Tag: Goa Industry

Business

Goa MSME Adhiveshan 3.0 Brings Policymakers and Industry Leaders Together at Raj Bhavan

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), in association with the Department of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), successfully concluded the Goa MSME Adhiveshan 3.0 at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Goa. The event was organised under the leadership of Pallavi Salgaocar, Goa State President; Mudit Agarwaal, General Secretary; and Arman Bankley, Event Chair, and aimed to create a strong platform for dialogue and collaboration among MSME stakeholders.

The Adhiveshan brought together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to deliberate on growth strategies, innovation, and emerging opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Goa. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways; Dr Krishna Gopal, Seh Sarkaryawah, RSS and Sampark Adhikari, Laghu Udyog Bharati; Om Prakash Gupta, National General Secretary, LUB; and Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Industries and Transport, Government of Goa.

The MSME Knowledge Series featured a range of insightful sessions by industry experts. Shekar Sardessai, CMD of Kineco, delivered an inspiring address on export opportunities for MSMEs. CA Anup Tabe shared practical insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive MSME growth, while Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR–NIIST, highlighted new-age CSIR technologies relevant to small and medium enterprises. Arundhati Chattopadhyay, Regional Director, National Productivity Council (NPC), spoke on NPC initiatives, LEAN manufacturing, and the RAMP scheme of DITC in Goa. Ajit B. Chavan, Additional CEO and Chief Seller Officer, Government e-Marketplace, conducted an informative session on how MSMEs can effectively leverage the GeM platform.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, fostering meaningful discussions and collaboration aimed at strengthening Goa’s MSME ecosystem. During the programme, a study report commissioned by Laghu Udyog Bharati Goa titled ‘Understanding the Challenges of MSMEs in Goa’ was released by Union Minister Harsh Malhotra. The study, conceptualised and executed by Yukti Insights LLP with support from DMC College and Research Centre, was based on extensive field research across MSMEs in the state.

Three entrepreneurs were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the MSME sector, with Rajkumar Kamat receiving the MSME Leadership Award, Atul Pai Kane being honoured as Best Male Entrepreneur, and Shashi Soni recognised as Best Female Entrepreneur. Addressing the gathering, Harsh Malhotra highlighted national initiatives undertaken to improve ease of doing business, while Mauvin Godinho congratulated LUB Goa on the successful organisation of the event and reaffirmed the Goa Government’s continued support for MSMEs as a vital pillar of a sustainable and vibrant economy.

Finance

GCCI Submits Pre-Budget Memorandum for Union Budget 2026-27

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry has submitted its comprehensive Pre-Budget Memorandum for the Union Budget 2026–27, putting forward a wide range of recommendations to strengthen India’s tax and regulatory landscape. The Chamber emphasises that a simpler, more predictable and business-friendly system is essential for improving ease of doing business and sustaining long-term economic growth. The memorandum highlights the increasing complexity of TDS and TCS provisions, noting that over fifty withholding categories with varying thresholds and rates have created a heavy compliance burden for businesses and individuals. GCCI suggests consolidation of these provisions into fewer, standardised categories, coupled with a PAN-based reporting model, higher thresholds and lower deduction rates. It also proposes the introduction of a digital Tax Wallet to make payments and adjustments easier, much like the existing GST cash ledger.

The Chamber also stresses the need to incentivise compliant taxpayers. By prioritising faster processing of returns and refunds for those with strong compliance histories, and by reducing automated notices for such taxpayers, the government can reinforce a culture of voluntary compliance. GCCI also calls for renewed support for innovation, including reinstating the 200% weighted deduction for in-house R&D, especially vital for pharmaceutical, biotech and deep-tech industries where risk and gestation periods are high. To further boost investment and employment, particularly in Goa, GCCI urges the continuation of the 15% concessional corporate tax rate for new manufacturing units, extending eligibility until 2030.

Recognising the need for simpler tax return processes, GCCI recommends a fully integrated filing portal, dynamic ITR forms that activate relevant sections based on taxpayer inputs, extensive pre-filling using AIS/TIS data, and reduced duplication of information already submitted to agencies like GST or MCA. It also suggests creating dedicated annexures for special cases, including returns involving Goan residents governed by Section 10 (formerly Section 5A) under the Portuguese Civil Code, foreign asset disclosures, and corporate restructurings. The Chamber proposes that individual taxpayers should only fall under the 30% tax bracket beyond an annual income of ₹25 lakh and advocates for rationalising cesses and surcharges to create a clean, transparent rate structure. It also recommends extending Section 80TTA to include all types of deposit interest and raising the limit to ₹25,000, as well as allowing deductions for donations even under the new tax regime.

MSME reforms form a significant part of the memorandum, including the introduction of a Company Law and LLP Settlement Scheme for 2025, flexibility in presumptive taxation, presumptive options for LLPs, tax neutrality for LLP reorganisations and more practical deadlines for filing returns. GCCI stresses that the current ITR due dates for non-audit cases create challenges due to late population of TDS and SFT data, and therefore recommends fixing 31 August as the final deadline. It also calls for allowing carry-forward of losses even in belated or updated returns, reducing additional tax on updated returns and extending the filing window to all permissible reassessment years.

Addressing litigative issues, GCCI highlights problems such as delays in refund issuance for AY 2025–26, lack of clarity around CSR deductions and inconsistent treatment of employees’ PF/ESIC contributions. It appeals for statutory timelines for CIT(A) decisions, clearer internal SOPs for refund scrutiny, parity in interest computation on refunds and payments, and amendments to ensure interest on delayed TDS deposits is calculated only for the actual period of delay. For co-operative societies, GCCI urges CBDT to issue a circular clarifying that interest earned on deposits with co-operative banks qualifies for deduction under Section 80P(2)(d), helping resolve long-standing disputes and preventing unnecessary litigation.

Through these recommendations, GCCI aims to strengthen investor confidence, reduce administrative friction, support innovation, and boost economic activity across sectors, especially MSMEs, manufacturing and high-value industries. The memorandum reflects the Chamber’s vision for a more transparent, efficient and growth-oriented policy environment as India prepares for the Union Budget 2026–27.

Business

GCCI Makes History at 117th AGM: Pratima Dhond Becomes First Woman President

allycaralgoa

Panaji, June 28, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Goa’s business and industrial community, the 117th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) marked a historic leadership transition. Held at Taj Cidade de Goa, the event witnessed Mrs. Pratima Dhond taking over the mantle of President of GCCI, becoming the first woman to lead the Chamber in its 117-year legacy.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest, Industries Minister Mr. Mauvin Godinho as Guest of Honour, and Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Managing Director of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., who delivered the keynote address.

Outgoing President Mr. Shrinivas Dempo expressed deep gratitude to his team for their commitment and success during his term. He reflected on key initiatives such as:

  • Influential budget memorandums accepted by state and central governments
  • Dialogues on taxation and policy
  • The Leaders at GCCI series featuring eminent names like Mohandas Pai, M.J. Akbar, Vikram Chandra, and Amitabh Kant
  • The visionary Inclusive & Sustainable Growth@2037 Conclave, which proposed a roadmap for ₹15,000 crore investment and creation of 1 lakh jobs in Goa

Mrs. Pratima Dhond, in her acceptance speech, acknowledged Mr. Dempo’s contributions and shared her vision for GCCI’s future. She outlined a bold, inclusive agenda:

  • Championing Nari Shakti and women-led development
  • Advocating future-ready and innovation-led policies
  • Strengthening MSMEs through easier access to finance
  • Promoting green business practices and sustainability
  • Fostering youth engagement, research, and data-driven governance
  • Amplifying digital outreach for broader impact

In a stirring keynote, Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar shared insights from his journey in building a global business. He proudly announced the upcoming launch of an all-women operated pump manufacturing unit in Goa, inspired by the successful model in Coimbatore.

Minister Mauvin Godinho emphasized the need for a shift in the mindset of Goan youth — from job seekers to job creators. “Goa has immense potential as a manufacturing and export hub,” he said, highlighting the rise in MSME registrations and global integration of local businesses.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant commended Mr. Dempo’s leadership and celebrated Mrs. Dhond’s groundbreaking presidency. He reiterated his vision to make Goa a developed state by 2037, a full decade ahead of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.

“We are a small state, but agile. With high literacy, robust institutions, global connectivity, and public goodwill — Goa is well-positioned to lead through unity, innovation, and reforms,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized initiatives spanning:

  • World-class infrastructure
  • Skilled manpower and job linkages
  • Investment-friendly governance
  • Sustainable development
  • Tourism, education, health, and women empowerment

As part of the agenda, Dr. Sawant launched a B.Com course in Retail Management, designed by GCCI to boost Goa’s job-intensive retail sector. He also released the GCCI Bulletin on Sustainable Growth, further cementing the Chamber’s commitment to inclusive development.

Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, hosted the event, while CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks.

Human Interest

MS. PRATIMA DHOND ELECTEDAS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF GOA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

allycaralgoa

Ms Pratima Gaurish Dhond has been elected as the First Woman President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2025 – 2027. Ms Pratima G Dhond will assume charge as the President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01.07.2025 at the end of the term of the current President Mr Shrinivas Dempo. She is the First Woman President in 117 years history of the Chamber.


With a passion for women’s empowerment, Pratima Dhond has dedicated her career to uplifting women through various initiatives and leadership roles. She’s been at the helm of the Women’s Cooperative Bank since 1993 and has chaired the Women’s Wing of GCCI for 8 years, launching the flagship event “Asturi” to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
As a Director of Wakao Foods and the Dhond Group of Companies, Pratima is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s also a seasoned Rotarian, serving as Charter President of Rotary Club of Miramar and holding various positions in the club.
With a national-level basketball background and alumni status from Peoples High School Panaji and Dempo Commerce College, Pratima is a true Goan powerhouse!
Personally, she’s married to businessman and social worker Gaurish Dhond and is blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. The Following 14 Member Managing Committee was also elected for the term 2025-27.

  1. Dr Sangam Kurade (Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt Ltd)
  2. Chandrakant Gawas (Shraddha Shipping Co Pvt Ltd)
  3. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly (Business Goa)
  4. Yatin Kakodkar (Apex Packing Products Pvt Ltd)
  5. Pallavi Salgaocar (Geno Pharmaceuticals)
  6. Rohan Bhandare(Chartered Accountant)
  7. Rajesh Dempo (Vision Dempo Hospitality & Estates Pvt Ltd)
  8. Dale Menezes (Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd)
  9. Roana Maria Costa (Alcon Constructions, Alcon-Victor Group)
  10. Satish Shinde (Astra Metal Systems Pvt Ltd)
  11. Vinesh Pikale (Chartered Accountant)
  12. Prasad Keni (Vergo Pharma)
  13. Manoj Patil (Armour Office Automation)
  14. Atreya Sawant (Atreya Engineering Works)

The New Committee will assume charge on 1st July, 2025.