As a member of the business elite in the state, he has maintained a low profile and focussed on enhancing the value of his businesses. Rajesh Dempo spoke to Ajit John about his plans and his assessment as to what needs to be done to enhance business in the state.
Herald: It has not been a good time for business in the state given the poor economic condition , how have you managed in this situation?
Rajesh Dempo: I am quite happy. Crown Hotel was full during the festival season. I suppose this was due to the fact that we are a city based hotel and we have online bookings in addition to walks in and yes we have several corporate clients. Generally yes, the season has been very bad and the increasing tariffs, the taxi rates have not helped. If in the next five years we have a stable government and the infrastructure is worked on and the plans for various places like Vagator happen then I am sure that business might improve. This year, I think that there could be improvement in the second half of the year because perhaps mining will start perhaps latest by next year but in anticipation things will improve.
Herald: What do you think the government ought to be doing in such a scenario?
RD: Procedures have to be simplified, made more transparent and yes the opposition to infrastructure development has to be addressed. Roads have to be created because once that happens then there is ease of movement.
Herald: The realty business has been in the dumps and as a builder how do you assess the situation?
RD: It is down yes but we have done ok. Our flats are in the Rs 55 to Rs 69 lakh category. There is a need based market which we address. In such a market a brand image is vital and as Dempo we have an advantage. People know when they give us the money they can expect quality work and that promises will be kept. If mining starts again then yes it will be fantastic, business will boom and the flow of money will increase. We have a commercial project in Santinez. We are now focussing on larger projects and our project is 20,000 sq mts which is a jump from our earlier projects which were 4 and 5 thousand mtrs. We would like to provide better facilities.
Herald: You are in the healthcare business, do you plan to move up the value chain, like a hospital perhaps?
RD: We have a facility in Miramar that treats muscular pain. We also have a pathological lab which helps people with weight loss, sports injuries. If this grows the way it is doing at present we will establish another centre in South Goa in a couple of years.
Herald: At present you have the Crown, do you plan to expand your presence in the hospitality industry?
RD: We have plans for expansion and are currently looking at procuring properties along the coast to set up a boutique hotel or eco tourism resort.
Herald: You have Dempo Kids which has been recently launched, what are your plans?
RD: Well, we intend to organise 9 activities under one roof for children between the age of 4-12. They will learn skills as diverse as playing the guitar and baking. At present we have 19 kids who have registered and we intend to accept a maximum of 90 kids. They will pay Rs 3000 a month. Interaction will make them confident which is very important in this day and age. Yes we have a few other plans in the pipeline which will be made public at the appropriate time
Herald: How is your films division doing?
RD: It was launched in 2014 and yes there certain plans in the pipeline.
