PORVORIM: The Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPB) has withdrawn in-principle approvals granted to 26 projects on various grounds; while it has granted permissions to 71 new projects since its inception, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Parrikar said that IPB since its formation has granted in-principle approval to 169 projects, which include new projects and expansions, with a total investment of Rs 12,400 crores and employment potential of 27,715.
“Of these, we have withdrawn permission granted to 26 projects, out of which 14 were in contradiction to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and 12 others, shown no interest to set up the project,” he said.
“44 projects, that include 26 expansion, 15 new projects and three in the hospitality sector, are complete. The total employment generated is 2747,” Chief Minister said while replying to a Question raised by Congress MLA Nilkanth Halarankar.
Placing the exact facts before the House, Parrikar said that of the total 169 projects, 71 are new projects (excluding hospitality), of which 15 have started operation and have employed 884 people. There are 36 expansion projects, out of which 26 have started operation with total employment of 1693.
As far as hospitality sector is concerned, there are 45 new projects of which only two have started operation and have employed 150 people, while out of five expansions, one has commenced operation, Chief Minister said. IPB has so far held 19 meetings.
While raising the question, Congress MLA pointed out how industrial units set up in the estates in North Goa are indulge in recruiting workers from outside Goa, while denying jobs to locals. He said that government need to take some serious steps in this regards.
Replying to the apprehension raised by the MLA, Chief Minister said that under Indian Constitution, everyone has the right to work in every part of the country and no Government can stop it. “But yes, we are providing subsidy to those who employ locals. If despite this, the industries go for outside workers, that mean they are not able to get the required manpower locally,” Parrikar said.
Parrikar urged the MLAs to ask the youths to be employment oriented. “We have started skilled training programme for orienting youths for employment. Our youths also needs to be responsible,” he stated.
