Tag: GCCI

Social

GCCI Women’s Wing Organizes UdyamStree Loan Fair on Women Entrepreneurs Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

On the occasion of Women Entrepreneurs Day, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with DRDA South, successfully organized the UdyamStree Loan Fair. The event brought together 10 leading banks, including Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Goa Urban Cooperative Bank, Punjab National Bank, Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, and The Bicholim Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd, alongside aspiring women business owners, to facilitate access to finance and mentorship for women-led enterprises.

The programme witnessed participation from over 100 attendees, including representatives from various banks, state officials, and members of the GCCI Women’s Wing Committee such as Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson; Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar; Deepali Naik; CA Swatee Rane; Ms. Clare De Souza; Ms. Gouri Joshi; Ms. Lavanya Shet; Adv. Adbrona Vaz; Ms. Nandita Pinto Dayal; and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

Ms. Sandra Fernandes welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of Women Entrepreneurs Day and the role of UdyamStree Loan Fairs in strengthening the economic ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The Chief Guest, Ms. Ranjita Pai, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, urged banks to streamline credit facilities for women-led enterprises and highlighted various government schemes supporting women entrepreneurs.

During the fair, each participating bank presented a concise overview of its loan products, focusing on interest rates, collateral requirements, and fee structures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with bank representatives in one-on-one sessions to discuss tailored financial solutions. Adv. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chair of GCCI-WW, proposed a vote of thanks, and CA Swatee Rane compered the event, ensuring a smooth and informative programme.

The UdyamStree Loan Fair successfully provided women entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and financial access necessary to scale their businesses, reaffirming GCCI Women’s Wing’s commitment to empowering women in the economic landscape.

Business

GCCI’s 2nd Consumer Protection Awareness Programme Empowers Students and Locals at Dhargal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), through its Consumer Protection Committee, organized its 2nd Awareness Programme on Consumer Protection for the B.Com students of DMC College, Mapusa. The event was held on 7th November 2025 at the Shree Shantadurga Devasthan Hall, Dhargal, and aimed to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities among students, faculty members, and local villagers.

Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldesai, Assistant Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, was the Guest Speaker for the programme. He delivered an insightful and interactive session on the importance of consumer awareness and the mechanisms available for grievance redressal. Mr. Phaldesai provided an overview of the consumer movement in India, tracing its historical evolution and emphasizing the enactment of the Consumer Protection Acts of 1986 and 2019. He elaborated on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and encouraged participants to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their interests.

The programme began with a welcome address by Mrs. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee. Mr. Amit Sawant, a member of the Committee and Deputy Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, shared insights on the significance and definition of consumer protection. The dais also included Committee Member Prof. Subhash Kavthankar, Prof. Chandru Govekar from DMC College, Prof. Dhanish Kumar, and Panch Member of Dhargal Panchayat, Mr. Satish Dhumal.

The event was compered by Ms. Neha Indear, a student of DMC College, while Ms. Neha Vishwakarma delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. The initiative successfully created awareness among young students and local residents, reinforcing GCCI’s commitment to promoting consumer education and responsible citizenship across Goa.

Travel

Rohan Khaunte Emphasises Government–Academia–Industry Synergy at GIST 2025 to Drive Inclusive Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

The third edition of the Goa Innovation and Startup Times (GIST 2025) was held on October 31, 2025, at Vivanta Goa, Panjim, celebrating the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Organised by BITS Pilani’s BITS BioCyTitH Foundation in partnership with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), the Goa Technology Association (GTA), the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, academicians, and industry experts under one roof.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Tourism, and Printing & Stationery, emphasised the Goa Government’s commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem. He underlined the State’s focus on mentorship, infrastructure, and financial support for startups, noting that with 703 startups already registered under DPIIT, Goa is fast emerging as a hub where creativity meets technology. Khaunte also highlighted the government’s inclusive approach to policymaking, where inputs from academia and industry are shaping forward-looking frameworks.

He cited the Goa AI Mission 2027 as an example of this vision, aimed at making Goa a leader in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. The initiative, he explained, not only focuses on fostering a thriving business environment but also seeks to empower the State’s youth to become job creators.

The event featured multiple sessions exploring innovation for social impact and sustainable development. One of the key highlights was the panel discussion titled “Innovation by the Seaside – Technology Drivers,” which featured industry leaders such as K. Bhattacharyya of Putzmeister, Dr. P. Kamat of Suzega, S. Chittore of Quantum AI Global, and M. Tiwari of Ethernet Xpress. Moderated by Dr. A. Pethe from Texas Instruments, the discussion focused on how AI and quantum technologies are shaping the next wave of innovation.

Another significant panel, “Science, Policy and Sustainability,” examined real-world applications of science and technology in addressing key societal challenges. Moderated by Dr. Jennifer Lewis, the session featured insightful contributions from Prof. A. Parulekar of GIM, Dr. B. Manjunath of Syngenta, Mr. M. K. Patil, Former Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and Ms. Tripti Somani, Founder of Womennovator.

Guest of Honour Ms. Revathi Kamath, entrepreneur and educationist, delivered an inspiring address urging entrepreneurs to contribute toward social equity by making education and technology accessible to underprivileged communities. She reminded the audience that innovation carries a moral responsibility to serve society.

GIST 2025 also celebrated women entrepreneurs through a dedicated Women Entrepreneurship Camp, complemented by a startup expo and translational research showcase. A closed-door investment pitching session provided startups with opportunities to secure funding and partnerships.

Through its engaging sessions and strong cross-sector collaboration, GIST 2025 reaffirmed Goa’s position as a growing hub of innovation and inclusive growth — driven by the shared efforts of government, academia, and industry.

Human Interest

GCCI Highlights Urgent Infrastructure and Safety Concerns to South Goa Collector

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken a proactive step toward addressing pressing civic and infrastructure concerns in South Goa by submitting a detailed representation to Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of South Goa. The initiative reflects GCCI’s growing involvement in ensuring smoother trade logistics, safer roads, and improved living and working conditions for the people of the region.

Led by Shri Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee, the delegation met with the Collector and outlined a series of critical issues impacting the region’s development. The meeting underscored GCCI’s commitment to public welfare, responsible business, and collaborative governance, with an emphasis on urgent interventions and sustainable solutions.

The representation began by acknowledging the reopening of the Goa–Belgaum Road via Anmod, which had previously caused significant delays and disruptions for trade and commuters. While the reopening was welcomed, GCCI pressed for the completion of the remaining three-kilometre stretch at Ramnagar, highlighting that this small section continues to hinder seamless connectivity.

Concerns around road safety were also strongly raised, particularly the increasing number of accidents at Verna Junction. GCCI requested the deployment of permanent traffic police personnel at the junction to ensure disciplined vehicle movement and prevent future mishaps. In line with improving traffic management, the representation called for better monitoring of heavy vehicles through speed checks, upgraded road signage, dedicated lanes for goods transport, and road safety awareness campaigns.

Infrastructure issues were not limited to roads. GCCI voiced its concern about the deteriorating state of the Old Borim Bridge and requested a status update on the construction of the new bridge. The Chamber also made a strong case for the urgent establishment of dedicated truck terminuses in both North and South Goa to eliminate the chaos of haphazard parking and reduce congestion on key transport routes.

Civic issues such as indiscriminate garbage dumping along Airport Road, Railway Station Road, and national highways were flagged as health and environmental hazards. GCCI stressed the need for regular garbage collection, better waste management protocols, and stricter enforcement against violators.

A special focus was placed on the fishing community’s safety, especially in the wake of a recent boat accident where a fisherman saved 27 lives. GCCI recommended mandatory safety checks for fishing vessels after the monsoon, timely dissemination of weather alerts, the provision of life-saving gear, and periodic mock drills involving all relevant agencies. They also requested that the brave fisherman who undertook the rescue operation be formally recognised and felicitated for his heroic efforts.

The South Goa Collector assured GCCI that these matters would be looked into with urgency and would be brought to the attention of the respective departments for action. She also expressed her appreciation for GCCI’s initiative in taking up civic concerns on behalf of the business community and the public.

GCCI reiterated its readiness to support and collaborate with the district administration and other stakeholders in finding feasible, time-bound solutions to the raised issues. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work towards inclusive development, where industry growth is matched with improved infrastructure and public well-being.

Events in Goa

GCCI Women’s Wing Hosts ‘Diwali Dil Se’ Festive Bazaar at Mall de Goa

allycaralgoa

Porvorim, October 14, 2025 — The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, has brought festive cheer to Goa with the “Diwali Dil Se” Festive Bazaar, inaugurated at Mall de Goa, Porvorim. The vibrant three-day event, running from October 14 to 16, 2025, showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Goan women.

The festive bazaar was inaugurated by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (South), who lauded the initiative as a meaningful platform for women to display and sell their handmade and locally crafted products.

Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, warmly welcomed the stall owners and participants, expressing gratitude to Ms. Lavanya Shet, GCCI WW Committee Member, for leading the initiative to provide free stalls for women entrepreneurs.

“This event is more than a marketplace — it’s a celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community,” said Ms. Fernandes. “We are proud to offer women a platform to grow their businesses and connect directly with customers during the festive season.”

Rtn Jeet Tolani, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, commended the collaboration and applauded the commitment of the GCCI Women’s Wing in fostering inclusive growth.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Deepali Naik, encouraged the entrepreneurs to continue innovating and expanding their ventures, wishing them success and resilience.

The event also saw active participation from Co-Chairperson Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, who proposed the Vote of Thanks, and Ms. Gouri Joshi, who compered the programme with warmth and enthusiasm.

Committee members present included Ms. Simran Dhond, Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, Ms. Clare Marchon, and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, along with Rtn Rosevelt Valadares.

“Diwali Dil Se” continues through the weekend, offering visitors a delightful festive shopping experience featuring home décor, traditional crafts, jewelry, sweets, and artisanal Diwali gifts — all crafted by Goan women entrepreneurs.

As the lights of Diwali illuminate Goa, this bazaar stands as a shining example of women-led enterprise and community collaboration — truly, Diwali Dil Se.