A delegation of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), comprising Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, and Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director, met Hon’ble Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Goa, Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and submitted a representation highlighting several important issues affecting Goa’s economic growth, industrial development and infrastructure. The delegation requested the Hon’ble Member of Parliament to raise these matters in Parliament and pursue them with the respective Central Ministries for their early resolution.
The delegation highlighted the need for direct international flight connectivity between Goa and Southeast Asian destinations, particularly Singapore. It was pointed out that despite Goa having two international airports, there are no direct flights to this important region. Such connectivity would significantly boost tourism, business travel, investment, trade, and cultural exchanges while creating additional employment opportunities in the State.
The GCCI also expressed concern over the recent amendment to the Solar Net Metering Regulations by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which restricts net metering capacity to a maximum of 500 kWp irrespective of the sanctioned electrical load. The Chamber stated that this restriction discourages industries from investing in renewable energy and runs contrary to the national objective of promoting clean and sustainable energy. The Hon’ble MP was requested to take up the matter with the Ministry of Power and JERC for reconsideration of the provision.
The delegation further urged the need for the urgent improvement of road connectivity between Goa and Belagavi, which serves as a vital economic corridor for the movement of industrial raw materials, agricultural produce, essential commodities and tourists. GCCI requested intervention with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the National Highways Authority of India for expeditious repairs of damaged stretches, widening of bottleneck sections and ensuring safe, efficient and all-weather connectivity.
The Chamber also drew attention to the need for expediting the development of Berth No. 9 at Mormugao Port Authority to enhance exports of iron ore and other cargo. It further highlighted that container cargo operations at Berths No. 10 and 11 have still not commenced despite being entrusted to a private operator. The delay has compelled exporters and importers to depend on ports outside Goa, resulting in higher logistics costs and loss of business opportunities. GCCI requested the Hon’ble MP to impress upon the Central Government and the concerned authorities to commence container operations at the earliest and develop Mormugao Port as a full-fledged multi-cargo and container handling port.
The Chamber also appealed for relief to thousands of mining-dependent stakeholders—including barge owners, truck operators, machinery owners, contractors, transporters and entrepreneurs—who had borrowed from banks exclusively for mining-related activities and suffered financial distress due to the prolonged suspension of mining. It was requested that such borrowers should not be treated as wilful defaulters, as their inability to repay loans arose from circumstances beyond their control.
The GCCI emphasised that these issues have a direct bearing on Goa’s economic development, industrial competitiveness, employment generation, infrastructure development and ease of doing business. The Chamber requested Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade to pursue these matters with the concerned Ministries and raise them in Parliament to secure timely policy interventions.
Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade assured the delegation that he would examine each of the issues in detail and take up the matters with the appropriate Ministries and authorities at the Centre.
The GCCI expressed its gratitude to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament for his valuable time and positive response, and reaffirmed its commitment to extending full cooperation by providing any additional information or technical inputs required for pursuing these issues in the interest of Goa’s economy and business community.
