The Rajiv Gandhi IT habitat in Goa which was abandoned after violent protests is all set to make a comeback with the state government announcing financial incentives for those companies who complete their work in next five years. The state cabinet recently approved phase wise waiver of penal interest for the IT firms, which had purchased the plots in the information technology park near here and are yet to commence their activities due to several bottlenecks. The government figures revealed that out of total 22 plots here, 20 were given to 17 allottees collecting premium, lease rent and licence fees to the tune of Rs 89.66 crores approximately.
The plan worked out by the state government makes it mandatory for the companies to complete their buildings within a period of five years. The ambitious project was formally inaugurated by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in 2006. The work on it was stopped in December 2007 due to violent protests that damaged the project infrastructure.The state government promoted Information Technology Goa (ITG) which is handling this project had recommended to the government that financial incentives should be provided in order to restart their project.
The cabinet has approved that the ITG should waive off penal interest to the tune of Rs 6.89 crores of these companies. ITG officials said that after the protests the companies had virtually stalled their plans and their dues have piled up to Rs 106 crores which they owe to the state government. The Goa government has worked a ‘non-discretionary’ and ‘non-discriminatory’ special incentive scheme for the plot allottees. The companies will have their total cent per cent of the interest on dues waived, of which 25 per cent will come on approval of building plans and completion of formalities by October 31, 2011
Courtesy: news24online
