RP 2021 delay forcing industries out of Goa
SURAJ NANDREKAR
PANJIM, FEB 22
The delay in notifying the Regional Plan 2021 is costing the State dearly as industries are forced to move out of Goa due to non-availability of land for industrial purpose.
Goa’s noted industrialist Atul Pai Kane, former president of the Goa Small Industries Association, who has a small unit in Tuem industrial estate, had applied for additional plot for extension of his unit but the inability of the Goa Industries Development Corporation (GIDC) has forced him to set up a unit in Banda, Maharashtra, about 25 kms from Pernem.
The GIDC board meeting, held on Tuesday, was dominated by the issue. The members felt that setting up a unit at Banda also meant that around 200 persons from that area got employment.
“This is a major issue when the unemployment is such high in Goa the industrial units are moving out of the State only due to the inability of the GIDC to provide land for industrial units,” said a board member, who did not want to be named.
“This is just one example of Atul Pai Kane there are several other industrialists who are planning to move out. If this happens then what would be the future of Goan youth vis-à-vis employment?” he asked.
He further added that the corporation just does not have any land for allotment to any industries.
When this reporter met the GIDC chairman Babu Kavlekar for his comments on the issue, he said the GIDC is trying its best to acquire land for industries.
“We have moved several proposals to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department long ago but they haven’t given us clearance,” Kavlekar said adding “when we asked TCP for the reason the reply was the Regional Plan hasn’t been notified and hence they cannot clear the proposals.”
The chairman said there are several proposals for acquiring additional land for industrial estates recommended by the local MLAs at Pilerne, Tuem, Dhargal, Cumbharjua, Carambolim and Latambarcem.
Kavlekar added the board meeting decided that the issue should be taken up with the chief minister at the earliest.
“I will meet Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and take up the issue on priority,” he said.
The board members have demanded that the RP for industrial talukas should be notified on priority, Kavlekar said.
“The members opined that the TCP should clear the proposals of the areas where the industries are really needed and can provide employment to the youth,” he explained.
