HERALD: Does MSME have a role to play in Goa?
MANGUIRISH PAI RAIKER: Goa being a small state has limited land bank available for the industrial use. Employment generation capabilities and eco-friendly nature of the units should be the priority. Tourism being the main industry and a revenue earner as well has to be promoted and therefore the fragile nature has to be protected. Therefore it is apparent that the industrial space can be used prudently only by the MSMEs. There are a lot of Central government schemes available for this sector. But to give further boost and promote the local employment, specific industry employment subsidy schemes along with reforms to bring in ease of doing business should be introduced by the local government. Subsidising interest on capital investment made by son of the soil entrepreneurs will also initiate local talent and young entrepreneurs to invest in the State.
HERALD: Is government on the right track for development of Indian MSMEs?
MPR: When the new govt came into power there was a sense of euphoria in the country. There was an expectation that the Modi govt would clear the cloud, doubts and grievances that the industry was facing. We expect the Ministry for Commerce and Industries to streamline the process of starting a business. The MSMEs should focus on innovation, technology upgradation, quality, time-bound delivery schedule and limiting costs. We were expecting that the government will introduce a policy that will further enable the sustenance of the small scale industry. But, the government is progressing slowly. We need much faster progress in order to achieve the goals. We want MSMEs to have a leapfrog growth.
HERALD: Do you think there is a need for result-oriented policy reforms for the growth of MSMEs?
MPR: The main reason for the failure of small scale industries is the lack of implementation of Central government’s industrial policies. There should be an effective tool so that the policies are implemented quickly. It has been a long time that we have been waiting for the simplification of the licenses, applications and approvals from the government. There is a need to fast-track these government procedures. If the government wants the business houses to create jobs, then it has to provide an environment that is conducive for the industry to function.
HERALD: What kind of reforms/policy are you expecting?
MPR: India is currently encompassed with so many taxation structures, which is hurting the growth of the industry. There is a need that both the Centre and state should come forward and work closely in simplifying the tax regime. The DTC and GST will revive the sagging economic growth. We are hopeful that the government will put these acts together in achieving the desired results.
