PANAJI
Even before the new government post the February 14 assembly elections can take shape or office, Goa’s small industry body has set out an agenda for it foremost of which urges immediate appointment of heads to the various State-owned corporations which industry has to deal with.
Other issues dealt with by the Goa Small Industries Association (GSIA) in its charter of demands for the new government, relate to measures for improving the ‘ease of doing business’, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), employment generation, public transport and setting up of hostel facilities.
The GSIA released the charter in a press release in which it said: “With mining operations coming to a standstill and tourism not picking up to expectations, manufacturing is the only sector driving growth and can sustain the economy and generate employment in Goa.”
Manufacturing is a vibrant and dynamic sector of the economy and despite being adversely affected due to the pandemic, contributes nearly 40% to Goa’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), GSIA said, adding that it is also the biggest employer in Goa.
The GSIA said it is not seeking any financial incentives and insisted that its demands are only aimed at stimulating efficiency and productivity of the manufacturing sector.
On improving the ease of doing business (EoDB) index, GSIA said it wants the new government to provide conducive business environment, particularly raising the efficiency several notches of the government services now available online.
It lamented that there are several teething problems in the online services and multiple follow-up visits are required to be made to the departments to get things done.
It also said that transparent SOPs with timelines for each service to industries be implemented and routine files for power and water connections should not be routed to ministers.
On employment generation, GSIA said competent individuals should get jobs on merit which the industry generally follows. It said, the government should facilitate and encourage entrepreneurship and locals who want to set up industries should be given some priority in allotment of plots or develop plug-n-play type galas in each of the Industrial estates.
The GSIA also sought improvement in public transport and urged the new government which will take office to work on providing hostel facility in and around industrial hubs and estates.
‘New leadership will aid socio-economic growth’
PANAJI: On behalf of ASSOCHAM India (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), the Goa State Council has congratulated winning candidates and has expressed hope that the clear mandate will help in the formation of a stable government.
“We are confident that the State of Goa will observe significant socio-economic growth under the new leadership,” stated Manguirish Pai Raiker, chairman, Goa State Council, ASSOCHAM. “Ours is the oldest apex chamber of India and as a facilitator we work across the country with the government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness, and expanding business opportunities for the industries through a range of specialised services. By exerting the similar dimensions, ASSOCHAM Goa Council attempts to aid considerably in socio-economic sustainable development under the new leadership,” said Raiker, adding further, “We positively look forward to initiating impactful changes that are likely to enhance the scope of commerce and industry in the State.”
