Mass agitations driving out industries: CM

Posted on 2009-06-26
VASCO: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said on Thursday that though the state possesses ideal environment for setting up industries, industrialists are shying away from Goa due to people’s opposition to SEZs and other large-scale industries, forcing them to move to other states.
Mr Kamat was addressing the gathering after laying foundation stone for the state-of-the-art complex for Goa International Trade Centre at IDC, Verna on Thursday morning.
On the occasion, the Environment Minister, Mr Alexio Sequeira, IDC Goa chairman, Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar, managing director, Mr A V Palekar and other dignitaries were
also present.
The Goa International Trade Centre project with 6200 square meter acquired space is estimated to cost Rs 5.61 crore.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said that Goa has registered a high growth rate of industries and the state government has sanctioned another 10-12 industries recently.
“The new industries will provide employment to a large number of people,” Mr Kamat said reiterating Goa will always welcome non-polluting industries.
He however said that the state government will give preference to set up industries in the remote areas like Canacona in order to provide employment to the rural youth.
The Environment Minister, Mr Alexio Sequeira asked industrialists to register their industries under Goa State Pollution Control Board in order to make the state pollution-free
for posterity.
He emphasised that water and power will drive economy in twenty-first century and so they should be utilised judiciously by adopting appropriate techniques.
IDC Goa chairman, Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar said that the state-of-the-art Goa International Trade Centre at IDC, Verna will serve as a catalyst for trade
and export.
It would benefit the local industries and Goan economy as a whole.