Give jobs to Goans, will give more space for industries: Vijai

Panaji: Town and country planning minister and Goa Forward Party president, Vijai Sardesai offered an increase in floor space index (FSI) to industries looking to expand vertically, but on the condition that Goans will be given preference in the employment opportunities created.

Sardesai said that he was open to the idea of using provisions in the Factories Act, 1948 and the Goa Factories Rules, 1985 to crackdown on unethical practices that favoured jobs for non-Goans. Addressing members of the Verna Industrial Estate, the minister offered industries looking to expand in Goa floor space index (FSI) of 2.

"Verna Industrial Association must give us a representation with a case of case basis proposal, but also give us a commitment to jobs," Sardesai said. "As the town and country planning minister, I am ready to increase it from 1.5 to 2 FSI for all industries. But it is on a condition that Goans should find employment here. If it does not benefit the state, why should I give you something?" Sardesai said that the government was struggling to create employment opportunities in the state, and this move would then help prevent the exodus of Goan youth and families.

"We are willing to support industries in this endeavour. They have an issue of conveyance and timings. We can get around that, we can create dedicated transport for them. However, it should be a concrete proposal where they also tell us the number of jobs that will be created. I would push this proposal with the government, but the jobs must come to Goans," Sardesai said.