TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: In a positive development for anti-tobacco and anti-liquor lobby, Goa government has decided not to allow the setting up of any more tobacco and liquor manufacturing firms at its industrial estates, as a policy measure.
The Goa State Investment Policy (Industrial Policy), proposes to reserve 50 percent plots at industrial estates for Goans, and is likely to give preference for non-polluting or green industries and local employment generating units.
The State’s Industrial policy which expected to be tabled during the forthcoming budget session of the State legislative Assembly has a dominant thrust on Information Technology (IT) and Tourism sector, as new areas for revenue generation and creation of jobs.
Though, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) regulations, notified in September 2012, already put a ban on tobacco and liquor manufacturing units, the Investment policy will put further restrictions.
Industries director F O Hashmi told HERALD that the investment policy, along with working on various aspects of promoting Goa as industrial destination, will lay more emphasis on IT and tourism sector.
“Sudden stoppage of mining industry has put State in a difficult situation and hence there is need to look for other revenue generating sectors,” the Director said, adding ‘tourism has been a great attraction, which needs to be developed’.
Hashmi admitted, “Goa has also lacked behind in IT and hence there is need to turnaround the sector.” He elaborated that the government is aiming at setting up moderate-sized IT and ITES firms, pharmaceuticals and tourism related industries, which will create more local employment.
When asked whether investment policy, also aims at deterring migrant labour from coming into the state, Hashmi said ‘issue of migration needs to be looked in a broader way’.
