PANAJI
Even as Goa continued to grapple with the Covid pandemic numbers, including a high mortality rate, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sought to paint a 'all is well' picture on Thursday with a claim that hotels are running at 80% occupancy and the Covid curve was flattening.
Sawant also held a meeting with several industry captains to discuss and find resolution to many issues related to the disruptive climate in the sector due to the pandemic.
Industry bodies had recently been critical of the government's indifferent response to the situation unfolding in the industrial sector due to the pandemic.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for instance had been scathing in its criticism of the government and its lack of initiative to sort out the administrative bottlenecks.
Meanwhile interacting with the media, Sawant said, almost 80 per cent of the hotels in the State were occupied.
Sawant said many issues were discussed with the industry representatives including some related to facilities at the industrial estates of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
The chief minister however did not go into the specifics but a member of GCCI who was part of the deliberations said the government needs to get done "a lot of things."
As for the tourism charter flights, Sawant said the ball is in the Centre's court and the Union Home Ministry (MHA) will have to take a decision.
The State government has interceded with the MHA and lobbied for an early to decision on permitting charter flights.
Sawant also said that 'living with Covid' here on is inevitable for another 3-4 months.
“The curve has flattened. It is bound to flatten further, "Sawant said, adding that the situation will clear out in another 3-4 months.
