Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

achievement of the monitorable targets for certain indicators of social development
in health, education and gender equality, Goa may take justifiable pride
in this regard since it is ahead of the monitorable targets and is also nearing to
the Millennium Development Goals.
Goa has been investing substantially in the social services sector. On an
average, 40% of the plan outlay is allocated to it. Equal distribution of benefits
arising from investments in education, health, drinking water supply, social welfare
etc., have the potential for all round productivity gains. Our Poverty ratio is
4.4% which is among to lowest in the country. The incidence of rural
poverty is 1.35% and accordingly, the number of BPL households is the lowest.
State Government is alive to the need of Welfare of SC & ST Communities.
The total population of SCs & STs in the State is 2% and 12% respectively. For
promoting Education among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes financial
assistance in the form of Prematric schlorship, meritorious schlorships and post
matric schlorships are given. Provisions for reservation of seats 12% in jobs as
well as in admission to professional courses for STs and 2% for SCs and
allocation of 12% of funds under Tribal Sub Plan in all the Plan Schemes are
some of the steps which the State has taken for welfare of these communities.
Goa has achieved high level of development and infrastructural indicators.
With our efforts for a fiscal responsibility and Budget Managment, we have
taken steps for sustainable debt management as well as transparency in the fiscal
operations of the Government. The State is now poised to leap forward
to the next stage of development. The State can transform into an economically
developed model state.
The State has traditionally been environment conscious and it has not
compromised in the short terms gains of economic growth to the long-term
detriment of environmental sustainability and human well-being.
In terms of geographical area, Goa is the smallest state in the Union of
India. Yet, is accounts for a significant share of foreign exchange earnings from
tourism, export of iron ore and human resources. But the devolution that Goa is
getting from Central Government is very small in comparison to its contribution
to the nation. People of Goa feel that Goa is being penalized by the Government
of India for its development.
While it cannot be denied that less developed States need more assistance
from Central Government, it is also necessary that more progressive States like
Goa are given support to develop further and emerge as a model developed
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