Goa will achieve over 10% GSDP: Guv

Despite the global slowdown, Goa’s economy will do well in all spheres and shall achieve a respectable gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth of above 10% at constant prices, said governor S S Sidhu while addressing the Goa legislative assembly on Monday.

Welcoming the members to the first assembly session this year, Sidhu hoped the assembly would “have meaningful and fruitful deliberations and take important decisions towards shaping the destiny of the state”.

Towards supplementing the state’s beach safety initiatives, the central government has promised to fund the cleaning and maintenance of two of Goa’s important beaches, Sidhu said. The Centre has also assured the state of providing a helicopter to patrol the beaches. Additionally, the Centre has provided central assistance of Rs 49 crore during the year.

Stating that the economic slowdown is receding, Sidhu said the state economy is reviving and is likely to achieve a double digit GSDP growth rate during 2009-10. He said the government has put greater emphasis on public spending and therefore the plan size for 2009-10 has been increased by 29%.

Sidhu said, “My government is working hard to achieve a fast inclusive growth by laying greater emphasis on strengthening the social security net, enhancing the level of quality in education, improving healthcare facilities, modernizing and upgrading the existing infrastructure and also creating additional infrastructure.”

The governor expressed happiness over the performance of the aggregate plan expenditure for the last three successive years of the 11th five year plan. The state could utilize 93% and 98% of the total state plan allocation during the first two years of the 11th five year plan allocation and it is expected that the entire state plan allocation would be utilized during the financial year ending March 2010. “My government has registered a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% during the first two years of the 11th plan-2006-07 to 2008-09-which is higher than the national target of 9% fixed by the Planning Commission for the 11th five year plan,” Sidhu said.

The governor assured the House that his government would do its best to accelerate the pace of development and the welfare of the common man with all sincerity and dedication. “I have no doubt that, as representatives of the people, you would guide these efforts in the right direction. Goa has the potential to emerge as a model state in the country. I am sure that you can, and will achieve this goal,” Sidhu concluded