PANAJI
Four organisations representing Goa’s manufacturing and business community on Friday welcomed the decision to establish a permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa at Farmagudi, within the existing Goa Engineering College (GEC) campus.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), Madkai Industrial Estate Association (MIEA), and Kundaim Industrial Estate Association (KIEA) said the move brings an end to nearly a decade-long search for a permanent location for IIT Goa, which has been operating from temporary facilities at GEC
since 2016.
Earlier proposals for various locations across the State were shelved due to local opposition and land acquisition issues.
“This decision gives Goa’s businesses long-term confidence to invest in partnerships with the institute. A well-equipped permanent campus will strengthen research collaboration and create a steady pipeline of skilled engineers for our industries,” said GCCI President Pratima Dhond.
GSIA President Pradip Da Costa said a permanent IIT campus would be a major boost for Goa’s industrial growth.
“Locating it at Farmagudi, on land already within the GEC campus, avoids the disputes that have delayed the project in the past and allows the institute to plan for the future,” he said.
MIEA President Sohan Kelekar said the presence of a permanent IIT campus near industrial estates would create opportunities for collaboration, including student projects and technology adoption
by industries.
“We fully support the government’s decision and hope the remaining formalities are completed quickly,” he said.
Kundaim Industrial Estate Association President Sandesh Dhareshwar said industries in Kundaim would benefit from easier access to interns, research support and a skilled workforce.
The four associations urged the State and Central governments to speed up the remaining approvals, inspections and construction process so that students and faculty can shift to the permanent campus at the earliest. They also offered their support in facilitating the project.
The industry bodies said developing the campus within the existing GEC premises would help avoid environmental and land acquisition issues that affected earlier proposals.
They added that a fully developed IIT campus with permanent research laboratories and increased student intake would strengthen engineering talent, research partnerships and technology transfer opportunities for Goa’s MSME and industrial sectors.
The associations also expect the campus to boost related economic activities, including housing, services and vendor opportunities, benefiting businesses in the Ponda region and beyond.
They said a permanent IIT campus would further strengthen Goa’s position among states hosting premier technical institutions and support long-term investment and skilled employment opportunities in the State.
