Rupesh Samant

Panaji, Jul 26: After opposition benches cornered the state government over functioning of Investment Promotion Board (IPB), state chief minister Pramod Sawant told the House that the government is open to suggestions on functioning of the state run body.

Sawant told the ongoing state legislative assembly that the meeting of IPB would be held soon during which certain decisions would be taken. “Our interest is to bring in investment and create employment in the state. We are open to suggestions on IPB as we want more investments to come into Goa,” he said.

The IPB is a special purpose vehicle created under the chairmanship of the chief minister.

The issue was raised on the floor of the House by Congress MLA Ravi Naik who questioned payment of more than Rs one crore to the consultant, who was being paid on an hourly basis. Leader of the Opposition, Digambar Kamat also questioned the hiring of consultants on the state run body, without their requirment for the same.

State Industries minister Vishwajit Rane told the House that IPB will examine the requirement of consultant, KMPG company, which has been hired by the board. “I would like to assure this house and also the leader of the opposition that I have stated that CM is aware about the issue and we have decided to examine the scope of consultant and whether he is required on board or not,” he said.

Rane said that during revival of IPB, the issue of synchronizing it with State Directorate of Industries will also be examined.