Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Pramod Sawant-led government, industrialists and real-estate developers across Goa have called for transparency in administration and eradication of corruption.
While congratulating Pramod Sawant for this second term as the Chief Minister of Goa, Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CREDAI Goa and Verna Industries Association (VIA) applauded Sawant for being sensitive to the needs of the stakeholder in his first-term in office. However, they demanded more initiatives from the government for the development of the economy and employment generation.
The industrialists asked for transparency in inspections and audit, which are a burden due to irregularities. "Government must provide convenient and easy mechanism for regulatory compliances and inspections. At present, some departments call for various audits and inspections in piecemeal which are burdening the industries and discourage growth. Multiple regulatory compliances with yearly renewals delay the process and turn away good investors from the state," they said.
The industrialists also said that the government, in spite of claiming the presence of several services online, haven't provided for a conductive business environment. They said, "Goa government claims that it has put many services online but it is only on paper and the actual effect is not felt on the ground. There are several teething problems and a lot of follow up/visits to the Departments are required to get the work done. The work of putting the services online has been given to a Government Undertaking which does not have the technical expertise and know-how to do the job."
The industrialists also requested the appointment of professionals with a proven track record for positions in industry-related corporations. "We also desire that the industry-related corporations should be headed by professionals with a proven track record and qualified administrators. Even if political appointees are made, they should be involved in policymaking decisions and not in the day-to-day functioning of the corporation," they said.
While offering their support to the newly formed government, the industrialists assured that they are not looking for financial incentives but enablers to promote productivity in Goa's industrial sector.