Dr Vijay L Kelkar, who are on a two-day visit to the state, today held a meeting with the Chief Minister, besides his cabinet colleagues and senior officials. Dr Kelkar chaired the meeting.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Minister pointed out Goa's excellent fiscal performance as well as its high human development indicators. He noted that the power sector was running efficiently and at a profit with line losses lesser than 20 per cent, making it a national leader.

He outlined future plans to develop Goa as an educational hub as well as setting up of integrated school complexes. He however pointed out that as a small state Goa faced a number of disadvantages, which needed to be taken into account by the finance commission.

Dr Vijay Kelkar later congratulated the state for its improved revenue performance. He noted that the trend in growth rate of Goa's own revenue receipts was well above the national average for all states of 11.5 per cent for 1999-06, which indicates the good revenue efforts made by the state.

He also highlighted the issues emerging from the memorandum presented to the Commission by the state commission including growth of revenue expenditure, management of the state debt liabilities and possibilities for improving the equity and efficiency of public expenditure.

He said the Commission will finalize its recommendations by October 2009 after completing its discussions with all the state governments, the government of India and relevant stake holders.

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