VASCO
The Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) on Monday hit out at the State government, claiming that the government’s apathy towards industries continued till date.
In a press note, GSIA President Damodar Kochkar said the association had raised the issue of pathetic road conditions in various industrial estates, which had been highlighted by the media on November 20, 2021.
"Subsequently, the State government released Rs 5 crore of the Rs 10 crore which was budgeted to GIDC for infrastructural improvements in industrial estates. The GSIA had indicated the priority works to be taken up with this limited budget, in which works at Kundaim Industrial Estate were to be taken up on priority as road conditions there are really bad and almost not motorable," said Kochkar.
Kochkar said the authorities had been floating tenders and they gave an excuse about the code of conduct.
“In the meantime, all labour force in Kundaim Industrial Estate had gone on a road roko strike. We persuaded them that soon after code of conduct, works will be taken up. Now almost one month has passed, but the file is still moving up and down,” said Kochkar.
"Now, we have come to know there is a provision of a clause in which if more than one quotation is received for less than 20% of estimated amount, then the chairman is given powers to decide on awarding tender to the lowest contractor of his choice. This is nothing but blatant corruption. Because of this clause, the MD is not able to issue this work order," said Kochkar.
"This is really sad because even after forming of the new government, industries have to go through such hardships. As president of GSIA, I strongly condemn the state of affairs in the government," said Kochkar.
