Goa govt offers 20 industrial plots for cos headed by women

Panaji: As part of govt’s initiative to promote women entrepreneurs, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has announced that 20 industrial plots are available for women-led enterprises at some of Goa’s major industrial estates.

The plots are being offered on a special lease, and the plot allottees will not be allowed to transfer the plots during the first 10 years of the lease term.

“Woman-led enterprises shall mean a proprietorship firm owned by a woman or a partnership firm, society, or trust in which women are entitled to at least 51% of the profits, or a corporation in which women hold at least 51% of voting rights,” said GIDC managing director Pravimal Abhishek.

The plots for women have been earmarked for lease at Pissurlem, Kundaim, Panchwadi, Madkaim, Verna, Honda, and Tuem industrial estates.

The plot sizes range from 600sqm to 2,990sqm, while the rates stand between Rs 1,070 per sqm and Rs 2,810 per sqm. Verna Industrial Estate, which is the most developed industrial estate in the state, commands a higher price.

“These plots, with their strategic location and potential for growth, offer a unique opportunity for industrial development,” said Abhishek.

The last date to apply for these plots is March 31.

The allotment of plots shall be done according to the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Allotment, Transfer, and Sub-Lease) Regulations, 2023.

Recently, industries minister Mauvin Godinho said that women applicants seeking small industrial plots will receive priority over other entrepreneurs while allotting plots. Godinho said that this was being done to boost women’s participation in Goa’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

Increased inclusion of women in industry will contribute to economic growth and entrepreneurship in the state, Godinho said. At the last Goa Industrial Development Corporation board meeting, the board passed a resolution that 30% of the plots have to be given to women entrepreneurs.