Tag: Pratima Dhond

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.

Finance

GCCI Applauds Historic GST Reforms Aimed at Economic Growth and Social Inclusion

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), under the leadership of its President Ms. Pratima Dhond, has expressed strong support for the sweeping Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms announced at the 56th GST Council Meeting. These reforms, hailed as one of the most progressive steps in India’s tax history, aim to simplify the indirect tax structure while promoting inclusive economic growth.

The introduction of a simplified two-slab GST structure — with rates of 5% and 18% — accompanied by a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, is expected to bring stability and clarity to the tax regime. GCCI believes this will lead to improved compliance, reduced litigation, and heightened investor and consumer confidence.

Among the most lauded aspects of the reform is the complete removal of GST on all individual life and health insurance policies — a move expected to increase affordability, boost insurance penetration, and strengthen the country’s financial safety net. GCCI considers this a landmark development towards financial inclusion and social security.

In the healthcare sector, the exemption of GST on 33 lifesaving drugs, and reduced rates on others including medical equipment, is expected to reduce the cost burden on citizens and enhance accessibility.

MSMEs, which form the backbone of India’s economy, stand to benefit significantly from reduced compliance burdens and lower tax costs. This boost to competitiveness could further energize employment and innovation in the sector.

The reforms also provide considerable relief to farmers and workers in labor-intensive industries. Reduced GST on tractors, farming equipment, textiles, leather goods, marble, and handicrafts is aimed at reviving rural and artisanal economies.

For households and the common man, daily-use products like soaps, hair oil, milk products, tea, coffee, namkeens, and bicycles now fall under the 5% or NIL tax bracket, improving affordability and encouraging consumption. This is expected to increase demand for discretionary and aspirational products including consumer durables, automobiles, and home appliances — potentially adding 20 to 50 basis points to GDP growth.

The operationalisation of the long-awaited GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to reduce legal disputes and foster ease of doing business. GCCI noted that the reforms address both industry concerns and public needs, maintaining a thoughtful balance. While the government may incur a revenue loss estimated between ₹0.7 to ₹1.8 trillion annually, this is offset by the continued application of the 40% GST rate on luxury and sin goods such as pan masala, aerated drinks, and tobacco.

GCCI President Ms. Dhond summed up the mood, stating, “This across-the-board reform is not only pro-business and pro-consumer, but also pro-society. By making insurance and healthcare affordable, while boosting consumption and competitiveness, the GST reforms will go a long way in strengthening India’s economic growth and socio-economic fabric of our nation.”

These reforms mark a turning point in India’s economic journey — blending fiscal prudence with inclusive growth.

Business

GCCI Urges CBDT to Introduce Faceless Registration for Charitable Trusts under 12AB & 80G

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant push for administrative reform in the non-profit sector, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has submitted a formal representation to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), advocating for a faceless and fully digital registration mechanism for Charitable Trusts under Sections 12AB and 80G of the Income Tax Act.

The representation was submitted on July 28, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the CBDT in New Delhi. It was also marked to the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Goa.

At present, Charitable Trusts and Not-for-Profit Institutions in Goa face a cumbersome process to obtain these registrations, which are essential for tax exemptions on charitable income (12AB) and tax deductions for donors (80G). Despite submitting documents online, trustees are currently required to attend physical hearings at the Income Tax Department’s regional office in Bengaluru.

“This travel requirement imposes unnecessary logistical and financial burdens on small trusts, especially as most trustees serve on an honorary basis and operate with limited initial funding,” said Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI. “The current system acts as a deterrent to the formation and growth of charitable organisations in the state.”

GCCI’s appeal proposes the implementation of a faceless system, mirroring the existing faceless assessment framework already being successfully used by the Income Tax Department. In exceptional circumstances where hearings are warranted, the Chamber recommends that they be held at the local Income Tax office in Goa.

By easing the compliance process and removing the need for travel, GCCI believes the Central Government can encourage the growth of formalised charitable institutions and enhance civic engagement across Goa. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting a taxpayer-friendly, digitally enabled, and reform-oriented system.

GCCI’s call for reform has been welcomed by several civil society organisations in the state, who echo the need for accessible and streamlined processes to foster community development.

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.