Draft industrial plan to focus on IT, tourism

Draft industrial plan to focus on IT, tourism

January 6, 2013

 TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Since the mining industry, which is the backbone of the Goan economy, is dogged with uncertainty, the State government plans to change tracks and formulate a draft industrial policy with information technology (IT) and tourism, as thrust areas to generate increased revenue and employment.

Speaking to Herald, Industries Minister Mahadev Naik informed that the draft industrial policy, with major emphasis on setting up non-polluting and employment generating industrial units in Goa, was already drafted and forwarded to the chief minister for approval.

However, he said, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar wanted that the policy should have more thrust on the IT and tourism sector. “We have a team of experts who are discussing this issue. We are looking at areas in which we are lagging behind and with mining coming to halt, we need to lay more emphasis on revenue generating areas,” the minister stated.

Naik said that the policy, which was supposed to be finalized by January-end, would be now delayed by another month or two.

The minister said the government is basically aiming at setting up moderate-sized IT and ITES firms, pharmaceuticals and tourism-related industries.

Naik said that the forthcoming industrial policy, also aims at deterring migrant labour from coming into the state. “Industrialization is the only option to mining. The sector will help in generating revenue along with creating job opportunities to mining dependent persons,” he said.

The minister in the past had announced doubling the industrial estate units in the State. Currently Goa has 22 industrial estates mostly located in the hinterland.