Goa government says no industrial plots, data shows over 21L sqm available

PORVORIM: While the government claims that the state has a paucity of industrial land and is thus exploring the option of private industrial estates, data released on Thursday shows that 21.2 lakh sqm of industrial area remains unutilised and vacant in the state. More crucially, the data, which was provided to opposition leader Michael Lobo, shows that entire industrial estates are empty in the hinterlands with absolutely no activity taking place, often due to the lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, water supply and power connections.
The Latambarcem industrial estate, Panchawadi industrial estate and Quitol industrial estate are entirely empty, prompting questions about the state government’s intent in promoting industrial activity in the hinterland areas.
Data provided by Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) shows that in 19 industrial estates, huge tracts of land remain barren. More than seven lakh sqm of land at the Verna industrial estate remains vacant. This includes the five lakh sqm of industrial land that was recovered from the SEZ promoters and recently auctioned.
Industries minister Mauvin Godinho provided the information to Lobo in a written reply to a question about the state government’s efforts to attract investment and create employment in Goa. Godinho also informed Lobo that the GIDC has begun the process to recover allotted but unutilised land from 27 entrepreneurs as they failed to use the land within the stipulated period.
Plots allotted to units that lie vacant for more than three years are considered to be unutilised, the GIDC said.
Replying to another question raised by Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, Godinho in a written reply said that there is no policy in place to ensure that Goans will be employed in industries being set up in the state.
“However, the directorate of industries trade and commerce is implementing the Employment Subsidy Scheme, 2017, which provides benefits by way of reimbursement of 50% of salaries paid to eligible Goan employees in micro, small and medium units, and reimbursement of 25% of salaries paid to eligible Goan employees for large units as per the proportion specified in the scheme, if the unit engages a minimum 60% of Goans as regular employees,” Godinho said.
He further said that no data on the percentage of Goans employed in industries is maintained by the directorate of industries, trade and commerce.
On whether the government will consider formulating a policy that will make it mandatory for industries in the state to employ Goans, he replied, “At present, there is no such proposal before the government for consideration.”