Panaji: The industrial players in Goa has expressed their unhappiness over the treatment meted out to them by the State government, even during the pandemic times, they this sector can be looked upon to revive the economy.
Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) during its virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday opined that the recent move by Goa government to amend, Industrial Disputes Act, would be deterrent to attract industrial investment in the State.
“During the question and answer session, some of the members were sceptical of Government’s intentions. Inspite of the fact that the economy of the State now largely depends on Industrial Sector, the Government gives scant attention to the industries,” GSIA President Vishwanath Kochrekar told reporters after the AGM.
“Many members voiced their concern over introduction of the Industrial Disputes (Goa Amendment) Bill 2020 in spite of joint representation by GSIA, Goa chamber of Comerce and Industries (GCCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII),” he said.
“The amendment to Section 25F of the Act, which enhances the payment of compensation to workers from present 15 days of wages to 45 days of wages, will destroy MSME sector in Goa,” Kochrekar said.
He said that in spite of all our efforts, Government did not heed to the request of industrialists.
“The enhancing of compensation under Industrial Disputes Act, will be counterproductive to State’s plan to attract investment. It will deter investors from setting up industrial units in Goa,” he commented.
“Why should an investor invest in Goa when the industrial law is much better in other States? This is the question which will worry many of the industrial units who had planned expansion of their facilities in Goa,” he said.
During the AGM, Kochkar advised the entrepreneurs to learn to live with COVID-19 pandemic. He said that industries must ensure that all the guidelines of the Government and the SOP circulated by GSIA should be meticulously followed. He warned that any concealment of positive cases will adversely affect the other workers, their families and will also affect industrial activity in the State.
