Goa bans the da vinci code

The Goa government has banned the screening of the film The Da Vinci Code, reports Our Bureau in Goa. While Goa did not join the rest of the country for an all India release, the film was screened in Goa a week later i.e. on 2nd June at the Inox theatre amidst heavy security.

However within two days of its release, Inox Leisure stopped screening of the film in Goa “in view of the sentiments expressed by the people of Goa”. The film’s release had witnessed large scale protests by the catholic community who form nearly 30% of the state’s 14 lakh population.

Earlier, the Goa government had sought central government’s intervention in view of protest by the Catholic Association of Goa.

SEZs and bio-tech parks on the table for Goa

Bio-tech parks to come under SEZs: Goa

SEZs and bio-tech parks for Goa

Smitha Venkateswaran

THE state cabinet has today formulated policy for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and also a bio-tech policy to attract biotech industries to Goa. Biotech in India is a $1 billion worth industry with a 36% growth rate.

And to attract industries for establishing bio-tech parks which shall come under purview of Special Economic Zones, the state government has chalked out many incentives and financial support like a 15% subsidy for up to Rs 15 lakhs.

Plans include developing mushroom cultivation, organic farming, bio pesticides and also industrial biotechnology like vaccines, animal healthcare products, fermentation of beverages, dairy products, marine biotechnology and much more.
In addition, the state’s SEZ policy provides many relaxations including full exemption of electricity duties, sales tax, turnover tax, other local taxes and duties, income tax exemptions and creating off shore banking units.

The units would also be exempted from payment of stamp duty and registration fee. The state govt. plans to invite international companies in sectors like Food Processing industries, pharmaceuticals, apparel park and also jewellery designing.

Besides, plans also include an SEZ for education like the Goa institute of management and BITS Pilani which has a branch in Goa. All this is expected to augment trade, commerce and boost infrastructural development bringing Goa on par with international standards required to boost industrial growth.