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New Regional Plan in 4 months: Jamir

NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, Jan 22 The Governor, Mr S C Jamir has said that the government has decided to actively pursue the public-private-partnership (PPP) model to meet the gaps in infrastructure services. Delivering the customary address to the state legislative assembly on the opening day of this year’s first session, Mr Jamir said that a PPP cell has been set up to coordinate various actions required for successful implementation of the PPP programme.

The Governor further said that some of the projects identified for implementation on PPP concept are a convention centre of global standard, Goa broadband network, cruise terminal at Aguada, North-South expressway, and hydroelectric projects in the Mhadei river basin and monorail. He said that a private developer has already been selected for Goa broadband network and selection of a private developer for the convention centre was in the final stage. Other projects were in various preliminary stages and more infrastructure projects were being identified to be taken up under the PPP model.

The Governor also said that urbanisation has emerged as an irreversible phenomenon across the globe and its management was proving to be extremely sensitive and complex. He said that the government has taken a number of steps for the overall development of the urban areas.

Mr Jamir further said that a master plan has been formulated to cater to the ever-increasing industrial, commercial, tourist and domestic demand for water supply and thereby to provide drinking water supply facilities on long term and sustainable basis. “A scheme for augmentation of water supply and sanitation for the state through external assistance was awaiting clearance from the government of India,” he added.

Panaji town has been selected for infrastructure projects including garbage disposal, sewerage, parking lots, de-silting and beautification of St Inez nullah under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, of government of India.

He said that though the Regional Plan 2011 was notified after following the due procedure the government decided to denotify the Regional Plan 2011 in deference to the public demand. He also said that the government would engage an expert agency on the recommendation of TCP Board for a new Regional Plan – 2017. This exercise would take about four months time and the government would also clear the reviewed plan before it is promulgated.

The education sector has to be revamped in tune with the requirements of the modern age, said Mr Jamir. He also said that programmes such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, introduction of new curriculum as per national framework 2005, upgradation of infrastructure in schools; computer-aided education and special attention to the disabled children were being given priority.

Goa has emerged as one of the best performing states in India in the health sector due to continuous efforts of the government, he said. He also said the crime and law and order situation in the state of Goa remained well under control during the year 2006.

The Governor said that potential of tourism in the state was being judiciously exploited for opening up new areas. The creation of modern economic infrastructure was a major plank of the development strategy of the government. The power sector was of crucial significance in this regard and its efficient performance was critical to the functioning of the other industries, he said adding that the power sector in Goa was heading in a direction that would make Goa a model state in the country.

The government was looking forward to a host of positive economic and political developments occurring and new perspectives unfolding in the process, in this year that also marks the beginning of Eleventh Five-Year Plan. The were formidable challenges, constraints and conflicts inherent in the philosophy of faster and more inclusive growth, which was at the heart of the approach to the 11th Five Year Plan, he said adding that Goa in keeping with the distinct image it has carved for itself would have to rise to the occasion and fulfill the tasks that lie ahead.

“My government is acutely conscious of the development imperatives for the state and it is also sensitive to the genuine concerns of the people. It is committed to following in the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy and secularism and it firmly believes in working by consensus,” the Governor told the House. He further said that in a relatively short period since it was installed, it has been successful in demonstrating its resolve to effectively grapple with the core development issues that face the state today. The outcome of the policies and programmes, which it has steadfastly pursued despite severe constraints, was already beginning to be manifested in many ways, he added.

The Tillari Irrigation Project has been taken up in full swing in an integrated and planned manner for scheduled completion by 2008-09, he said adding that the Selaulim irrigation project is at an advanced stage of completion. The Goa Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been floated to provide livelihood opportunities and to enhance wage security in the rural areas of the state by guaranteeing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult member volunteers to do unskilled manual work.

The Governor also said: “My government has enacted the Goa State Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2006. The objective of the Act is to ensure fiscal stability and sustainability through progressive elimination of revenue deficit and planned reduction of fiscal deficit.”

He said that this Act would help in prudent and sustainable debt management as also transparency in the fiscal operation of the government. The Act sets the target to reduce revenue deficit to zero and to bring down the ratio of fiscal deficit to GSDP to 3 per cent by March 31, 2009. This enactment has made the government eligible for consolidated debt relief from the Centre, as per TFC recommendations, which will be to the tune of Rs 250 crore.

Mr Jamir said: “We are at the crossroads of a defining moment in the new millennium. New answers will have to be found for the problems that appear intractable by conventional standard. In doing so, our ingenuity may be put to severe test. The new problems will have to be viewed with an open mind free of bias, prejudice and dogma.”

He further said that development could not be isolated, sectarian or parochial if it was to be lasting and sustainable. Saying that the state would be celebrating the 57th anniversary of the Republic Day during this week, he called upon the members of the House remind themselves to be true to fulfilling the aspirations of our people in whose name and for whose benefit this entire edifice of government was built.

He wished all the members of the House the best of luck in the forthcoming elections to constitute a new House, by saying: “While candidates may win or lose, the collective social good must prevail. Let us rise above personal failings and let us resolve to transform our handicaps into opportunities for the public good in the interest of the development of the State, which possesses unparalleled potential.”

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New Regional Plan in 4 months: Jamir

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