Goa to propose for food processing units: CM

Panaji, Aug 26: As part of its drive to boost non-polluting industries in this international tourist destination, the Goa government is engaged in preparing proposals to the Centre for opening food processing units, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said.

Replying to a debate on budget demand for industries tonight, the Chief Minister said the scope for food processing industries in the state was very high and hence the proposals are being prepared which would be sent to the Centre for clearance.

Reiterating his government's resolve not to have any SEZ indeference to the public wishes, the Chief Minister said he had made it clear to the Centre, including Union Minister for Commerce Kamal Nath pleading for revocation of the SEZs allocated for Goa.

He added that he had directed the state industries development corporation to revoke the land allotted to the SEZ developers and asserted that the state would face the challenge of the developers in the court of law.

Mr Kamat told the House that the government had taken back land earmarked for 25 industries which did not utilise it for the purpose it was meant for.

He vowed to take all steps necessary for encouraging the industries in the state within the constraints, besides trying to revive and restore sick units with confidence building measures initiated among the industrialists attracting investments.

With this, the German auto gaint Bosch had recently come forward to open its second unit in Goa, even as the government was trying to reopen the quality testing and tool laboratory at Kundai industrial estate on the public private partnership model.

At the same time, the government started encouraging self-help groups by opening two outlets in north and south Goa, besides directing the five star hotels to open counters to accommodate the groups.

UNI