GIDC pitches 50% fee waiver for online building nods

Panaji: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has proposed a new initiative aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt digital processes for faster project clearances and to revive defunct industrial units across the state.The scheme, tentatively scheduled to take effect from Nov 15, seeks to promote greater use of the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS) among industrial units, architects, and consultants. It also intends to facilitate the revival and reconstruction of sick or non-operational industrial units, ensuring productive use of scarce industrial land.Under the proposal, the corporation plans to offer a 50% waiver on construction licence fees for all applications submitted through OBPAS for one year.

Initially, the GIDC proposed to offer a 100% waiver on construction licence fees, but the board reconsidered this at the recent board meeting.“Waiver of construction licence fees for one year represents a short-term revenue concession by GIDC. However, the initiative is expected to generate significant long-term financial benefits through enhanced industrial activity and operational units, increased occupancy, and utilisation of industrial plots,” said a GIDC document.

The GIDC expects greater revenue inflow from ancillary charges, rentals, and employment generation within industrial estates. The scheme will apply to all allottees of plots and sheds within GIDC-managed industrial estates who intend to submit or resubmit building plans for construction, reconstruction, or expansion. It further seeks to motivate plot holders to achieve at least 30% built-up area within prescribed timelines, thereby enhancing productivity, employment generation, and industrial output.Applicants will also be required to comply with all relevant building codes, statutory provisions, and environmental regulations, said a board member. The proposal was tabled at the corporation’s 399th board of directors meeting and is expected to form part of GIDC’s broader strategy to encourage digital governance and accelerate industrial growth.Last year, the GIDC introduced the exit support scheme for the 400-odd industrial units and plots that are either shut or unutilised. It offered such “sick industrial units” a way to exit business