PANAJI: The Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) on Wednesday submitted a Charter of Demands to Ports Minister Digambar Kamat, seeking government support to revive and strengthen the state’s inland water transport sector.
The GBOA delegation was led by President Mayur Parsekar and included Vice President M. Derrick Valles, Secretary Rahul Naik, Treasurer Alex Coutinho, Raymond De Sa and other executive members. Captain of Ports Octavia Rodrigues was also present during the meeting held at the State Secretariat.
The Association outlined several challenges facing Goa’s barge industry and appealed to the government for timely policy interventions to safeguard the sector, improve its operational environment and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Responding to the delegation, Ports Minister Digambar Kamat assured members that their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and that the government would take the necessary steps to address the issues at the earliest.
Captain of Ports Octavia Rodrigues also assured the Association of the department’s full cooperation in resolving industry-related concerns and supporting the sustainable growth of inland water transport in Goa.
Expressing satisfaction over the meeting, the Goa Barge Owners Association thanked the Ports Minister and the Captain of Ports for their positive response and reiterated its commitment to working with the government towards the modernization, revival and long-term development of Goa’s barge industry.
