Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

At the start of tenure, one major change we made was a realignment of the GCCI committees by disbanding some and introducing some new ones. Also, we had new blood chairing these committees rather than the Managing Committee members as in the past. This time they acted as mentors to these committees. I am sure this will help build up future leadership positions for GCCI. Looking at the success of this action, I am confident the incoming president will like to continue with such plans.

The first few months went off in a jiffy where notable actions were participating in organizing of Vibrant Goa Expo besides successfully getting relief to the already stressed Automobile sector in Goa by slashing the Road Tax by the Goa government. Also being invited for an eventful meeting with the Chairman and members of the 15^th Finance commission to make a case for Goa’s finances was a highlight in my opinion.

All our sub-committees were functioning full throttle by organizing various events, talks, seminars, etc. The first-ever conference of GCCI MC Members and committee chairs was held in January 2020 wherein sharing of work done, plans and ideas were successfully done which added vigor to the working of the committees. First-time cross-interaction of various committees added a lot of value to everyone’s plans.

Then came the unexpected ….…… Covid 19…… to shatter all further plans.

Despite constraints of working during the initial times of lockdown and strict implementation of curfew, the GCCI team was working full-fledged with Chief Minister’s Office, Collectors, and all government departments to ensure minimum damage to the business scenario. Also kudos to the secretariat team for having provided service to our members from their homes despite the difficulties.

During these difficult times, all businesses were going through hardships and it was necessary that the right amount of pressure had to be exerted on the Government to seek whatever relief possible. I am thankful to all industry associations in Goa viz. GSIA, CII, VIA, TTAG, GPMA, etc. for having partnered with GCCI to build a strong case for the industry with the government.

I have to acknowledge that some of the suggestions by GCCI were implemented by the government like the OTS scheme for service tax & vat and points about the amendment in Factories & Boilers Act. However, there were a few pain points which we could not succeed in getting relief for the industry like retrenchment compensation under labor Law and Code on wages.

Last year GCCI members experienced for the first time a virtual AGM and I am afraid it’s going to be repeated this year as well. I thank all the members for their cooperation in this changed way of functioning.

Come November/ December 2020 there were some green shoots seen in the revival of the economy which lasted for about a quarter before the repeated strike of an even deadly version of the Pandemic, the so-called second wave, which once again clogged the wheels of the economy. And this disruption continues till today as I write this note, the last one being your President.

We at GCCI with financial help from our members and well-wishers contributed with our bit to help the stressed health sector in Goa by donating the much-needed oxygen concentrators for the use of the needy by partnering with an NGO,  Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown who are managing the services.

Guess it is time to say goodbye now…. As I conclude, I have to express my sincere gratitude to one and all who helped us out during this period.

Firstly the revamped Bulletin wherein contributions from various writers enriched the contents and contributions from advertisers enhanced the appeal and quality of the monthly publication. Also, an excellent job was done by Bulletin Editor, Deputy Director, GCCI Ms. Pallavi Arondekar.

I am grateful to all Committee Chairmen and members for their unstinted support during my tenure despite these difficult times. A lot of adaptation had to be done in the changing working environment. Whilst all have performed, some have excelled and I have acknowledged them elsewhere in this issue.

My special thanks to our Hon. CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, Industries Minister, Mr. Vishwajeet Rane for having taken matters raised by GCCI in the right spirit and acceding to our requests whenever possible. Also thanks to Chief Secretary, Mr. Parimal Rai,  IAS, and the entire bureaucratic setup of the Government of Goa for their assistance during these times. Special thanks to the Chairman of GIDC Mr. Glen Ticlo and MD, GIDC, and all officers for having considered all suggestions by GCCI positively.

The GCCI Secretariat is one wheel of the Chamber that has that that too runs tirelessly for the success of overall functioning and satisfaction of our members. And I without an iota of doubt I can vouch for the dedicated service rendered by one and all in GCCI Secretariat during my tenure as President.  The leadership team consisting of the then Director-General, ever-smiling, hugely knowledgeable, and ever-dependable Mr. Ramakant S. Kamat, the studious, detailer and perfectionist Director Mr. A.K Banerjee, and the ever-enthusiastic and someone with ‘will do’ attitude  Deputy Director, Ms. Pallavi H. Arondekar along with the entire staff provided impeccable service to the members. They were a huge asset to the functioning of the President’s office without whom it would be practically impossible to function. Now we have a new DG,  Mr. Kishore Shah, and a new Director, Mr. Sanjay Amonkar who I am sure will continue the legacy for the efficient functioning of the secretariat and I am confident that with their experience will add value to overall functioning in these changing times.

I would fail in my duties if I do not acknowledge the unstinted support and valuable inputs received from my elected Managing Committee members as well as co-opted members and invitees. The fruitful discussions in MC meetings were thanks to sharing of ideas by one and all. Also, my office bearers, Vice Presidents, Ralph and Pratima, Hon Secretary, Yatin, and Hon Treasurer Chandrakant stood by me in total solidarity sharing responsibilities to make my tenure a pleasurable one.

As I demit office, I would like to wish the incoming president Mr. Ralph de Souza, and his team of MC members all the very best for their tenure and would like to convey my sincere and humble gratitude to all the members of GCCI for allowing me to lead this premier institution.

Goodbye, and God Bless…..

Best Regards

Manoj M. Caculo