‘Our vision is to build a future-ready Goa’: Dr Pramod Sawant

Q/ As the longest-serving BJP chief minister in the state, what have been your major achievements?

First is ‘Swayampurna Goa’, an initiative close to my heart. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we created a governance model where the administration reaches citizens at their doorstep.

Second is the transformation of Goa’s infrastructure and connectivity. With the strong support of the Central government, we have delivered landmark projects such as the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, the New Zuari Bridge, the six-lane Mopa Airport Link Road, major expansions of NH-66 and the Porvorim Elevated Corridor. We have strengthened our social infrastructure through the super speciality block at Goa Medical College, the South Goa District Hospital, the new Government Hospital at Tuem and the permanent campus of NIT Goa. Our vision is to build a future-ready Goa where world-class connectivity, quality health care, modern education and economic opportunities reach every part of the state, improving everyday life.

Third, and perhaps the most personally fulfilling, is bringing greater security and dignity to Goan families. Through ‘Mhaje Ghar’, we are addressing longstanding housing ownership concerns, giving eligible families the opportunity for legal security over their homes. We have strengthened social security through timely financial assistance with multiple social sector schemes for women, senior citizens and vulnerable families, while expanding access to health care and essential medicines.

My vision has always been simple: Goa’s progress should be visible in its infrastructure, experienced through its governance, and felt in the everyday lives of every Goan family. That is the spirit in which we are working towards Swayampurna and Viksit Goem (self-reliant and developed Goa).

Q/ Beyond Goa’s image as a tourism hotspot, your government has focused on its rich civilisational and cultural heritage.

Goa’s identity is much larger than its beaches. It is a land of ancient civilisations, spirituality, maritime heritage and centuries-old traditions. From the Kadamba dynasty to our temples, forts, folk arts and vibrant festivals, Goa carries a remarkable cultural legacy that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.

Our government has made a conscious effort to rediscover and revive this heritage. We have restored the historic Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve, promoted the Ekadasha Teertha pilgrimage circuit, and undertaken conservation of heritage sites. The proposed Koti Tirth Corridor at Divar, where significant archaeological remains have been discovered, reflects our commitment to reconnecting Goa with its pre-colonial civilisational history. At the same time, we are celebrating our living traditions, from Shigmo and São João to our distinctive Konkani language, music, architecture and village culture.

Q/ BJP governments pride themselves on focusing on infrastructure. What has been done to improve connectivity, road infrastructure and air connectivity for Goans and tourists?
Goa's infrastructure transformation reflects the strength of our double-engine government, with the Government of Goa working closely with the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our focus has been on building a well-connected, future-ready Goa.

During my tenure, we have delivered landmark projects such as the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, New Zuari Bridge, Canacona Bypass, Mopa Airport Link Road, Margao Western Bypass and Porvorim Elevated Corridor, alongside major NH-66 improvements. We have also strengthened railway connectivity through Vande Bharat services and station modernisation. Initiatives such as the new Captain of Ports Terminal and the newly initiated Davem–Sanvordem Bridge reflect our commitment to connectivity across roads, railways and waterways.

The impact of infrastructure extends far beyond reducing travel time. Better connectivity brings tourists to our hinterland, opens new markets for farmers and local businesses, attracts investment and creates employment opportunities for our youth. With two operational airports, Goa is also better positioned to expand its domestic and international tourism footprint.

For me, infrastructure is ultimately about connecting people with opportunities. Our vision is to ensure that development reaches every corner of Goa and contributes meaningfully to the prosperity of every Goan family.

Q/ Goa has relatively low out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure compared with much of India. What reforms or investments during your tenure have made healthcare more accessible and less burdensome for Goan families?
I firmly believe that access to quality healthcare should never depend on a family's financial circumstances or where they live. Our approach has been to strengthen healthcare at every level, from preventive care in villages to advanced treatment at specialised hospitals, while reducing the financial burden on families.

We have significantly expanded healthcare infrastructure through the 540-bed Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, South Goa District Hospital and the Government Hospital and Research Centre at Tuem. Recently, we commissioned advanced MRI, Echocardiography, Cardiology and Nephrology facilities at South Goa District Hospital, bringing specialised treatment closer to people. Alongside this, our network of primary health centres and Health and Wellness Centres provides essential care, early screening, free medicines and diagnostics, helping families avoid unnecessary medical expenses.

Financial protection has been an equally important priority. Recognising the rising cost of medical treatment, our government has substantially enhanced annual coverage under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh for smaller families and from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh for larger families. Taking this commitment further, we recently launched the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Cell, providing eligible patients additional financial assistance of up to 30% of treatment costs, capped at ₹2 lakh, for major medical procedures, subject to prescribed conditions. Together, these measures strengthen the financial safety net for Goan families.

Our vision is to move towards a healthcare system where prevention reduces suffering, timely diagnosis saves lives, and financial security allows families to focus on recovery rather than expenses. Every Goan deserves the confidence that quality medical care will be available when it is needed most, without illness becoming a financial crisis for the family.

Q/ Goa has been experimenting with solar energy, renewable power, green schools, waste management and more sustainable use of natural resources. What is your government's most significant achievement?
Goa's natural beauty and ecological richness are among our greatest assets, and preserving them is a responsibility we owe to future generations. Our approach has been to make environmental sustainability an integral part of development, ensuring that economic progress and ecological conservation move together.

One of our most significant achievements has been strengthening scientific waste management and moving towards a circular economy. With the expansion of the Saligao facility and the establishment of the Cacora Integrated Waste Management Plant, Goa now has a combined processing capacity of 350 tonnes per day at these two facilities. We are converting waste into useful resources, including electricity and compost, while strengthening segregation, recycling and the scientific treatment of different categories of waste.

We are equally committed to making Goa a leader in clean energy. Under PM Surya Ghar, our government has introduced additional state subsidies for rooftop solar, encouraging households and institutions to become clean-energy producers. We are expanding electric public transport, promoting environmental awareness through schools, and advancing our Green Goa, Clean Goa initiative, including a statewide green mission targeting nearly 10 lakh trees.

Sustainability must become a way of life, rather than remain confined to government programmes. Our larger vision is a Goa where cleaner energy reduces household expenses, responsible waste management protects our villages and beaches, and economic growth preserves the natural heritage that makes Goa special. That is the legacy we want to leave for future generations.

Q/ Goa recorded 1.08 crore arrivals in 2025, yet shack owners and hoteliers say business feels weaker. Foreign arrivals are still below their peak. What is the plan to win them back?
Tourism is the backbone of Goa's economy, and its success must be measured by the prosperity it brings to our people, not simply by the number of visitors. We understand the concerns of shack owners, hoteliers and local businesses, and we are addressing them through a comprehensive strategy focused on international connectivity, quality tourism and longer visitor stays.

Goa welcomed 1.08 crore tourists in 2025, including over 5.17 lakh international visitors. While foreign arrivals have grown, we recognise that traditional charter tourism has yet to recover to its earlier levels. To address this, we have introduced a performance-linked incentive scheme for international charter operators, encouraging new routes and longer stays. The 2026–27 charter season has already commenced with Aeroflot flights from Russia, and we are strengthening connectivity with key markets including the UK, Kazakhstan and Poland, while exploring emerging international markets.

Our larger vision is to move from tourism driven by numbers to tourism that creates greater value. Through our Goa Beyond Beaches and Regenerative Tourism initiatives, we are promoting spiritual tourism, wellness, heritage, hinterland experiences and village homestays. This encourages visitors to explore more of Goa, stay longer and contribute directly to local communities. We are also focusing on better tourism infrastructure, cleanliness, safety and service standards.

The real strength of Goa's tourism lies in the warmth of its people, the richness of its culture and the authenticity of its experiences. Our priority is to ensure that tourism growth translates into sustainable livelihoods for shack owners, taxi operators, hoteliers, artisans and local entrepreneurs, while preserving the unique identity of Goa.

Q/ What is your vision for the next generation that does not want to depend only on tourism or migrate for opportunities?

My vision is simple: young Goans should have the freedom to pursue their ambitions without feeling compelled to leave their state for better opportunities. Goa has tremendous potential to become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and high-value employment, while continuing to build on the strengths of our tourism economy.

We are consciously diversifying Goa’s economy towards pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing and knowledge-based industries. Our Goa Startup Policy provides support for seed capital, innovation, intellectual property and entrepreneurship, encouraging young Goans to become job creators.

Equally important is bridging the gap between education and employment. Through our Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy, over 11,400 young people have gained practical work experience in government establishments. Initiatives such as Campus to Career, Career Jagor and Mukhyamantri Swayam Rozgar Yojana are strengthening career guidance, industry exposure, skill development and entrepreneurship. We are working towards an ecosystem where education leads to employability and talent finds meaningful opportunities within Goa itself.

Q/ As polls are around the corner, how prepared are you as the CM candidate? How many seats do you think the BJP will win?

I have always considered public service a responsibility rather than a position. The BJP has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve Goa as chief minister since 2019, and I remain deeply grateful for that trust. As far as the chief ministerial candidate is concerned, that decision rests with the party leadership.

Our preparations for the 2027 assembly elections are underway across all 40 constituencies. We are reviewing development priorities, strengthening grassroots engagement and reaching out to citizens to understand their expectations.

Our aim is to form the government once again and continue serving the people of Goa with renewed commitment and dedication.

Q/ The country has witnessed massive Gen Z protests. Will these impact the Goa polls?

Our youth are the strength of our democracy, and every citizen has the constitutional right to protest peacefully. However, with that right comes responsibility. Genuine concerns of students deserve to be heard and addressed, but protests must remain focused on the issues they seek to resolve.

I am concerned about attempts to politicise genuine youth concerns through selective facts, misleading narratives and unrelated ideological agendas. During the NEET protests in Goa, we saw placards demanding the release of Umar Khalid. I had publicly questioned what connection such demands had with students’ concerns over examinations. Similarly, during the recent protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), slogans concerning hindutva raised serious concerns about communal harmony. The matter is under investigation. There is an important distinction between expressing democratic dissent and allowing a legitimate public issue to become a platform for unrelated, divisive messaging.

Regarding SIR, the Election Commission has a constitutional responsibility to maintain accurate electoral rolls. Every genuine concern about inclusion or deletion deserves examination through facts, transparency and due process. Political allegations should also be subjected to the same scrutiny, rather than presented as established facts.

I have complete faith in the maturity, awareness and independent judgment of Goan youth. Our government respects their aspirations and remains committed to engaging with them on education, employment and opportunities.

Q/ After NEET, now the SIR process is under scrutiny. Doubts have been raised over its authenticity. What are your views, and what can be done to restore faith?
The Special Intensive Revision is an exercise undertaken independently by the Election Commission of India. Its objective is straightforward: every eligible citizen must have the right to vote, while duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries must be removed. The Hon'ble Supreme Court upheld the legal validity of the SIR exercise in May 2026. The state government neither determines voter deletions nor controls electoral rolls. These responsibilities rest with the Election Commission.

Unfortunately, attempts have been made to portray this independent electoral exercise as a politically directed process. Such serious allegations require equally serious evidence. Take the much-discussed case of 97 electors in Goa. The complete picture deserves attention. According to the Chief Electoral Officer's October 1 update, 88 of these electors had submitted Form 6 applications that were accepted. Of the remaining nine, three were identified as Portuguese passport holders, while six residing abroad were being contacted for further verification. Corrective verification and continuous enrolment mechanisms remain available to eligible citizens.

Public confidence is strengthened through transparent procedures, timely correction of genuine errors and accountability from every stakeholder, including political parties. The Election Commission has undertaken additional enrolment drives and a technical review of ECINet. Our government remains committed to extending the necessary administrative support while respecting the Commission's independence. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our double-engine government has consistently emphasised citizen-centric governance, transparency and accountability.

The people of Goa are mature, aware and capable of distinguishing facts from misleading political narratives. We have always sought to earn their trust through concrete actions, consistent delivery and our commitment to their welfare, rather than political speeches alone. Genuine democratic concerns deserve dialogue and resolution, but unsubstantiated allegations and attempts to create unrest cannot replace facts or constitutional processes.

We have complete faith in the judgment of Goans, just as we remain committed to honouring the faith they have placed in us. Our responsibility is to protect every eligible citizen's democratic rights and continue serving Goa with transparency, sincerity and accountability.

Q/ Who do you view as your main opposition—the Congress or the AAP?

Our focus is not on deciding whether the Congress or the AAP is our bigger opponent. Our focus is on the people of Goa and the responsibility they have entrusted on us. We are confident about forming the government once again.

The opposition can promise the stars and the moon, but making promises is much easier than fulfilling them. The real question is whether they have a credible roadmap, the resources and the commitment to deliver. Goans deserve practical solutions and accountable governance, rather than announcements made merely for electoral advantage.

We have a record of governance to place before the people.... Our confidence comes from the work we have undertaken and our commitment to carry it forward.

Q/ The AAP has an alliance with the Goa Forward Party. Does that make it a bigger threat in the coastal belt?

Political alliances are easy to announce, but sustaining them requires a common vision, mutual trust and commitment. The AAP and the Goa Forward Party announced their alliance with considerable publicity, but within weeks, differences emerged over their approach towards the Congress and broader opposition unity. I believe the people of Goa are capable of judging the consistency and credibility of such political arrangements.

We do not underestimate any political party, nor do we base our preparations on the division of opposition votes. Every constituency matters to us, including the coastal belt. Our government remains focused on the priorities of coastal communities, including sustainable tourism, fishermen’s welfare, beach infrastructure, environmental conservation and opportunities for local businesses.

Q/ What about the BJP’s alliance? How many seats will you leave for the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party?

The BJP and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party have been partners in the government, and we value the cooperation and understanding that have contributed to Goa’s development.

As far as seat-sharing for the 2027 assembly elections is concerned, these decisions will be taken through discussions between the respective party leaderships, including our central leadership. It would be premature for me to announce a specific number before those discussions are concluded.

Q/ What can Goans look forward to if the BJP is voted back to power?

Our vision for Goa extends far beyond the next election. We are working towards Viksit Goem 2037, where economic prosperity, social security, environmental sustainability and the preservation of our unique Goan identity go hand in hand.

The next phase of Goa’s development will focus on creating greater opportunities and improving the quality of everyday life. We intend to accelerate investments in pharmaceuticals, IT, emerging technologies and manufacturing, while strengthening industry-linked education, skill development, startups and women-led entrepreneurship. Through modern infrastructure, better health care, quality education and citizen-centric governance, we want the benefits of development to reach every household.

Our farmers, fishermen, traditional businesses and rural communities will remain central to this journey. We want to strengthen local livelihoods, expand access to markets and promote sustainable tourism that creates opportunities across Goa. At the same time, clean energy, responsible development, environmental conservation and the protection of Goa’s cultural heritage will remain important priorities.