To make Goa an information technology hub, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said that the government envisages to set up two IT parks in the state in the next three to five years.

After flag-hoisting ceremony at the Old Secretariat here to mark the 69th Independence Day, Parsekar said that the move is likely to generate adequate jobs in the sector in the next couple of years.

“There are 2,000 professionals in IT sector who scout for jobs annually. Lack of job opportunities force them to cross the border, while many try for government jobs then. We are planning (to set up) two IT parks in Goa. I am hopeful that in next three to five years, youths will be employed,” he said.

On the mining front, Parsekar appealed to the mining players to resume operations by October. The ban was lifted by the apex court in April last year.

Goa’s mining industry was hit after a ban by the Supreme Court in 2012.

“There is a demand that government should take over the mining industry. But we have decided to renew the existing (mining) leases considering the fact that there is already infrastructure in place.

I would like to mention that Vedanta (Sesa Iron Ore) has already commissioned its mining. I would appeal other mine owners too to start operations by October,” he said.

Asserting that the government alone cannot work for the state’s development, he said mining should start for the sake of its development.

“I know the International prices are low. But I appeal to mine owners to start mining for the sake of Goa’s development,” he added.

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