GCCI BULLETIN MARCH-APR-MAY 2020
06TH JULY 2020
Dear members,
I am pleased to communicate with you after a gap of over three months. Probably the longest three months in our lives where the world has changed, the way we look at life has changed, the way we do business has changed, the way we socialize has changed. And guess this change is here to stay. Who had in his/her wildest dreams ever imagined that these times will come in our life span? The deadly word “Corona Virus” has engulfed the thought process of the entire humanity whether economically or socially.
There might be a difference of opinion on the decisions and actions of the central government in the handling of the pandemic but we have to agree that India has shown more resistance than some parts of the world despite its mammoth population. On the economic revival front again, there will be different opinions on the Finance Ministry announcements but I feel that there isn’t enough done to generate demand in the economy. The success or otherwise of various schemes to help the industry will be evident sooner than later.
The issue of exodus of migrants cris- crossing the country could also be better handled to help the industry start once lockdown is lifted. As we all have realized now, this exodus has crippled the industry thus prolonging its revival.
Back home in Goa, first, we have to acknowledge that the Goa Government under the leadership of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Mr. Vishwajeet Rane has done a commendable job in handling the pandemic. Kudos also to the team of bureaucrats led by Chief Secretary Mr. Parimal Rai and Health Secretary Ms. Nila Mohanan and the entire frontline workers, Doctors, Paramedics, Police, Health workers, etc for working tirelessly during all these times.
In the same breath, I would like to mention that Goa Government has not decided on any sort of relief to
the industry despite our various representations throughout the lockdown period. Various appeals were made and the relief sought from different Government departments is detailed elsewhere in this bulletin. We will be making one last effort jointly along with all major industry associations to impress upon the Government the urgent need to decide in the matter as failure to do so will put a lot of businesses and manufacturing units on the verge of closure resulting in huge unemployment.
Although most of the businesses have commenced operations barring the tourism industry-related units, the economic viability is a big question mark. For example, the curfew beyond 9 pm has made the Retail & Restaurant industry unviable. Let’s hope that all these points are taken into consideration whilst amending the Lockdown norms next.
To conclude, I urge all of you to stay safe and take care.
Best Regards
Manoj M. Caculo
ABOUT GGCI
Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) is Goa’s premier non-profit business, support-services and networking organization. We represent and liaise with SME’s, Corporate Organisations and Government bodies.
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