Panaji: Congress leader Rahul Mhambre today strongly criticised Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for projecting Goa’s ₹9.61 lakh per capita income as a sign of economic prosperity, stating that such statistical averages conceal the growing economic distress, widening income inequalities and mounting financial liabilities faced by ordinary Goans.
Speaking on behalf of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, Mhambre said that the government cannot claim that Goans are prosperous merely by showcasing impressive per capita income figures at business summits. Per capita income is an average economic indicator calculated using the state’s income and population. It does not represent the actual earnings, purchasing power or financial condition of individual households.
He pointed out that Goa’s economic averages do not adequately reflect the financial hardships faced by workers, small traders, salaried employees, unemployed youth and ordinary families struggling with rising living costs. The continued dependence of thousands of households on welfare support, including the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) and Griha Aadhar, raises serious questions about the government’s claims of widespread prosperity.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant must understand the difference between economic statistics and the reality of household finances. A high per capita income does not mean that every Goan earns ₹9.61 lakh annually. The government is celebrating averages while ordinary families are struggling to meet medical expenses, household expenditure and the rising cost of living. Prosperity must be measured by the quality of life of ordinary citizens, not by figures presented at business summits,” Mhambre stated.
Referring to figures cited in the Economic Survey, Mhambre expressed serious concern over Goa’s public debt, which has crossed ₹38,000 crore, with annual interest payments reportedly exceeding ₹2,200 crore. He said that the mounting debt represents a serious fiscal challenge and places an increasing burden on the state’s future generations.
He further pointed out that when the outstanding debt is divided across Goa’s population, the implied per capita debt burden exceeds ₹2.4 lakh. Every child born in Goa is consequently inheriting the financial consequences of accumulated government borrowings.
“Instead of explaining how Goa will manage its mounting debt, the Chief Minister is busy projecting an artificial picture of economic success. The government must explain where the borrowed money has been spent, what tangible assets have been created and how these expenditures have improved the lives of ordinary Goans. Reckless financial management, excessive expenditure and misplaced priorities cannot be hidden behind impressive economic averages,” he said.
Mhambre also questioned the government’s priorities in the aftermath of the devastating fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market, where more than 150 small traders reportedly suffered massive losses on the eve of the festive season.
He said the reported shortcomings in firefighting infrastructure, including non-functional fire hydrants and problems with fire tender hoses, expose serious gaps in public safety preparedness.
“More than 150 small traders have seen their livelihoods destroyed. These are families whose survival depends on their daily businesses. The Vasco tragedy has exposed the government’s failure to ensure basic safety preparedness. While substantial public money is spent on publicity, celebrations and grand events, essential public infrastructure and emergency response systems appear neglected. These affected traders need immediate financial assistance, adequate compensation and a concrete rehabilitation package, not sympathy and publicity statements,” Mhambre asserted.
CONGRESS DEMANDS
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee demands that the BJP government:
1. Publish actual household income data: Include disaggregated household income and median income indicators in the Economic Survey to provide a realistic picture of the financial condition of Goan families.
2. Ensure fiscal accountability: Disclose the details of outstanding public debt, annual interest liabilities, major borrowings and expenditure undertaken by the government.
3. Stop wasteful expenditure: Exercise fiscal discipline, review non-essential spending and prioritise public welfare, infrastructure and essential services over publicity-driven events.
4. Protect welfare beneficiaries: Ensure timely release of funds under DDSSY and Griha Aadhar without delays, arbitrary reductions or budgetary constraints.
5. Compensate Vasco fire victims: Immediately provide adequate financial assistance, full compensation and a time-bound rehabilitation package to all affected traders, while fixing accountability for any established lapses in fire safety preparedness.
Rahul Mhambre concluded that economic development must translate into better living standards, secure livelihoods, employment opportunities and financial stability for every Goan family.
“Goa needs an economy that works for its people, not a government that celebrates statistics while its citizens struggle to survive. The BJP government must stop selling an illusion of prosperity and start answering for the growing debt, rising inequality and hardships faced by ordinary Goans.”
