Girish Srivastava
Dear Chief Minister,
Goa today constitutes an important, and in some respects unique force in the Indian and world business society and culture. In the past couple of decades, it has grown into an energetic and confident community of over 18 lakh people who have given Goa a presence in many parts of the world.
Despite the continuous and vast changes in political ideologies, economic policies and developmental issues in recent times, Goa has somehow managed to be on the progress track and its people and the government has confronted all issues with the courage, determination and with a rational outlook. To maintain the rhythm of growth and conducive development, here are few local employment centric ideas that you may like to include in your immediate action points:
1. Transform Goa into a manufacturing hub in country. Based on historical facts, raise in the manufacturing will not only earn additional revenues for the State but will also create sizeable local employment. Fundamental challenge would be in successfully orienting Goa’s available labour force towards higher productivity sectors like Defence, Aerospace, Telecom, etc. Once such structural changes are brought into the system, it would directly boost economic growth of the State. Presently, majority of the Goa’s local labour force work in low-productive and informal activities. The potential for welfare improvements from the proposed structural change is immense and a proper strategy and implementation plan would help in achieving transformational goals.
2. Innovation and Start-up: I feel time is just right for conducting a detailed survey in the State on innovation to capture the thoughts of industry stalwarts and other stakeholders and also to establish priority areas for promoting start-ups and innovation. It should not be limited to only IT software product and services. After all creativity is about coming up with big ideas and it can come from any sector. Innovation is all about executing the idea — converting the idea into a successful business. Thomas Edison, the greatest innovator of all time, put it well: “Innovation is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” High time for you to hold special meetings and ask few pertinent questions to your ministerial leadership on how much time their respective Ministries spend on inspiration versus perspiration. What are the barriers to execution? How are they attempting to overcome them?
3. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are future of mobility and energy. Mobility is going to change rapidly in the coming years as electric vehicles (EV) proliferate in country. There is a huge buzz going around the world about the Electric Vehicles (EV) revolution. Goa should gear up to examine the feasibility and capitalise on the opportunity to design a different future and reap both environmental and economic benefits with a call to action for adopting appropriate principles to converge mobility and energy for providing benefits to its citizens. Right policies, incentives and meticulous planning of associated infrastructure would be the key for driving this major and smart change in the system.
4. Interlinking of rivers and smart waterways – initiate interlinking of rivers on a high priority. Once technically feasible Goa rivers are interlinked and smart waterways are created, it will provide cost effective transport system for various goods and movement of people. Smart waterways, which would have sufficient navigational depth and width, smooth bends and minimum siltation would permit navigation throughout the year at least 18 hours per day. It would ultimately reduce road congestion besides enormously improving environment conditions and help prevent deforestation. It will also solve the problem of availability of water for farming and drinking and help in generation of hydel power as well. To implement the project from concept to commissioning, there might be a possibility of getting funding assistance from the related Ministry at the Centre. Separately, you can also explore the international funding sources such as ADB, WB, DFID, among others.
5. Sustainability of urban, semi-urban and rural water supply has become problematic nowadays in Goa. You should critically examine the present situation and try for more equitable technology-oriented solutions for meeting the demand. Water crisis persists in number of talukas in Goa struggling to get piped potable water. Tourism industry is also hit, as most of the hotels and commercial establishments are purchasing water from private vendors. In addition to finding local solutions, it may be a good idea to study available technologies in US and elsewhere such as desalination of water as an alternation solution to the rising concern. With the advancement in technology, these days smaller mobile desalination units are also available which can easily be installed at various locations for production and transportation of water at an affordable and cost-effective rate.
6. Development of media and film city this can be a good source of revenue and employment in the State. With private sector participation, design and announce investment friendly policy statements with attractive fiscal incentive schemes which helps media and entertainment players to remain competitive in the global market.
Finally, all of us are confident that the trust placed in you by the citizens of the Goa will inspire you to continue important efforts in promoting the socio-economic development of the State, leading it on the path of prosperity, further well-being and security for the people. I personally congratulate you and convey my best wishes for your every success and wisdom in discharging the important and responsible duties of your position as the Chief Minister of Goa.
Views are personal. Author is public policy and strategy expert and currently Founder and CEO, DPAG Consulting. He was formerly with NASSCOM)
