FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Last week Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho and some key captains of Industry met the Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for an interaction. But it turned into an exercise of the Goa delegation seeking the Indulgence of a higher authority, because they fell short or even failed to achieve the very basics needed to prepare a State to receive investments.
Moreover, if a State which recently celebrated the 36th anniversary of its Statehood has been unable to have its basic infrastructure in place or fulfil its aspirations of having logistics and infrastructure hubs, which is simply done by most States, then they should actually go on a walking tour of the State seeking the indulgence and forgiveness of the people.
Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho told Piyush Goyal, “My earnest appeal to you is to please do something exceptional for Goa because Goa needs help. I seek your indulgence in looking to Goa as a hub that can be developed, one of the largest. You can make it happen and I will earnestly request you on behalf of the industry.”
Only a State which has achieved, sits on the high table as an equal to discuss opportunities, confident that they have the infrastructure in place and ease of doing business that they are proud of.
A State which has underachieved and not fulfilled many promises and aspirations, seeks ‘indulgence’. They represent Goa. Does it befit the prestige of Goa if they genuflect, like page boys at the altar of the centre, for investment?
If there’s governance, there’s no need for indulgence.
We need people to govern their State, not their pockets. Why should industries come to Goa when there is no power, no water, and a high rate of taxation? There are crippling power cuts that have plagued major industries, trade and five-star hotels. The cost of generator sets has risen to an alarming high.
Power tariffs are mounting with neither the supply nor the quality of power consistent. The added cost of generator sets and diesel has severely increased production costs. Moreover, most companies in Goa escalate their project costs by 30% for under table expanses with absolutely no guarantee of returns on “investment”.
Will an investing industry prefer Goa to say Tamil Nadu or Telangana where power and water are synonymous with their infrastructure? Industries choose places to invest in, where they find the best conditions to do business and where set-up costs are the least, Investment decisions are based on comprehensive presentations and professional pitches made to win investments.
It’s like agencies pitching to get the advertising contract of a major client. Seamless infrastructure, wide tax benefits, and a regime of subsidies and tax holidays form the basis of these decisions. And this must be on the bedrock of a consistent industrial policy that delivers. Without these tools, no State delegations of ministers or industrialists should be sitting at any high table with a central minister or his team.
The realities of the feedback one received from potential and existing investors.
In the meeting with Minister Piyush Goyal, ASSOCHAM Goa Council asked for logistics sector help like cold chain and logistic parks for the agriculture sector. Industries Minister Godinho said that Goa intends to promote and develop the logistics sector but needs a “shot of support from the Centre” to be the “biggest logistical hubs and trading hub” in western India.
After former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro’s employment and industrial policies with direction, one has only heard of statements and so-called intentions. Governments after governments have used phrases like IT parks and logistics hubs so many times that they have become cliches. Does it take two decades for the full state to create logistics hubs or cold chains?
Is there a blueprint? For over a decade has there been a plan of action? Where is the availability of land water power and internet? Will the Centre have to fix that too?
A State govt is expected to fix its state, not seek the centres indulgence.
Investments follow infrastructure. Flyovers and bridges may cut down commute time but frequent repairs , cracks on the surface and potholes do not inspire confidence. Infrastructure and logistics hubs need good road access, uninterrupted and good quality power, round the clock water supply without resorting to tankers.
For argument's sake even if the central ministers agree to connect the Goa government with investors in IT and logistics, investors will test the ease of business and availability of infrastructure on the ground. If the state government fails, the centre's “indulgence” will have no meaning.
No central minister can set our house in order if we are hell-bent on destroying it. The need to have tertiary Industries like manufacturing and logistics is also borne out of the need for a dwindling future for tourism if the main charms and attractions of Goa are reduced- loss of greenery, the multiplication of concrete and the destruction of our beaches.
Our beaches have garbage, broken glass beer bottles, tons of plastic and yes even memorials. Beyond the cocoons of five-star and luxury resorts, the space in Goa that can truly be called a gateway is shrinking rapidly. No central minister can set our house in order if we are hell-bent on destroying it.
Isn’t it an insult to Goans when industry captains and minister has to look up to a central Minister to get investments and infrastructure to the state?
GCCI and other bodies need to seriously introspect if their actions are of service or self-service. When industry captains and a state minister have to open their arms and wait for the centre’s largesse, what does it reflect on the capabilities of a state which attained its statehood 36 years ago and has been governed by a double-engine government for the last nine years?
Instead, they should go on a forgiveness tour and seek indulgence from the people, and not wait for either indulgence or alms. They just need to get back to work and deliver for the State.
