PANJIM/MARGAO: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Monday alleged a ‘Factory Gate’ scam in grant of structural stability certificate to small-scale industrial units.
Addressing media persons, Goa Forward Party vice president Durgadas Kamat alleged that government without any notification has made structural stability certificate mandatory from Directorate of Factories and Boilers for the small scale industrial units, who, as per law, have to also obtain a similar certificate from Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP).
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Kamat said the Directorate of Factories and Boilers has empanelled three engineers for grant of stability certificate, which is issued at a price of Rs 10 per sq mtr.
“These rates are also not been notified in the Gazette,” he said.
Kamat pointed out that there are nearly 900 small scale units, each, spread across minimum of 2,500 sq mts.
“This is a Factory Gate scam in making. Complete loot by the government. The small scale industries are put to hardship,” he charged.
Kamat said rampant corruption and multiple windows for clearances had resulted into Goa slipping down from 21st place to 25th position in the Ease of Doing Business in 2020.
“Let the Government tell which certification is legal. It is their idea to finish the possibilities of small scale businesses coming to Goa,” Kamat alleged.
“The new mandate says that even if a motor is replaced in a factory they will have to take structural stability certification. There are 900 factories in Goa and all will have to get structural stability every year,” he said.
“How will industries come to Goa in these conditions? In fact, several industries are leaving Goa,” Kamat added.
Durgadas has urged the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) to voice its opposition.
