Panaji: A fully established Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa, with permanent research labs and expanded student intake at a dedicated campus at Farmagudi, Ponda, strengthens the supply of engineering talent in the state, builds stronger research partnerships, and aids technology transfer opportunities for Goa’s MSME and industrial base, said Goa Inc.
The IIT Goa campus is expected to spur ancillary economic activity such as housing, ancillary services, and vendor opportunities, thus benefiting surrounding industrial estates and local businesses in the Ponda belt and beyond while also creating sustained economic linkages over time, said four industry bodies in a joint statement.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), Marcaim Industrial Estate Association (MIEA), and Kundaim Industrial Estate Association (KIEA) said that by constructing a campus within the existing Goa Engineering College campus, govt can avoid fresh land conflicts, environmental damage, and land-acquisition costs that stalled earlier proposed sites.
“This decision gives Goa’s businesses long-term confidence to invest in partnerships with the institute. A well-resourced, permanent campus means stronger research collaboration and a steady pipeline of skilled engineers for our industries,” said GCCI president Pratima Dhond.
The four organisations said the decision to build the campus at Farmagudi brings long-overdue closure to a nearly decade-long search for a permanent home for IIT Goa, which has operated out of temporary facilities at GEC since 2016.
Earlier proposals at multiple sites across the state had been shelved over the years following local opposition and land acquisition hurdles.
“A stable, permanent IIT campus is one of the single biggest enablers of industrial growth Goa can ask for. Locating it at Farmagudi, on land already within the GEC campus, sidesteps the disputes that have repeatedly derailed this project and lets the institute finally plan for the long term,” said Pradip Da Costa, president of GSIA.
Industry players said that unlike permanent settlements, educational institutions do not alter the demographic profile of the area and thus these concerns raised about permanent demographic change are unfounded
“Kundaim’s industrial units stand to gain directly from a permanent IIT presence nearby through easier access to interns, research support, and a skilled workforce,” said Sandesh Dhareshwar, president of KIEA.
Goa Inc has now urged the state and central govts to expedite the approvals, inspections, and construction timelines so that students and faculty can move from temporary facilities into a permanent campus at the earliest without further delays.
“For industrial estates like Marcaim, proximity to a permanent IIT campus opens the door to real collaboration, from student projects to technology adoption on our shop floors. We fully support govt’s move and hope the remaining formalities are completed swiftly,” said Sohan Kelekar, president of the MIEA.
