Panaji, July 23 (TNN): The Central government has sanctioned 64.95 crore for Goa to help the state improve its allure as a world-class tourism destination.

The sanctioned funds have been earmarked for four projects, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik said based on a written reply given by Union minister of state for tourism Mahesh Sharma.

Sharma, in his reply, has also said that five projects including the Miramar tourism circuit development, Colvale tourism circuit development, tourism circuit development in heritage and coastal areas by helicopter connectivity, establishment of a golf course and a luxury cruise, could not be considered for central financial assistance as the utilization certificates were not provided for funds released earlier.

The Central government has allotted 40.40 lakh towards integrated infrastructure for heritage and hinterland development of tourism in Goa with 21.03 crore already disbursed. The Central government has also kept aside 12 crore for the Institute of Hotel Management and catering technology, of which 4crores has been disbursed. Development of the Colva coastal circuit gets 7.58 crore towards which 6.06 crore has been disbursed and 4.98 crore is allotted towards development of Baga circuit, of which 3.99 crore has been disbursed.