Times of India | 3 days ago | 25-11-2022 | 11:16 am
PANAJI: The upward revision in minimum wages appears to have upset calculations for the private sector, with 21 industry associations, including private nursing homes, highlighting their concerns about the 80% hike. In an indicator that all is not well, representatives from the 21 industry bodies approached chief minister Pramod Sawant at the Rozgar Melava and urged him to reconsider the labour department's move. The representatives said that hiking the minimum wages from Rs 307 to Rs 553 will be "suicidal" for Goa's industry. The delegation also told Sawant that the labour and employment department's move runs contrary to the state government's aim to make Goa industry-friendly. "The industry delegation submitted a comparative chart showing how minimum wages in Goa are higher than most other states. The industry members said that with no tax incentives and advantages, there is no reason why new investors will come to Goa," said an official. The 21-member delegation also conveyed their concerns to labour and employment minister Atanasio Monserrate and industry minister Mauvin Godinho. While Goa's manufacturing sector has repeatedly warned about the adverse implications of the wage hike, this is the first time that other organisations have publicly come forward to highlight concerns. The Goa Cashew Manufacturers Association, the Goa Electronics Dealers Association, Caterers Association of Goa, National Restaurant Association of India, Shipyards Association of Goa, Association of Private Nursing homes, All Goa Khajekar Association and Goa Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers' Association are among the 21 private industry bodies that have come forward. The organisations have pressed for three demands, chief among them is a correction in the recently notified minimum wage. The industry has also urged the government to remove the clause that links Goa's minimum wages with the Centre's notification.
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