GCCI BULLETIN MARCH 2021
14TH APRIL 2021
Dear Members,
As this financial year c o m e s to an e n d, unfortunately, we are seeing an increased number of Covid 19 cases in the state of Goa as well as the whole country. Some states are contemplating a lockdown, partial or total. But honestly, I feel that lockdown is not the solution and if done it will only cripple the economy further. Hence an earnest appeal to all to please follow the SOPs prescribed to avoid further spread and get vaccinated immediately if you are eligible.
I would like to congratulate the Women’s Wing of GCCI on completing 15 eventful years of promoting women’s entrepreneurship. Special congratulations to past Chairpersons Mrs. Varsha Pai Raikar, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, Mrs. Manisha Naik. Mrs. Jennifer Kamat Lewis and current Chairperson Mrs. Pallavi Salgaoncar.
As the financial year ends there were a lot of GST compliances to be met by the businesses and there were also going to change effective 1st April 2021 in the GST implementation. GCCI took the initiative to inform and educate all our members on these matters well within time which was appreciated by one and all.
The most important agenda for the month was the Goa state budget to be presented by Hon. Chief Minister. On collating various inputs received from our members and industry at large we prepared a very exhaustive pre-budget Memorandum covering several aspects and the same was presented to the Chief Minister. Some of the issues covered were upgrading the Power Infrastructure in the state, meeting the firefighting norms in industrial estates, speedy allotment of lands re-acquired from SEZ developers, formation of a task force to revive sick units in industrial estates, minimum 50% procurement by Govt. from Goan entrepreneurs, immediate formation of Goa Tourism Board plus numerous other matters related to the tourism sector.
We also pitched in for a reduction in infrastructure tax and stamp duty for the Real Estate sector. There were also suggestions for the Agriculture sector for promotion of organic farming, weekly farmers markets, support to local farmers, etc. The representation also emphasized the necessity of providing hostels for women working in industrial estates and other benefits for women entrepreneurs.
When ultimately the budget was presented in a marathon speech by Hon. Chief Minister, without mincing words I would like to say that we as a Business and Industry felt neglected & left out. Out of all the demands only relief relating to the real estate sector was partially granted by reducing the infrastructure tax. Also, our suggestion of forming a Task Force for reviving sick units was considered. There was also a minor relief to the tourism sector by way of interest subvention on loans to hotels and reduction of lending/parking fees for Charter Aircrafts. There was a mention of some schemes/reliefs/subsidy/infrastructure but unfortunately, the corresponding financial provision was lacking.
The long-pending issue of the mining ban was made mentioned by announcing the formation of Goa State Mining Corporation. However, the details are unknown as yet whether this will benefit the leaseholders, employees, and mining dependents.
Overall from the point of rejuvenating the Industrial sector, this budget left a lot to be desired.
As I conclude, let’s wish, hope, and pray that the new financial year will bring stability, growth & prosperity to one and all.
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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