the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has clearly said that it expects the state government to give a huge infrastructural boost to the industrial sector in the budget rather than a mere token mention.
In the past, the state budget has mostly fallen short of industry expectations. Therefore, GCCI has submitted a clear list of its demands.
In a letter submitted to the state government, GCCI wrote, “Common effluent treatment plants, common hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities, common fire fighting system, new and strong bridges over Zuari at Cortalim and Borim, truck terminals at industrial estates and better water and power distribution systems are urgent needs of the industry.”
GCCI’s letter makes a compelling case for the state government to focus on the industry by stating that industrial units like Aminatit, Aparant Steel, Mandovi Pellets and Metastrips have closed their operations in the state, which doesn’t augur well.
Citing problems faced by industries, GCCI said that 33KV and 11KV lines frequently failing in rainy season. 33KV consumers face low voltage, which can be as low as 25.5KV at times. The chamber also said that consumers having contract demand of over 1,000 KVA should be allowed to source power from other sources including power exchanges.
In order to ensure better water supply to industries, GCCI suggested the government have bye-laws to mandate rainwater harvesting for new buildings/residential/commercial complexes.
Lamenting that Chapora Port is in a state of decay, GCCI said that the state government should think of having a public-private-partnership model for Chapora Port.
The chamber has given a number of tax related suggestions to be incorporated in the budget. For example, the reduction in infrastructure tax by 50% and that it be converted into a cess, which must be shared with municipal corporations, municipalities, panchayats, departments like PWD and electricity to provide the infrastructure.
Given that the mining industry is going through tough times, GCCI has recommended that state government withdraw levies like annual processing fee of Rs 1 lakh for raising contractors, annual registration fee of Rs 50,000 for transport contractors, etc.
