Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Panaji, Jul 25: Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers has trained more than 16,000 workers, students and industry professionals over the past five years, significantly enhancing awareness of workplace safety across the state.
Speaking after inaugurating the Rs 13.53-crore Aparant Surakshita Bhavan at Altinho in Panaji, the Chief Minister emphasised that ensuring worker safety is essential for sustainable industrial growth. He said investing in occupational safety ultimately strengthens the workforce and supports the state's long-term development.
The newly constructed facility, developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), brings all operations of the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers under one roof, enabling better coordination, faster regulatory services and improved public service delivery.
The modern complex is equipped with advanced safety testing laboratories, an Occupational Health Laboratory, administrative offices, a library, training and conference halls, dedicated inspection units and barrier-free amenities designed to improve accessibility for visitors.
Highlighting the government's broader vision, Dr. Sawant said the focus extends beyond infrastructure development to creating safer workplaces, building a skilled workforce and strengthening institutional capacity while promoting ease of doing business in line with the vision of a Swayampurna Goa.
He added that the government's initiatives are aimed at fostering a culture of workplace safety and ensuring that industrial growth is supported by strong safety standards and efficient regulatory mechanisms.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Factories and Boilers Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, GSIDC Managing Director Rohit Kadam, Secretary Sanjiv M. Gadkar, Chief Inspector Anant S. Pangam, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Pratima Dhond, representatives from various industries and senior government officials.