Develop returned SEZ land as industrial clusters: Vishwajit

NT NETWORK

Panaji

Industries Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday suggested that the Goa Industrial Development Corporation should auction five lakh square metre of land out of 38 lakh square metre that has been taken back from special economic zone promoters in order to create clusters for industrial development in the state.

Speaking to media persons, Rane said that he put across the suggestion to GIDC chairman Glen Souza Ticlo, adding that an appropriate decision will be taken after discussing the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

On Thursday, the minister held meetings with the GIDC chairman and the managing director, industries secretary Nila Mohanan and the director of industries, reviewing the scenario of Goa’s industrial sector.

The government will come out with a vision document on the industrial sector that will assess the present situation and outline the roadmap for its growth, he said.

“There are many industry-related regulations that need to be changed. Various laws pertaining to the industry call for amendments. A war room for guiding the industries department is being activated.  A vision document on growth of the industrial sector will also be drawn up,” he said.

Rane opined that green and clean industries should take forward Goa’s industrial growth.

Emphasising that the state should attract industries, he said, “As the Industries Minister I will visit every industrial estate. There are issues pertaining to IDC’s plot allotments which will be sorted out by sitting across with the industries secretary, the IDC chairman, representatives of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other associations.”

He said that he has been working to unveil the industrial policy in next two months.

The GIDC chairman said that five of the seven SEZ promoters have returned the acquired land, adding that the promoters have been paid back with interest.

“The GIDC has paid five promoters around Rs 200 crore and at least 50 crore will be required to pay back the remaining two promoters,” he said.

The two promoters have not yet given the letter of consent to the government’s proposal, he disclosed.