Tag: GCCI

Business

GCCI Women’s Wing Hosts TechShe Digital Transformation Training in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association, organised the TechShe Program – “Basic and Advanced Digital Transformation Training” on February 17, 2026, at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall.

Chairperson Sandra Fernandes welcomed the participants, while GCCI President Pratima Dhond addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of equipping women entrepreneurs with digital skills to remain competitive in an evolving business landscape.

The programme was graced by Chief Guest Ranjita Pai, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, and Guest of Honour K. Ratna Prabha, IAS (Retd.), Founder President of the Ubuntu Consortium. Jyoti Balakrishna, Founder and Honorary Secretary of the Ubuntu Consortium, was also present.

The training session was conducted by Resource Person Deepali Gotadke, who shared practical insights on building a strong digital presence, effectively using social media platforms and adopting digital payment systems to support business growth. The session was interactive and well received by participants.

Gouri R. Joshi, Vice Chairperson, introduced the Guest of Honour, while Clare D’Souza introduced the Chief Guest. The programme was compered by Adv. Adbrona Vaz e Valadares. Women’s Wing members Pallavi Salgaocar, Deepali Naik and Simran Dhond were also present. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Co-Chairperson Adv. Poonam Ajgaonkar.

The programme was generously sponsored by Dr. Celso Fernandes of Nave Marg Financial Services, who also addressed the gathering on financial discipline and the importance of long-term savings. Certificates were distributed to participants at the conclusion of the event. The programme was coordinated by Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

Business

Mining-Affected Borrowers in Goa Urged to Be Given Lenient Treatment by Banks

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Speaking at a function organised by a prominent bank, Chandrakant Gawas, Chair of the GCCI Logistics Committee, urged financial institutions to take a lenient and supportive view of borrowers affected by the prolonged downturn in Goa’s mining sector. Highlighting the gradual revival of mining operations, he stressed the need for banks to rework stressed assets, restructure loans, and consider fresh contracts to aid the sector’s recovery.


Gawas noted that mining plays a significant role in Goa’s economy and that years of halted operations have severely impacted borrowers linked to the sector. With mining activity resuming, he said it was an opportune moment for lenders to revisit stressed accounts and adopt solutions that benefit both borrowers and financial institutions.

According to available data, four mining blocks are currently operational in Goa, with iron ore production expected to cross 10 million tonnes in the current financial year. The mining sector has an estimated ₹5,000 crore worth of loans classified as stressed assets, affecting nearly 1,500 borrowers who continue to face repayment challenges due to the earlier downturn.

He also acknowledged the proactive efforts of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in supporting mining-affected borrowers. Gawas noted that the Government of Goa has rolled out several relief measures aimed at easing financial distress and reviving livelihoods in mining-dependent regions.

These measures include the extension of the debt relief scheme with a 35 per cent loan subsidy, full waiver of interest, and partial waiver of principal amounts—up to 40 per cent for truck owners and 30 per cent for barge owners. Financial assistance amounting to ₹147.73 crore has been provided to 6,999 truck owners, while ₹20.96 crore has been extended to 2,000 mining-affected workers. Additionally, mining leases are being made operational in phases to enable employment revival by 2026, and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds are being utilised for infrastructure development, water supply, and desilting of agricultural land in mining-affected areas.

Emphasising a collaborative approach, Gawas urged banks to avoid coercive recovery measures and instead focus on sustainable solutions. He appealed to lenders to rework stressed assets with flexible repayment terms, restructure loans based on fresh contracts and production forecasts, avoid liquidation of pledged assets where possible, and adopt a lenient outlook aimed at long-term recovery. He also called for greater focus on supporting borrowers in mining-dependent rural areas.

The appeal, he said, is intended to foster cooperation between banks, borrowers, and the government, ensuring that the revival of mining translates into broader economic recovery for Goa.

Travel

GCCI Seeks Alternative Route on NH-66 for Smooth Movement of Air Cargo; North Goa Collector Responds Positively

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken up the urgent issue of restricted movement of heavy commercial vehicles on NH-66, which has been adversely affecting air cargo operations to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa.


A GCCI delegation comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Foreign Trade Officer Mr. Sanket Kaskar, GCCI; along with representatives from GMR, Mr. Purshottam and Mr. Satyajeet, met Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, to discuss the operational challenges faced by exporters and importers due to traffic restrictions and ongoing infrastructure works on NH-66.

During the meeting, GCCI highlighted the severe difficulties faced by six-wheeler and above commercial vehicles transporting time-sensitive air cargo, particularly from key industrial estates. The restrictions have significantly impacted sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce, where strict adherence to flight cut-off timings is critical.

GCCI requested the notification and opening of an alternative route on NH-66 to ensure uninterrupted daytime movement of heavy commercial vehicles, smooth connectivity to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, removal of abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic, and prevention of garbage dumping along the highway.

The delegation also drew attention to the increasing number of accidents on the Porvorim road amid ongoing infrastructure works. GCCI urged the deployment of dedicated traffic police personnel, stricter speed monitoring, improved road signage, creation of dedicated lanes where feasible, and awareness initiatives to promote safer road usage.

Emphasizing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure, GCCI called for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa to address traffic congestion and unregulated parking. The Chamber further highlighted the issue of indiscriminate garbage dumping along highways, posing hygiene and safety risks, and sought stricter enforcement and improved waste management measures.

Additionally, GCCI requested stricter traffic regulation on the Dayanand Bandodkar Road from Divja Circle to the ferry point, where continuous traffic congestion is observed due to irregular parking and traffic rule violations. The Chamber also informed the Collector about rent-a-car vehicles and taxis occupying parking spaces in city areas, inconveniencing citizens visiting for work, and sought strict action against such violations.

Responding positively, Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments to arrive at a practical and workable solution. The proposed measures are expected to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement of goods to the GMR-operated Manohar International Airport, Mopa, thereby strengthening Goa’s air cargo ecosystem.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee, stated that improved logistics connectivity is crucial for sustaining Goa’s competitiveness in exports and trade. GCCI also expressed its willingness to participate in joint inspections or surveys to identify the most feasible alternative routes.

The initiative is expected to bring significant relief to exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, and logistics operators, reinforcing Goa’s position as a reliable hub for trade and air cargo movement.

Business

GCCI Welcomes Union Budget 2026–27, Calls It a Major Boost to India’s Economy

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Goa | February 1, 2026:
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, terming it a major boost to India’s economy and a positive step towards sustainable and inclusive growth.

GCCI organised a live viewing of the Union Budget presented by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, followed by a press conference where leading representatives from Goa’s business and industrial community shared their insights on the Budget’s implications for the state and the nation.

Welcoming the Budget, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, said that the Budget is growth-oriented and addresses the aspirations of the common people while reinforcing the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. She highlighted targeted interventions across six key areas, including rejuvenation of legacy industries, creation of champion MSMEs, infrastructure development, long-term economic security, city economic regions, and industry-led research and training centres to build a skilled workforce. She also noted that initiatives such as Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI tool integrating the agri-stack, and the establishment of She Marts will empower women entrepreneurs.

Mr. Yatin Kakodkar, Vice-President, GCCI, described the Budget as progressive and forward-looking, reflecting India’s readiness for the next phase of growth. He appreciated the Government’s success in maintaining the fiscal deficit at around 4% and welcomed the focus on infrastructure, SMEs, tourism, waterways, east–west corridors, and medical tourism, all of which are expected to directly benefit Goa’s economy.

Dr. Sangam Kurade, Vice-President, GCCI, observed that the projected growth of 7.4% is a result of earlier policy announcements. He stated that proposals related to tourism, youth skilling, hospitality institutes, upskilling of manpower, and promotion of the orange economy will significantly benefit Goa.

Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar, Past President, GCCI, noted that the Budget builds upon previous reforms and contributes meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasised that Goa must effectively leverage opportunities arising from tourism and youth-focused schemes to scale its economy further.

Representing the taxation and financial services perspective, Mr. Raghunath Bhanap, Secretary, GCCI and Chairman, Taxation & Financial Services Committee, highlighted several reform-oriented measures, including reduced import dependency, strengthened MSMEs, mandatory PSU procurement through TReDS-registered suppliers, integration of GeM with TReDS, reduced TCS on foreign tours, PAN replacing TAN in several processes, and treating receivables as assets for improved credit flow. He stressed that timely implementation will be key.

Mr. Vishwabhan Bhopte welcomed simplification measures under the Income Tax framework, including centralised filing of Form 15H, revised filing timelines, and simplified return forms, stating that these will reduce compliance burden for taxpayers.

Mr. Shripad Parab, President, AGTPA, observed that the Budget aligns with projected growth estimates and fiscal deficit targets. He welcomed reduced TCS, simplified income tax procedures, new schemes for small taxpayers, and the ambitious GST revenue target.

Overall, GCCI leaders expressed optimism that the Union Budget 2026–27 will drive economic growth, promote innovation, strengthen the business ecosystem, and positively impact Goa and the nation.

EduConnect

GCCI Holds Fifth Consumer Awareness Programme on Misleading Advertisements at DMC College, Mapusa

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Mapusa, January 19, 2026: The Consumer Protection Committee of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) organised its fifth consumer awareness programme in collaboration with the Consumer Welfare Cell of Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre (DMC), Mapusa, on the topic “Consumer Awareness on Misleading Advertisements.” The programme was held at the college conference room and was attended by B.Com Part III students.


The objective of the programme was to familiarise students with the legal provisions relating to misleading advertisements under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and to sensitise them to their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Principal Prof. D. B. Arolkar, who underlined the importance of being vigilant and responsible consumers. He highlighted how misleading advertisements influence consumer behaviour and the potential impact they can have on purchasing decisions.

Ms. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, GCCI, addressed the gathering next, introducing the members of her team and elaborating on the role played by GCCI in promoting consumer awareness and safeguarding consumer interests.

The Deputy Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldesai, served as the resource person for the programme and was formally introduced by Mr. Tushar Karmalkar. In his session, Mr. Phaldesai delivered an informative and engaging talk on common malpractices adopted by sellers to mislead consumers, including bait-and-switch advertising, false “free” claims, advertisements targeting children, and surrogate advertising.

He also explained the procedure for filing consumer complaints through the e-Jagriti portal and guided students on identifying the appropriate consumer forums for grievance redressal.

The programme was attended by GCCI members Mr. K. S. Nair, Co-Chairperson, and Mr. Nitin Maganlal, whose presence added value to the session.

Around 60 students and eight staff members participated in the lecture, which was well received for its practical insights and clarity on consumer rights and legal remedies.

The programme was compered by Ms. Sailee Velip, while Ms. Jaya G. Prabhu Parrikar, Convenor of the Consumer Welfare Cell, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, GCCI members and all participants for the successful conduct of the programme.