VASCO
Deploring the condition of roads in industrial estates across the State, the Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) on Friday said the industry fraternity was frustrated and upset with Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
The GSIA has hoped the State government would consider the needs of the industry which is the highest contributor to the economic development of the State.
In a press release, GSIA President Damodar Kochkar said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had directed the PWD to ensure that all national highways, state highways and major district roads are repaired urgently by November 1.
“The industry which is highest contributor to State’s GDP has been completely neglected by the Government. The condition of roads in industrial estates is pathetic. The GIDC is bankrupt and has no money to pay even salaries to their staff.”
“The GIDC has taken a loan of Rs 200 crore to pay back the SEZ allottees. Where has the money paid by SEZ allottees at the time of taking the land gone? Land premium amount paid by the allottees has to be kept in a separate corpus fund. We understand that now this fund has been utilised for payment of salaries and other administrative expenses.”
“Forget about the roads, GIDC has no money to even cut outgrown bushes in industrial estates,” said Kochkar.
He claimed that the government had made a budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore to improve infrastructure in industrial estates and should, at least, release some funds to the GIDC for upkeep of industrial estates.
Kochkar said the the industry fraternity has been frustrated and upset with GIDC’s performance and non-cooperative attitude of some of their employees.
“The GIDC was at one time a cash rich corporation. Where has all the money gone? A thorough investigation needs to be conducted into the past infrastructure works. Even Panchayat roads last for 4-5 years, while GIDC roads and truck terminals get washed away within a year,” said Kochkar.
“Now GIDC is harassing industries at every possible opportunity to extract money to pay their salaries and other administrative cost. Exorbitant fees are charged to issue construction licences.”
“For extension of construction licence, 3 times the fees are charged which works out to more than erecting a simple industrial shed. Further, if implementation of the project is delayed for any reason beyond 3 years, lakhs of rupees are charged as penalty to grant extension,” said Kochkar.
He claimed that the Goa Electronics Ltd (GEL) has been struggling to digitise GIDC services since the last four years.
“This work should be given to a professional private company, who could have completed this work much faster and with less cost.”
