Team Herald
PANJIM: All is set for the launch of the new IT Policy with schemes on July 15. However, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched a portal for start ups – www.startup.goa.gov.in, in the presence of the co-founder of Infosys Mohandas Pai and IT minister Rohan Khaunte on Goa IT day.
Soon after taking a round of the various stalls put up by start-up companies from Goa and inaugurating the start-up portal, Parrikar distributed certificates to seven start-ups from Goa. The companies have been recognied by the government and will become the first batch to receive benefits of the IT Policy and schemes which will be launched on July 15.
Addressing the gathering, Parrikar said, “Right from 2000 we were always dreaming about Goa to make it a IT power hub. Since we have excelled in science, art and even IT and the capacity for IT growth in Goa is phenomenal. Our IT minister is driving it hard and friend like Mohandas Pai is supporting it. Also, we will soon be announcing our new Industrial Policy too.”
What has worked for Bengaluru in past 20 odd years and if were to replicate the model and fast track it what will Goa require? Pai answered the question saying, “What Goa needs is a hero. We need a Goan entrepreneur who has done something amazing and becomes an iconic figure as Parrikar is my hero in the political field. Bengaluru was blessed by heroes like Azim Premji and Narayan Murthy and then there was an emergence of Infosys, Intel, Wipro etc. We need a catalyst, may be with four or five faces, who can make Goans believe that they too can do it. Showcase your successful entrepreneurs from Goa. We have dream to see Goa as the leading IT state in India.” Pai claimed that Goa is his “Dharma Bhumi” and homeland and he is a Konkani.
Following Pai’s answer, Khaunte jumped into the discussion saying, “I think that a State like Goa already has heroes. What we have to do is to think differently. We should not get into any replication model as every State has its different and own plus points. We have a very robust infrastructure and a very populated talent pool and very importantly, we have a very high quality of life which may not be available in other states. Let us have our own ideas which will create a right ecosystem as our Chief Minister says that we do not carry any legacy. We can add up to the latest high-end technologies and create a right forum for the youngsters of today.”
