Panaji, Dec 16 (IANS): Amid accusations of wastage of public monies by a cash-strapped government, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday defended his government's decision to conduct year-long celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Goa's liberation, saying the events were meant to inspire pride and hope after the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Post pandemic, these events offer new hope. The Goa government is hosting these events and not Pramod Sawant (as an individual)," the Chief Minister said.

President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to declare the celebrations of 60th years of Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule on December 19, by inaugurating a cultural programme in Panaji.

Sawant also said that all freedom fighters would be felicitated on the occasion and one event would be held in every state and Union Territory of India to mark the anniversary celebrations, which will stretch for a year till December 19, 2021. Coincidentally, elections to the state Assembly are scheduled to be held in early 2022.

The Goa government has also sought Rs 100 crore from the central government to fund the year-long celebrations.

"The 60th anniversary celebration is not only about celebratory events, but about celebrating development too, especially in Goa's rural areas," the Chief Minister said.

Opposition leaders across political parties have however demanded that the Rs 100 crore central package be spent instead on reviving the state's economy which has been severely hampered on account of the Covid-19 pandemic instead of conducting lavish festivities.