the goan I network
VASCO
The Verna Industries Association (VIA) on Friday demanded digitisation of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) operations and uninterrupted power supply.
Verna Industries Association (VIA) President Damodar Kochkar was addressing a large gathering of stakeholders of VIA at the Annual General Meeting. The chief Guest for the function was Industries Minister Vishwajeet Rane, while Power Minister Nilesh Cabral and GIDC Chairman Glen Ticlo were guests of honour.
“Following continuous efforts by VIA with government officials, all departments had come together to clear all pending applications of VIA.”
“VIA now appeals to the government for its support in the digitisation of GIDC operations, which takes a lot of time and energy of the entrepreneurs, utility corridor along new NH4 (missing link) passing through the industrial estate, implementation of raw water rate of Rs 10/m3 as promised by former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar two years ago and uninterrupted power supply to industries,” said Kochkar.
“When all operations are made online, the onus will be on the department to reply. As of now, we don’t get replies for as long as seven months at times. When data of industries and departments are online, the movement will be easier and anyone wanting to start something will find this platform easy to communicate.” “At present, we have to approach the fire services, factories and boilers department, Goa State Pollution Control Board separately and every time we visit these departments, we find they come up with new laws. Once this system is in place and there is clarity and transparency, it becomes easier,” said Kochkar.
The VIA president lamented that files are sometimes cleared after a year and said no industrialist could afford to wait so long.
“There has to be a strict time frame for permissions and approvals and then only, can we be competitive. If we have to compete globally, Goa has to act fast and put their system in order and the attitude of government employees has to improve.”
“Rules are required but put it in a system for everyone to comply. The government must not have a hidden agenda by having different rules at different times,” said Kochkar.
