The Fifth Annual General Body Meeting of the Goa Technology Association (GTA) was attended by its members from various IT/ITES companies and technology startups. After the last two virtual AGMs, members expressed their happiness in meeting face to face and networking during the physical AGM this year. GTA Secretary, Rohan Warty coordinated the proceedings and presented the annual report of the association highlighting the various activities and initiatives of the association. Treasurer, Gajanan Kerkar presented the accounts for the year 2021-22. GTA President, Milind Anvekar while welcoming the members highlighted the current challenges and opportunities for the industry and presented the roadmap for the next 8 months.
The industry challenges include shortage of skilled manpower in Goa, lack of infrastructure –mainly lack of co-working spaces and the options for expansion for companies in Goa, data security concerns with the data that the companies are asked to submit as part of registration with DoIT and the delay in providing policy benefits to eligible companies and startups. The President highlighted the growing opportunities in the global market post the pandemic and how some companies from Goa are making their mark globally. He also stressed on the role of media in ensuring that Goa and the Government of Goa takes note of the work being done by IT companies in Goa. The President also announced that the Annual Awards night will be held in November this year followed by the International IT summit in the first quarter of next year. Knowledge-based workshops are also lined up for the industry CXOs, professionals and students.
During a very active and interactive Q&A session, members expressed their unhappiness over exclusion of the GTA, which is the only industry body from the IT Advisory Board constituted by the Government of Goa. Allotment of Government work to non Goan companies by passing the process was also highlighted during this meeting. Various options to collaborate and share professional services were also discussed during the AGM. Vice President, Sujeet Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.
