Staff Reporter
Panaji
The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) on Wednesday stated that it is functioning in a transparent manner and all work contracts are granted through the tendering process, after the All Goa Excavator Owners’ Association (AGEOA) alleged that migrant contractors were given priority over Goan operators for excavation contracts.
GIDC, during its 395th board meeting, also formalised the standard operating practice (SOP) for use of excavated soil in industrial estates generated during construction activities of companies. The SOPs state that all excavated soil from construction will henceforth be considered as GIDC’s property and used for development purposes, viz. landfilling, strengthening the roads, etc.
The SOPs clarify that no private entity, contractor, or industrial plot holder will be permitted to transport excavated soil outside the industrial estate. They state that GIDC, with the approval of the board, will undertake interstate transfers of excavated soil by taking the soil to another industrial estate where it is required for filling or development works.
The SOPs are aimed at ensuring orderly and equitable use of excavated soil across estates and preventing unauthorised movement of soil, said GIDC officials.
Industry Minister Mauvin Godinho chaired the board meeting in the presence of GIDC Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Industry Secretary Suneel Anchipaka, GIDC Managing Director Pravimal Abhishek, Director of Industries Asvin Chandru, senior government officials, and industry representatives.
Post the board meeting, Godinho pointed out that GIDC’s functioning is online, with plot availability disclosed on the website.
It may be noted that the AGEOA had claimed that Goan excavators are constantly sidelined despite following all legal procedures. Contracts are awarded based on favouritism and connections, not merit or transparency, said the association. The excavator owners had threatened mass agitation if their concerns were not addressed promptly.
“Excavator owners cannot make baseless statements and threaten to create a potential law and order problem in industrial estates,” said Lourenco. “GIDC does not give contracts for excavation. It gives work orders only on tendering and not through nomination,” he said.
