HERALD: According to you how was the business of the mining industry during 2017?
SANDIP BHANDARE: I took over as President of GCCI under the mentorship of Narayan Bandekar and succeeded him on July 1, 2017. From September 2012 onwards the mining sector had almost collapsed. However, it resumed in 2016 and gave a substantial amount of taxes both to the State government and the Central government. Yet another setback came when the Sonchi issue on pollution was raised and from that point onwards not only the mines which were located near Sonchi per se, but even the mines for which the route of transportation was through Sonchi got stopped. That was an abrupt end of this mining season and we hope that particular issue is resolved as early as possible. Also, a case which has been going on in the Supreme Court about the mining and environmental clearances, the matter has been heard but since the court is on vacation, we are expecting a very important judgement in the first week of January 2018.
HERALD: Tourism is another revenue earner for Goa. How has this sector performed?
SB: As far as tourism is concerned, I do feel there is a huge influx of tourists in Goa. Unfortunately many of the tourists are not availing the facilities of the high-end hotels. Two years back the Parsekar government in his budget talked about providing two camp sites one in North and other in South Goa which was like make shift facilities for backpacker tourists with basic minimum facility. It was a good thought. The basic issue is that the transportation cost, primarily by air to and from Goa surges during the peak season which is major deterrent and prompts them to find other destinations. Tourists will look for cheaper alternatives if it becomes too costly for them. It is a problem for Goans too, to travel during the peak season for no fault of theirs.
HERALD: What progress is being made in IT sector?
SB: We are still waiting for the development of two land parcels, Chimbel and Tuem. The proper IT policy will be out by March next year. We at GCCI are working with the govt to help them out. Also, Ernst Young is now working on digital coordination with different departments in Goa. This will surely help at least 22 departments to coordinate better. If we combine successes of mining, tourism and IT for next year, then it would be a good year economically for Goa. Two of our GCCI members are also part of the newly restructured Investment Promotion Board of Goa and they are working very hard to ensure the economy of Goa grows. Excellent role is being played by EDC too, to develop the IT infra and incubation centers in the State. I am sure 2018 will be a very bright year.
HERALD: Real Estate seems to have been hit by demonetisation and GST. What is your take on this sector?
SB: Real Estate sector has gone through issues which are GST and RERA and of course last year’s demonetisation, which had some adverse impact. However, over a period of time, the effects of demonetisation have withered away as the systems are now in place. GST was an issue in earlier stages but now things are falling in place and now the industry will experience the drop in the prices of the raw materials required by their industry and hence the cost of construction is expected to come down. The last portion is RERA which is very good provision for protection of the rights of the consumers and this was the need of the hour. Goa has been majorly a compliant State so there are not many problems here. I am sure in 2018 the real estate will regain. The need of the hour is to build an economically and affordable priced houses for middle and lower middle income Goans.
