PORVORIM: The Goa Assembly witnessed intense debates on Friday regarding the performance of the Goa State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPB) in approving projects, as only 13 out of 259 projects have been completed over the last nine years.
The Opposition, represented by MLAs Altone D’Costa, Vijai Sardesai, and Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira, demanded an Evaluation Report to gain insight into the exact number of Goans employed by industries approved by the IPB.
In response to the starred question jointly tabled by the Opposition MLAs, Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho stated that the total investment made in the state amounted to Rs 2,762 crore. Between 2014 and 2023, the IPB approved 259 projects with a proposed investment of Rs 9,421 crore.
However, the Opposition members pointed out that this accounted for only 14.22% of the proposed investment. Sardesai accused the IPB of illegally converting 5.24 lakh hectares of natural forest cover and agricultural land for industrial use, a claim that the Minister denied.
Sardesai further raised concerns about the number of lands converted to date and highlighted that out of the 80 proposals approved by the Board, only 13 projects have been completed.
The number of Goans employed by industries approved by the IPB also sparked heated discussion. Godinho stated that 10,832 people were employed, while Chief Minister Pramod Sawant claimed that the figure was 2,899. Sawant added that the government would establish a skilling centre to enhance the availability of skilled manpower in the State.
Addressing the concerns raised, the Fatorda MLA demanded an evaluation report to ascertain the exact number of Goans employed in the industries. The opposition also called for the formation of a House Committee to investigate the matter.
In addition, the Quepem MLA revealed that 16 plots of the Goa IDC in Quitol, Quepem, remained unutilized, and the IPB had struggled to attract investors for development in the area. The Industries Minister reassured that the Goa IDC area in Quitol was essential to the government and promised development efforts.
“We are evaluating different proposals and the government will definitely develop Quitol to ensure balanced development in both districts,” Godinho assured.