The text of the address by the Governor, Shri Mohd. Fazal on this afternoon
(June 13), to the Tenth Goa State Legislative Assembly of Goa.
Mr. Speaker and Hon'ble Members of the Assembly,
1. I extend my heartiest greetings to the Hon'ble Members of this newly
constituted House and welcome their presence in the Legislative Assembly. I
am pleased that the elections to the State Legislative Assembly were held
peacefully with the cooperation of the people of Goa, all the political
parties and the State Administration. The mandate for political stability
given by the people of Goa would definitely be a forerunner for economic
stability and growth.
2. In my recent address to the first session of the Legislative Assembly of
the year 2002 held in January, I had occasion to highlight in considerable
detail the significant achievements of the Government in different sectors
of the economy. At this juncture, it would be only but appropriate if the
strategic thrust is continued with renewed vigour and the momentum acquired
by the state economy is further stepped up.
3. The Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007) for Goa which envisions Goa as a
model State of excellence has been finalized by the government and
submitted to the Planning Commission for approval. Strengthening of the
rural and urban infrastructure, promotion of information technology,
promotion of the road transport, improvement in power infrastructure,
fiscal reforms and responsive governance comprise some of the key areas,
which have been identified for the purpose.
4. The pursuit of all round development and excellence has to be
relentless. In the fast paced competitive world of today, it is imperative
that decision making is imbued with greater economic rationality if the
development process is to be sustainable. I am therefore happy that with a
view to enhancing the efficiency of the economic and social infrastructure
in the State, some extremely pragmatic initiatives have been undertaken by
the Government.
5. Towards reducing the purchase cost of private power the State has
renegotiated the power purchase agreement signed with the private producer.
During the year 2001-02, the State has earned additional revenue of Rs.
29.20 crore by selling surplus power. The State has levied a duty of 2
paise per unit on all energy consumption from 1st January 2002 towards
meeting the expenditure on public lighting and mobilized an amount of Rs.
68.00 lakh up to March 2002. My Government has taken a bold step of passing
the benefit of higher revenue collection by reducing the power tariff by an
average of 7% from April 2002. Under the Accelerated Power Development
Programme of Government of India, the State has prepared a detailed project
proposal and the Government of India has released the first instalment of
Rs. 9.00 crore to the State.
6. The construction of the Siolim-Chopdem bridge is nearing completion and
it is likely to be commissioned in June 2002. This is very noteworthy as
the bridge has been under construction for nearly a decade now. The
construction of the Amona-Khandola bridge is in progress and 30% of the
work has already been completed. The Government has approved the
strengthening of Borim bridge, construction of new Khandepar bridge and
construction of bridge at Ribander Patto and the work is likely to start
shortly.
7. In a major development, the National Highways in Goa will soon have four
lanes. The strengthening and improvement of riding quality of NH 4A and NH
17 at various places and construction of Ponda bye-pass has been completed.
Construction of Mardol bye-pass, improvement of geometrics of NH4A at
Kundai, land acquisitions for Ribander bye-pass of NH4A and Margao bye-pass
are in progress.
8. The land development for the jogging park at Altinho, Panaji has been
completed. The Government has decided to construct a new Secretariat
Complex at Porvorim. The work is in progress and proposed to be completed
within 18 months. The preliminary estimates for the construction of Goa
Niwas at New Delhi have been prepared.
9. My Government is giving utmost importance to improve the water supply
and sewerage system in the State. The augmentation of Opa, Assonora and
Sanquelim water supply schemes are in progress and proposed to be completed
at the earliest. The precarious water shortage situation in North Goa
caused due to deficient rainfall was overcome quickly in an admirable
manner. In a span of just 30 days water supply was normalized by augmenting
the source of water supply to Assonora Water Treatment Plant through
Amthane reservoir by pumping water from Chapora river at Sal to Amthane
tank. The task normally would have required more than 240 days to complete.
Contd...
Courtesy: goabjp.com
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