Panaji: Fifty-six non-functional industrial units in Goa have transferred their leasehold rights under the Goa Industrial Development Corporation’s (GIDC) exit support scheme, unlocking Rs 165.3 crore in fresh investments and an estimated 1,969 potential jobs.GIDC chairperson Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco announced the update while stating that the GIDC board has extended the scheme for another three months, effective Sept 9. The scheme has been extended multiple times since its launch in June 2024.The initiative is part of Goa-IDC’s broader drive to resolve 436 non-functional industrial plots across the state. So far, 99 industrial units have resumed commercial operations, 18 have committed to restart within eight months, and eight have been issued eviction orders. More than half of the defunct units — 255 plots — still await resolution.To attract new investors, the scheme waives the mandatory pre-transfer requirement of a 30% built-up area, giving incoming entrepreneurs a two-year window after the transfer to meet construction norms. Lease rents are also waived for the first year to provide financial relief during the revival phase.Industries minister Mauvin Godinho said there is genuine interest in putting idle assets back into productive use rather than letting them remain unutilised. “We are facilitating their transfer to entrepreneurs who are ready to invest, revive these units, and create employment,” he said.Lourenco said GIDC’s exit support approach is designed to remain balanced, prioritising revival where feasible and ensuring an orderly exit when a unit is no longer viable. “Where a unit can be revived, we want to facilitate its revival. Where it cannot, we want to ensure that the industrial plot can be taken up for new activity. The ultimate objective is optimal utilisation of every industrial plot,” he said.The GIDC board also approved the setting up of two ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants at the Kundaim industrial estate.
