Industry proposes global auction of SEZ land

PANJIM: Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), the leading industry body, has proposed a global auction of the special economic zone land, and stressed that before unlocking this land bank, that Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) be re-organised and streamlined. It also wants a task force constituted for the purpose.

With the economy down and jobs scarce, GIDC said extreme caution needs to be taken before unlocking the SEZ land bank. With that in mind GSIA has recommended that as a first step a global auction of five lakh square meters of land at Verna should be undertaken, insisting that proper infrastructure up-gradation plans be  approved before hand. 

“I support auctioning of five lakh square meters of SEZ land in Verna to help GIDC come out of the debt burden by transparent global auctioning process within purview of GIDC allotment guidelines and with prior utilisation model for money raised through auction,” GSIA president Damodar Kochkar told Herald.

He added, “We had requested the Industries Minister about a month ago to set up a task force which should look into the lacunae and help the industry, but it is yet to be done and the deadline was December 31 last year.” 

Backing such a move, Verna Industries Association president Blaise Costabir said, “I agree with GSIA that a phased unlocking will derive the best benefit for GIDC. This will allow Goa government to plan what and which industry can come. If the whole parcel is opened up it will only bring in the normal punters who are looking to make a killing on trading.”

According to GSIA, a phased unlocking of value shall create a step-wise ripple effect to attract new age fourth generation industries to the State. GSIA also said skeptics to such a process only believe in creating confusion rather than trying and solving problems facing Goa’s industrialisation. 

Speaking to Herald, MSME, Assocham chairman Mangirish Pai Raiker said, “If they (GIDC) have to auction the land to relieve themselves of their liabilities, they should be allowed to auction. But the successful bidder should be put a condition that he has to give the land only to industry manufacturing concerns and that too he can sell post developing of basic infrastructure.”

On the other hand, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) former president Nitin Kunkolienker said, “Allotting SEZ land is not the issue as land is already available. Unlocking the negative mindset of GIDC is the key at this juncture. When India and Goa are facing a serious crisis in the field of economy in terms of growth, GIDC has to come forward with a proactive role in developing business in the State.” 

He added, “Today every step of GIDC is either slow, negative or irresponsive. By unlocking the land you have the luxury of more land but what do you do with that? There is no transparency in the allotment, which creates a mess.”