GCCI BULLETIN JANUARY 2021
19TH FEBRUARY 2021
Dear Members,
It’s 2021. Dawn of a new decade, truly a new dawn. Technology has been the game changer and only technology enabled us to be connected – globally, nationally, and locally. We truly became a global village in one of the darkest times mankind has faced.
If anything this pandemic has taught us to mitigate disaster, it is lessons in transparency, self-belief, cooperation, and innovation. Adapting to the changed circumstances and adopting technology is what has seen us through. Had we stayed disconnected, aloof, and insulated, I shudder to think of the consequences.
While most organizations have struggled and juggled with limited resources and some with zero income, some organizations have tried their best to protect their employees. There were retrenchments in unavoidable cases but other options were explored too. So everyone has I think, tried to put their best foot forward.
Things on the economic front are however far from normal. The once-thriving tourism industry in Goa is crippled badly owing to restrictions on international travel. And other than the pharma industry, most other sectors in Goa are struggling to survive. GCCI has been repeatedly petitioning the government with industry issues so that industry receives the much-needed support at this time to carry on.
This month we have petitioned the JERC to retain the tariff of 2019-20 to enable the revival of economic activity in the state. Once the economic activity picks up, the government revenue will automatically go up. Even for domestic LT consumers having consumption of more than 200 units a month (about 85-95% of LT Consumers), we have requested JERC to consider an upward revision of base units, currently at 200, if the billing is going to be made non-telescopic.
This month, the State Government has requested GCCI feedback from various sectors of the industry for EODB (ease of doing business). And GCCI has, as always, been proactive on that front.
EODB can start from very small things that affect a trader to an MNC. This month, affected by changes in municipal laws, the trader’s body approached GCCI for intervention & help. While GCCI agrees that certainly the local administration and the municipalities need revenue and need to weed out those subverting the law, the matter has to be implemented after proper studies and involvement of stakeholders. In this case, different municipalities have adopted slightly different policies from time to time. Therefore it cannot be a ‘one size fits all solution. GCCI appreciates the government’s stand to clean the system at the same time, the plight of small traders who are sincerely conducting their business cannot be ignored. We have requested the Hon’ble Chief Minister to ensure a humane solution to a vexing problem and are glad that these proposed amendments are shelved for the time being.
Industry and government share the common goal of a healthy economy. So as Covid 19 has taught us, transparency and co-operation are most important. Agility – quick responses to an issue is an added requirement in the new fast-paced economy.
We are optimistic that the pending matters of our various representation will be addressed by the Government before the end of this fiscal to provide the much-needed soothing remedy to the already reeling local economy.
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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GOA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
Narayan Rajaram Bandekar Bhavan, T.B. Cunha Road, Panaji, Goa