National 11 Jun, 2026

Niti Aayog meeting: Goa seeks centrally sponsored schemes on lines with Northeastern states

Business To Business, New Delhi, 11^th June, 2026:   Pramod Sawant on Thursday urged the Union government to extend the 90:10 Centre-State funding pattern for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to Goa, similar to the arrangement available to Northeastern and Himalayan states.
Sawant made the request while addressing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
What Is the Current Funding Pattern?
Under most Centrally Sponsored Schemes:

• Northeastern and Himalayan states receive 90% funding from the Centre and contribute 10% themselves.
• Most other states, including Goa, generally follow a 60:40 Centre-State sharing ratio.

Sawant argued that Goa faces unique developmental and fiscal challenges that justify special consideration.
Goa's Case for Special Treatment
The Chief Minister has repeatedly sought a revised funding formula, citing factors such as:

• Coastal vulnerability.
• Ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats.
• High infrastructure costs.
• Tourism-related pressure on public services.
• The state's relatively small geographical size.

According to Sawant, a 90:10 funding arrangement would enable Goa to implement central schemes more effectively while easing pressure on the state's finances.
If accepted, the proposal would substantially reduce Goa's contribution toward centrally sponsored programmes, freeing up state resources for infrastructure, welfare, environmental protection, and development projects.
The demand is not new. Sawant has raised the issue before the 16th Finance Commission, the Prime Minister, and the Union Finance Ministry, arguing that Goa's unique economic and environmental responsibilities warrant a more favourable funding model.
The NITI Aayog Governing Council serves as a key platform for cooperation between the Centre and states on development priorities. Discussions at this year's meeting focused on inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat, with several chief ministers presenting state-specific demands and development proposals.