Cash-strapped Goa requests special packages from FinMin

In a pre-budget consultation meet with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held in the national capital on Wednesday, Sawant also requested the central government to set-up up new educational and health institutes.

"Mining and Tourism are the important sectors of Goan economy. However, the ban on mining has exerted tremendous pressure on the state's economy. There has been a direct revenue loss of Rs 1400 crore. A special package to bear this loss may be sanctioned for the state," Sawant said in his written list of requests submitted to Sitharaman.

"The state faces challenges of infrastructure facilities for the tourism sector, as the annual tourist inflow to the State is more than the five times to its population. Finance Minister can help the state through centrally sponsored hinterland tourism projects in Goa," Sawant has also said.

The Chief Minister also requested for special grants for construction of a convention centre to host the annual International Film Festival of India, which is held in Goa.

"Goa is the permanent venue for the IFFI. However, required infrastructure could not be developed owing to financial crunch. Centre may sanction special grants for creation of facilities like Convention centre," Sawant has said, in his request to the Finance Minister.

Sawant has also requested the Centre to set up a new Indian Institute of Management, National Law College and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, in order to develop the state into an education and health hub.