AAP MLA Venzy Viegas has urged the 16th Finance Commission to allocate higher funds to Goa, citing the state’s unique financial needs. He emphasized that while Goa has a small resident population, it experiences a massive influx of over a crore visitors annually due to tourism. This significantly strains the state’s infrastructure, public services, and resources.
Viegas pointed out that the current allocation system, which primarily considers area and resident population, does not adequately reflect Goa’s financial challenges. He proposed that the funding formula be revised to account for the tourism-driven economy and its impact on essential services.
His demand aligns with the Goa government’s recent plans to request ₹28,000 crore from the Finance Commission for development projects in sectors like tourism, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The state government has prepared proposals to justify the need for increased financial support, stressing that both residents and the heavy tourist footfall require better facilities.
