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Upset over the government’s approach towards industries, an angry Verna Industries Association (VIA) has accused the government of taking industries for a ride on the pretext of ease of doing business.
Speaking to reporters, VIA President Damodar Kochkar said many multinational industries in Verna have expressed deep concern over the questionable approach by government agencies, which was against the ease of doing business policy meant for the industries.
INDUSTRIES AFFECTED
“Around 20 industries were to get clearances in seven days, but their files have been pending since the last three months,” said Kochkar.
“I am extremely saddened to state that the government is taking the industry for a ride on the pretext of ease of doing business.”
“After so many meetings with the industries secretary and departments concerned, a joint inspection of all industries awaiting their building plan approval and occupancy since the last two-and-half months was organised by the Factories & Boilers (F&B), Fire Services, Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and the health department on November 26 at the Verna Industrial Estate.”
These 20 industries were to get clearance within seven days after this inspection. Now we understand that the fire department has given some of their observations. In first inspection, the fire department was to check only for access to the plot. Now, there are some more observations that they have put up and this is really a very sad state of affairs and we strongly condemn this attitude,” said Kochkar.
Claiming that there was no consensus and coordination among government departments, Kochkar said the industries is suffering very badly as a result.
“Many multinational industries in Verna have expressed their deep concern over this sorry state of affairs,” said Kochkar.
THE CIRCULAR
He explained that two months ago, there was a circular issued by the industries secretary that under the ease of doing business, there was a need to do joint inspection by many departments, which also included the forest
department.
“We told them that there were many departments that had nothing to do with industries and it would mess things up. So accordingly, the circular was modified and four departments, F&B, Health, Fire and GIDC, would conduct a joint inspection and it was also decided that once permission from these departments is received, the plans could be approved.”
“All files were kept pending for over two months and then we had a meeting with all departments and it was decided to have a joint inspection at Verna on November 26.”
THE INSPECTION
“All four department officials arrived to inspect an empty plot, which itself is ridiculous. While the fire officials said they wanted to check if the plot had access, health department said they wanted to see if septic tanks were close to some wells.”
“Access has to be checked before allotting a plot and we told this to the fire department. We also informed the health department that Verna Industrial estate did not have wells in the area, but we still said that they could check the facts for themselves.”
Kochkar said the F&B had said they did not require an inspection at the initial stage but only during occupancy.
“So finally, all departments arrived and conducted an inspection and said there was no issues.
THE CONDITIONS
“Now, the fire department has made observations like the ownership has to be proved and other points,” said Kochkar.
“They were supposed to give approvals within 3 days and many industries are suffering because the files have been kept pending for the last three months. Twenty big companies are kept waiting and the government is least bothered,” complained Kochkar.
“The GIDC says files cannot be cleared because the fire department has put some observations and no department wants to take onus on them.”
“Ease of business policy said all departments should be online and interconnected, but these departments are trying to get interconnected without going online and this will never happen.”
“Though the ease of business may show that Goa has done well, the factual situation is way different,” said an angry Kochkar.
