Goa's Industrial Policy: Incentives Over Compulsions

Goa's industrial policy does not mandate local employment but offers incentives for businesses employing over 60% locals. Minister Mauvin Godinho explained in the assembly that emphasis is on encouragement rather than compulsion. An 'exit support scheme' for units allocated land before August 2014 aims at better utilization of non-functional plots.

Goa's industrial policy, as clarified by State Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, does not mandate reservations for local employees but offers significant incentives for businesses that employ over 60% locals.

In his assembly response to BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar, Godinho detailed that the Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy (GIGIPP) 2022 provides increased benefits based on local employment metrics. The Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce encourages hiring more Goan residents, although no proposals exist to make local employment compulsory in the private sector.

Additionally, the 'exit support scheme' by Goa Industrial Development Corporation targets companies allocated land before August 1, 2014, promoting the utilization of non-functional plots to foster new investments and employment opportunities. This scheme is a part of the broader 'ease of doing business' strategy, enhancing governmental revenue through registration and taxes.

(With inputs from agencies.)