PANJIM: The business community in Goa is apprehensive but not worried about the all India nationwide strike called by various trade unions. However the industry body is concerned that the closure of banks and strike by transporters will adversely affect their business.
Representations from the Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police has been sent to sort this matter out on the table and not on streets.
None of the chambers or industry associations in Goa could quantify the loss in monetary terms due to the one-day strike in the middle of the week. However, both the industry bodies were of the opinion that they were against this kind of non-productive ‘holiday’ as it will entail a huge loss to the revenue of the nation as well as the state of Goa.
Though the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) requires the movement of all vehicles pertaining to essential goods (perishable or non-perishable), it is expected that no movement of goods will take place since all transporters are on strike.
President of the Verna Industrial Association, Damodar Kochkar said, “Since Shiv Sena is not supporting the strike, the Verna Industrial Area will remain open. We have also sought police protection in the area and the police will start patrolling from Tuesday evening and will protect employees who will be reporting for work. We are also been informed that Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) has been imposed. The employees who will not be able to report to work will have to apply for a day leave.”
Chairman of CII Goa State Council, Parag Joshi said, “CII has never supported such acts. All these should be sorted out on the negotiating table and not on streets to inconvenience the common people. With banks and transporters joining in, it will throw business out of gear and entail heavy loss to both country and Goa in terms of revenue. However, it is a part of democracy that people have the right to protest, but in the age of business, it should be devised in such a manner that the message should go to the concerned without affecting the business or common people adversely.”
Director General of Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), R S Kamat told Herald, “We are not expecting any major impact on Goa as the Director General of Police has assured us that they will take care of the security. However, minor skirmishes in some pockets of Goa can be expected, but most industries in Goa will remain open.”
