PANAJI:
Minister for Industries, Trade and Commerce Mauvin Godinho has provided an overview of the industrial landscape in Goa and the government's efforts to promote job creation for local youth.
As of the latest data, Goa has a total of 52,012 registered industries. These are categorised by size as follows: Micro Enterprises: 50,352, Small Enterprises: 1,257, Medium Enterprises: 136, Large Enterprises: 267 (as per Goa Industrial Policy Board). Godinho was responding to a question raised by Poriem MLA Deviya Rane during the Assembly Session.
According to the Minister, under the Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy 2022, which was notified on September 30, 2022, various incentive schemes are available for businesses that employ a significant number of locals.
These include the Employment Subsidy Scheme, 2017 (Total industries availing benefits: 7 industries (10 claims); Since the policy notification, 5 firms have availed benefits under this scheme); Interest Subsidy Scheme, 2017 (Total industries availing benefits: 1 industry (1 claim); Since the policy notification, 1 firm has availed benefits under this scheme).
The Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy 2022 emphasises promoting local employment. According to Chapter 6, sub-point 13.2 of the policy; businesses that hire over 60% local employees can receive increased benefits.
The Directorate of Industries Trade & Commerce (DITC) implements various incentive schemes, including the Employment Subsidy Scheme 2017 (This provides financial incentives to all manufacturing industries. It reimburses 50% of salaries paid to eligible Goan employees in Micro, Small, and Medium units and 25% for large units, provided they employ at least 60% Goans). The Cashew Industry Employment Subsidy scheme specifically reimburses 50% of the salary paid to eligible Goan employees in the cashew processing industry.
