GSIA chief urges CM to do a surgical strike to change GIDC’s mindset

Requests Parrikar to look into problems affecting local industriesrrthe goan I networkrPANAJIrrNaik was speaking on the occasion of the annual general function of GSIA, which had Parrikar as its chief guest. Glenn Ticlo, who is chairman of GIDC, was sharing the dais with Parrikar and Naik. rNaik gave numerous examples of GIDC’s staff’s inefficiencies and double standards and requested Parrikar to look into these problems so that local industries don’t face hurdles. rNaik said, “People in GIDC don’t want computerisation. Right now, it’s a can of worms. They (GIDC staff) can make people dance when approached for approvals. After computerisation is done, I hope they stop saying ‘next 6 months’ to people approaching them.” rIndustrialists in Goa find it extremely tough to get industrial plots. Talking about this, Naik said, “In the last six months, no sublease or transfer of industrial plots has happened. The only exception is Meta Strips, which very quickly, got its plot category changed from ‘industrial’ to ‘logistics’. rNaik expressed shock that how Meta Strips can get it done so quickly while local industries have to wait for a long time to get any approval from GIDC. rHe continued, “While Meta Strips got its plot category changed so quickly, many of our members have to wait endlessly. I ask, who is accountable and where is justice?” rNaik alleged that ‘baabu-culture’ in GIDC is responsible for all these problems. He also blamed the power department and water department for their lackadaisical approach, when it comes to industries. rHe said, “Some industries in Tuem Industrial Estate couldn’t even get 10 horse power of electricity connection. If we need a level-playing field with other economies like China, we need to improve on all this.” rHe further said, “38 lakh sq mts of land is stuck in Goa due to special economic zone (SEZ) related litigation in the Supreme Court (SC). If this much land is released for Goan industries, it will become a bonanza for local entrepreneurs.” rrrParrikar promises to look into issuesrPANAJI: Talking to local entrepreneurs gathered at the annual general function of GSIA, Chief Minister manohar Parrikar said, “All of you prepare a list of grievances you have related to industries and hand them over to GSIA. We will take the help of engineers to look into all these issues.” rrTiclo assures GSIA ANAJI: GIDC chairman Glenn Ticlo, said, “GSIA president Sudin Naik spoke with anguish. I do believe him and agree with him. When we invest money and can’t get things done, it’s frustrating. In future with the support of CM, I will try to get things working. I will ensure that industries are on the right track and that there is no corruption.”