To set up a proper ecosystem for the start-up and IT companies in the State, a proper policy and infrastructure is required. According to many start-ups and IT companies what ails the ecosystem now is poor connectivity and there is too much delay in decision making which hampers the growth of the companies.
The one single several companies complained about was that less money was being spent on improving the quality of Internet and connectivity than on consultants.
Majority of the employees of IT companies during these COVID-19 times are working from home and poor connectivity delays and frustrates everyone, some of the leading IT firms mentioned.
Vice president and Managing Committee member of Goa Technology Association, Milind Anvekar said, “Recent announcement of huge spend of Rs 122 crore on design consulting and development of the IT habitat at Porvorim has been shocking especially when the Government is financially struggling to implement the IT policy. Looking at the current situation, the priority should be to sort out the Internet connectivity issues in Goa and support the ecosystem companies to save jobs and create job opportunities for Goan professionals and the 2020 pass outs.”
Anvekar went on to say that, “Validity of the current start up and IT policy should be extended by two years and sort out issues faced by companies in registering their company for availing the policy benefits. While the attention to start-ups is appreciated, IT companies in Goa are unhappy at being ignored.”
Ricky Nornoha Founder Director of one of the Goa’s oldest IT firm Online Productivity Solutions based out of Verna was proud to have completed 25 years of operations in Goa this month.
“With a 100 per cent Goan staff from day one and around 100 staff on rolls for the last decade of our operations, we have been handling world class work for clients across the globe, from New Zealand to Canada, in spite of the government and its policies. We never received a cent in funding or incentives nor any encouragement whatsoever. We have provided local kids with good jobs and a great launch pad for their careers. We have shown the world what can be done in and from Goa and are rightfully proud of the same. I think it takes a Goan to know what’s good for Goa and Goans. I am willing to help anyone, anytime as I genuinely want to do something good for the State,” said Noronha.
He further added, “The current policies and the framers are seriously off track. We do not need IT parks, we do not need IITs, we do not need huge multinational companies. We can do it. As MSME companies located in our beautiful Goan villages, we have proved it. Twenty five years and counting do I have to say anything more?”
Nilesh Nayak, CEO of Sapna Technologies in Goa said, “We have not received any financial assistance from the Government as part of the Start-up or IT policy. If the Govt were to execute the promised financial help as mentioned in the IT policy it would go a long way in helping us tide these difficult times.”
However, there have been some deliveries from the State government. “There are some positive signs under the current Goa DoIT team but it is essential that their service delivery to their customers (ie Start-ups, IT companies of Goa) is time-bound and does not drag on for months. Besides, it is extremely important that they set their priorities right in ensuring essentials like stable power supply and high-speed Internet connectivity across Goa. Goa needs far more concrete results at ground level rather than just ‘paper and sound’ progress,” said Vincent Toscano, managing partner, Uzoorba Technologies LLP from Chorao.
Rohini Gonsalves who is a Founder and MD of Sevarat Healthcare and Nursing which is into senior health care in Goa believes that it is only fair to revise the Start-up Policy to extend its scope and duration.
Rohini Gonsalves said, “It is imperative to overcome the limitations and challenges imposed by the current policy and bring about a positive change. While the overall sentiment in Goa is extremely pro-start-up, the biggest and maybe only concern is with timelines. The current policy was implemented after over two years of contemplation and discussion with various stakeholders. There has been no visibility on when the funds will be released both in the first tranche or the second tranche.”
“It is critical to provide entrepreneurs the funds when they are most needed, failing which the start-up itself may fail, and the whole intention and spirit of the policy stands defeated. So whether the government plans to continue with the existing policy or implements a new policy, it needs to take the actions expeditiously. The policy cannot succeed without speed of action on the ground,” emphasized Gonsalves.
