Vijai Sardesai grills govt over discrepancies in employment generation through IPB project figures
Alleges large scale conversion of agricultural area under natural cover
Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai today corned the State government over large scale conversion of agricultural area and land under natural cover various projects approved by the Industrial Development Corporation (IPB).
During the Question Hour, Sardesai pointed out to the State Assembly that around 5 lakhs 24 thousand square natural cover and agricultural land has been converted by IPB to grant permissions to various projects.
However, Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho defended IPB action stating that “for industrial promotion it is important to convert land; but no agricultural land is converted”.
The MLA however went on to say that though, IPB are converting land in the guise of industrial promotion, of the total 80 projects approved, only 13 projects are completed and too of expansion.
He sought to know the total employment generated through IPB projects so far.
Sardesai demanded an assurance from the government that evaluation report of IPB to be prepared as per IPB Policy so that we know enough Goan’s are skilled to work under projects started under IPB policy.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that total 2899 jobs are created through IPB. He said that the projects are under process and once completed 100 percent employment will be given to locals.
Earlier, Godinho said that from 2014-2023 around 10,832 jobs were given across industrial sector.
Taking cognizance of the matter, Godinho said individual notices were issued to surrender the said plots, such employees/ex-employees filed different replies stating that they have no connection whatsoever with such allotment and that the relatives were independently carrying on their business and have got allotment of plots from Goa-IDC as per rule.
“Accordingly, the Board has empowered
Chairperson to regularised the allotments. Further, revision of regulations of Goa-IDC is currently on going to eliminate of any conflict of interest in any
transaction of Goa-IDC,” Mauvin said
Further, action is being taken against all industrial undertaking who have breached the lease conditions.
Quepem MLA Altone D’costa reiterated his demand to develop the area in Quitol, where huge track of land was acquired by IDC and is left ideal after Defence Expo in 2015.
Minister Mauvin said employment to the tune of 10,832 has been generated during the period. Mauvin claimed that 45 % of those employed in these projects are Goans. Our endeavor is to take that figure to 50 %, he asserted. Mauvin assured MLA Altone D’costa of bringing a ‘very good project’ at Quitol.
MLA Vijai, in yet another question, raised doubt on properties allotted by GTDC and violation of CVC guidelines & undervaluation.
“Quality over Quantity is what we believe thus we need to create better infrastructure and room inventory to cater for quality tourist,” Toursim Minister Rohan Khaunte said.
