Last week Indoco Remedies, a pharma unit in Verna faced flak for advertising jobs in neighbouring States, sidelining Goan youth. The discourse once again veered around the injustice meted out to Goan candidates with the question surfacing whether 'outsiders' are indeed preferred over Goans, and if so, why.
The job situation in Goa presents a contradiction that needs immediate attention and practical policy changes. The government, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, claims that there are many job opportunities in the state, however, reports indicate that more local youth are either being overlooked in the job market or are looking for work abroad.
These conflicting stories reveal deeper issues that require careful examination. The recent protest by political parties outside Indoco Remedies in Verna amplifies local frustration. The company's repeated recruitment ads for jobs in other states, despite earlier promises to focus on Goan candidates, show a gap between what officials say and what companies do. Secondly, data from the Regional Passport Office indicates that 10 to 15 Goans give up their Indian passports daily to gain Portuguese citizenship. They seek access to jobs and residence rights in the European Union.
This situation raises important questions: Why are capable Goan youth, educated and skilled, choosing to leave their home? Is it due to local industries failing to offer meaningful jobs, or is it a mismatch between their skills and the available positions? The Chief Minister’s claims of plenty of opportunities seem increasingly disconnected from reality. If industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals, say they cannot find suitable candidates in Goa, there is some problem with the systemic structure.
The answer may lie in the quality of job opportunities. The protest against Indoco Remedies suggests that local youth face challenges not just in finding jobs but also in terms of job security and fair hiring practices.
Furthermore, the lack of binding job reservation policies and the dependence on migrant labour worsen the inequality, creating resentment among locals. At the same time, the high rate of passport surrenders strengthens the belief that opportunities outside Goa, especially in the EU, are more attainable or better.
This situation calls for a practical approach. First, the government must close the divide between policy and reality, ensuring that employment policies are effectively enforced. This means strictly applying reservation policies, encouraging industries to prioritize local youth, and holding companies accountable for unfair practices. In addition, industries should be motivated to invest in skill development tailored to the local job markets to address the skill gap.
Second, the government must explore the reasons behind youth emigration. Is it purely economic, or are there social and infrastructural issues involved? Improving the quality of local jobs and fostering an environment for entrepreneurship could help reduce the flow of people leaving for work.
We need to assess whether the current industrial landscape creates real job opportunities, and if yes, why they are scouting for candidates outside the State. Goa must create an environment where jobs are not just plentiful in theory but accessible and sustainable for its young people.
The unemployment problem cannot be understood simply in terms of abundance or scarcity. It calls for a thoughtful view that considers the dynamics of labour supply and demand, corporate responsibility, and the aspirations of young people. Protesting against companies is not the way forward.
