Rajiv Gandhi IT habitat set to return to Goa

Panaji, Oct 6 (PTI) The Rajiv Gandhi IT habitat in Goa,
which was abandoned almost four years ago following violent
protests, is all set to make a comeback with the state
government announcing financial incentives for companies who
complete their work in the next five years.
The state Cabinet recently approved phase-wise waiver of
penal interest for the IT firms which had purchased the plots
in the information technology park near here and are yet to
commence their activities due to several bottlenecks.
The government data revealed that out of total 22 plots
here, 20 were given to 17 allottees collecting premium, lease
rent and licence fees to the tune of Rs 89.66 crores
approximately.
The plan worked out by the state government makes it
mandatory for the companies to complete their buildings within
a period of five years.
The ambitious project was formally inaugurated by
Congress president Sonia Gandhi in 2006 but work on it was
stopped in December 2007 due to violent protests that had
damaged the project infrastructure.
The state government-promoted Information Technology Goa
(ITG), which is handling this project, had recommended to the
government that financial incentives should be provided in
order to restart the project.
The Cabinet has approved that the ITG should waive off
penal interest to the tune of Rs 6.89 crores for these
companies.
ITG officials said that after the protests the companies
had virtually stalled their plans and their dues have piled up
to Rs 106 crores which they owe to the state government.
The Goa government has worked a 'non-discretionary' and
'non-discriminatory' special incentive scheme for the plot
allottees. The companies will have their total cent per cent
of the interest on dues waived, of which 25 per cent will come
on approval of building plans and completion of formalities by
October 31.
Further, 25 per cent waiver would be allowed on
completion of the plinth area within a period not exceeding
one year by October 31, 2012. Also, 50 per cent waiver will
be given on completion of buildings in all respects and
obtaining occupancy certificate from ITG within five years.
A senior official said such an incentive was required as
government wants the IT habitat to take shape as soon as
possible.
"There is utter need to create employment in the state
through IT firms, which can be satisfied through this
project," the official said. PTI RPS
MNS