‘Budget should focus on farming, bizwomen, IT’

Panaji: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) urged chief minister Pramod Sawant to address funding gaps in MSME, farming, and skill development in its pre-budget recommendations. Assocham Goa council chairman Manguirish Pai Raiker urged state govt to focus on women’s empowerment.

“Awareness and funding to the rural sector, especially farmers, are lacking. Govt should extend the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) scheme, which offers low-interest loans meant for MSME, to the farming sector as well,” said Raiker.

Govt should promote manufacturing, including drone development, pharmaceuticals, and the defence sector. Raiker said by promoting ancillary MSMEs for these sectors, more employment can be generated.

The industry body also said govt should identify land for cold chains close to farms, warehousing, cargo stations, and truck terminals to boost logistics and exports in Goa.

“Budget may be availed to establish a dedicated AI innovation lab within govt to foster research, collaboration, and deployment of AI solutions tailored for governance and a Centre of Excellence in Drone Technology to drive innovation, research, and development in the field,” said Sagar Salgaokar, deputy chairman of Assocham Goa council.

The body has also requested budgetary allocation for women enterprises. Salgaokar said that govt must support micro and small women-led businesses with subsidies, incentives, and mentorship.

“Further, there must be efforts to bridge the credit gaps in women by promoting financial inclusion and organising awareness programmes. Many SHGs struggle to get bank loans due to a lack of collateral, rigid eligibility criteria, and complex documentation. The sanctioned loan amounts are often inadequate to meet the SHGs’ business expansion or livelihood needs,” said Raiker.