PANJIM: The IPB has cleared 7 projects which include 2 hospitals during the latest meeting held today. Projects with a projected investment of Rs 122 crore and with a capacity to provide 825 jobs were cleared. 

KPMG has come on board as a satellite consultant and will evaluate all the projects being presented to the board.

During the meeting, the board took up 18 projects and the 7 projects involved two pharma companies, one auto servicing unit, an FRP compounds manufacturing unit, two hospitals and an engineering unit. 6 proposals were rejected for various reasons but mostly due to their huge demand for land. 5 projects deferred because more information was sought.

Atreya Sawant, president, CII, Goa Chapter who is a part of the board said “the board was of the opinion that the act did not empower the body to grant permission in CRZ area except projects that needed foreshore facilities. Hence the board had decided to withdraw all in principal approvals granted and forward those proposals to the State govt through the director of industry trade and commerce for further discussion by the State govt. Hence the decision on 25 projects had been deferred.”

On the selection of a new CEO, the shortlisted candidates, were being informed and interviews were scheduled for the final week of December.