Panaji, March 15 -- The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has presented pre-budget recommendations to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, highlighting critical funding gaps in MSME, farming, and skill development sectors.

Assocham Goa Council Chairman Manguirish Pai Raiker emphasised the need for greater focus on women's empowerment initiatives.

"Awareness and funding to the rural sector, especially farmers, are lacking. Government should extend the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) scheme, which offers low-interest loans meant for MSME, to the farming sector as well," said Raiker.

He further suggested that the government should promote manufacturing, including drone development, pharmaceuticals, and the d...