PANJIM: The 112th Annual General Meeting of Goa Chamber of commerce and Industry (GCCI) was held at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panjim, on Saturday.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and restrictions due to social distancing, the physical participation in the AGM was restricted to a small number and rest of the members were encouraged to participate through video conferencing facility. Besides, the usual agenda of approval of annual report, audited accounts etc, the highlight of the AGM was President Manoj Caculo’s address to the members.
Addressing the AGM, Caculo said that though the Chamber office remained closed for about 45 days from March 21 to May 3 due to the lockdown and despite that they managed to get the Chamber’s accounts audited and have been able to put together the annual report and hold this meeting well before the stipulated date of June 30.
“During the lockdown, despite various restrictions, the Chamber functioning was very active. The office bearers and Secretariat staff along with me were constantly in touch with the members sending out important communications pertaining to lockdown received from the Center as well as State Government. Along with other associations we took up various trade and industry issues with the state government,” said Caculo.
“Considering the financial health of the State we had not asked for any grants or monetary benefits which will have cash outflow for the government. However, not considering our repeated requests for relief in various government charges, even for the lockdown period, was very disappointing and disheartening,” Caculo stressed.
He further added that just last evening the Chief Minister has announced measures that will provide minor relief to some of the sectors. Extension of validity of all construction licenses and other permissions without any additional fees are welcome. Facility to pay the current year’s lease rent over the next three years will help the Goa IDC plot holders to tide over the current cash crunch.
“Extensions of all licences, permits etc pertaining to transport and excise department, extension of validity of Factory licences, introduction of the centralised inspection module and introduction of self certification scheme will provide some relief to factories, shops and commercial establishments. These measures amount to just short term deferment of liabilities. Industry has suffered and it was hoping that the Government would provide actual financial relief and to that extent, we feel disappointed,” said Caculo.
