Porvorim, Mar 30 (TOI): Chief minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday assured the Goa legislative assembly of framing proper guidelines to allot Goa industrial development corporation (GIDC) plots for industries, including the stipulation to take back the plot if the promoter does not start the project within three years.

Kamat's assurance came following a starred question by Saligao BJP MLA Dilip Parulekar who sought to highlight that many industrial plots in Goa are lying idle because the industries to whom the plots were allotted, have not started their projects for long periods of time. In his written reply, the chief minister, who is also the industries minister stated that 13 industrial plots allotted to various companies have not been in use for more than five years. Kamat also revealed that 14 industrial plots allotted to various companies have not been in use for more than 10 years and 12 plots have been taken back.

Facing a barrage of criticism from the opposition for not effectively monitoring the unutilized plots in Goa industrial estates thereby depriving genuine industries from doing business, Kamat said that after the government realized that many allottees had not utilized their plots, the government sent them notices. Invariably, the companies sought more time to start their ventures. That is why, the government appointed a task force comprising representatives from the Goa chamber of commerce and industry as well as from the small industries association to study the problem and suggest a fool-proof system for allotting and taking back the industrial plots.

Kamat said that the report of the task force is almost ready and the government will act on it as soon as it is presented.

But opposition leader Manohar Parrikar kept up the pressure on the chief minister saying the government had no clear guidelines in the allotment of plots. Parrikar demanded that the government frame guidelines giving priority to Goans in the allotment of plots in industrial estates of Goa. The Canacona BJP MLA Vijay Pai Khot also demanded that if the company does not start his venture within two years, the plot be taken back and given to some other company that will utilize the plot more fruitfully.

Saligao BJP MLA Dilip Parulekar said he had applied for a plot at the Pilerne industrial estate three years ago but no plot had been allotted to him.

Parulekar alleged that some of the Rajasthani marble dealers at the Pilerne industrial estate approached him saying they could obtain a plot for him if he paid up .Rs 3 lakh. Parulekar and other opposition members also alleged that some officials of the GIDC each hold five industrial plots in their names.

Even speaker Pratapsing Rane intervened to state that some former MLAs hold industrial plots without utilizing them. Responding to the chief minister's statement that priority could be given to MLAs in the allotment of industrial plots, Parrikar refuted saying they need be treated on par with other applicants.

Parrikar also demanded that the GIDC's policy on land allotment and other details be made available online to ensure transparency in the department.