Team Herald

PORVORIM:  Industries Minister Vishwajit Rane said that the State Investment and Industrial Policy will be finalised before the next Goa Legislative Assembly session.  

Rane added that the government will auction the unlocked land under Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a bid to promote non-polluting and local job-oriented industries in Goa. 

The minister said the govt has decided to finalise the State Investment and Industrial Policy, which was approved by the then CM Manohar Parrikar-led cabinet but was not notified. 

"We will not notify that policy. We have decided to seek suggestions and inputs from the industrial stakeholders like Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI), Goa Small Industries Association (GSIA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and others," he said. 

"The inputs of the stakeholders will be incorporated in the policy and it would then be notified. Before the next Assembly session, the policy will be finalised," Minister assured. 

Rane was speaking on the SEZ land allotment question raised by MGP MLA Ramakrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar. 

The minister and MLA got into heated argument over the payment of Rs 204.40 crore to five SEZ promoters to unlock 24 lakh sq mtrs of land. Sudin questioned the need of such high interest of 8.85 per cent being paid to the promoters. He said that the payment is illegal. To this, Rane told the House that Dhavalikar was part of the same cabinet, as PWD Minister, that resolved to pay the said interest to the parties. 

"Why did you (Sudin) not pose the same question to then Chief Minister during the then cabinet meeting? Just because you are now in the opposition, you felt the need for asking such an unwarranted question? Rane questioned.