PANAJI
The Goa government announced creating a semi-open prison in the State to promote the rehabilitation of inmates and allow them to serve sentences with minimal supervision.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while presenting the Budget for 2026“27 in the Legislative Assembly, stated that a Semi-Open Prison will be established at a cost of Rs 18.97 crore.
He further said a provision of Rs 37.5 crore has been made for the Prisons Department, of which Rs 18.97 crore is earmarked for establishing the semi-open facility.
The government also plans to implement a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to support poor prisoners, under which financial assistance will be provided for their subsistence.
To help inmates pursue their legal cases more efficiently under the newly introduced criminal laws, the State will set up 53 virtual hearing cubicles in prisons at a cost of Rs 3.62 crore.
In the emergency response sector, the CM said Rs 135 crore has been allocated for the Fire and Emergency Services Department, including Rs 108 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 27 crore for capital expenditure.
As part of infrastructure upgrades, an Administrative-cum-Training Hall block will be constructed at the Ponda Fire Station complex at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore. The government will also modernise the existing fire station at Curchorem and the new fire station building at Vasco at an estimated cost of Rs 4.50 crore.
The State will further strengthen its fire-fighting and emergency response capabilities by procuring new equipment and vehicles worth Rs 20.85 crore.
Sawant also announced plans to upgrade the Goa State Fire Force Training Centre by expanding its curriculum and granting it institutional status, after which it will function as the Goa State Fire Training Academy.
