MAPUSA
Union Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar on Friday offered the State government and educational institutions help from the department of defence to promote startups in Goa.
“I am willing to help you in your quest to train people for startups. The ministry of defence is starting a programme on startup promotion very soon,” Parrikar said.
The defence minister was speaking as the chief guest at a function in Assagao after inaugurating the twin projects “ Agnel Institute of Technology and Design and Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
He said the government has energized the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the ministry has taken up several projects on research development.
“We have started a lot of projects with IITs, NITs, etc, and we can do this in Goa too. Goa is slowly developing as an educational hub…from Assagao to Canacona there are series of engineering institutions,” Parrikar said.
Extending an open offer to the Goa government, the defence minister said: “In another month or two, we can work out a mechanism to ensure that the talent among Goans doesn’t get wasted.”
Expressing a concern against the brain drain in the State, he said brilliant minds from Goa go to America, while the hardworking Goans flock to the Middle East.
“If your create facilities and opportunities in Goa, then there’s no need to go out. We can do it together. If Agnel Institute wants any support from my side I will always be there,” Parrikar said.
