Chief minister Manohar Parrikar raised a very crucial point on why locals are not being hired by private players in Goa. He said they lack the required skill, have a lazy attitude of availing periodic leaves, groupism and expectations of high salaries. We are not going to contest any of these. We will debate on the ground realities the Goan is facing today and why there are few takers for private jobs.
It’s a known fact that government jobs are in high demand. That’s why we see hundreds of graduates queue up for a post which has even a basic educational requirement of Std X. The basic takeaway from a government job is the security and pay packet, the two components which are not necessarily on offer in private jobs.
With inflation rising every passing year, a Goan cannot sustain himself with an ordinary private job, leave aside feed his family. There are costs like food, transport, fuel, personal and medical bills. It’s a hand-to-mouth situation with the high cost of living. The Chief Minister must understand that Goans are availing of leaves at their whims and fancies, only because the salary which they are drawing is not motivating enough. There are instances where Goans are working without holidays and even weekly offs, but it is the huge pay packet that awaits them at the end of the month that is enticing.
Government cannot express helplessness on addressing the issue of jobless locals. There are tweaks needed in the system. For example, when there is Rs 7,000 to Rs 7,500 subsidy extended to firms employing locals, we must realize that it doesn’t change the pay structure of locals. He continues to draw the same paltry salary and only if the subsidy is directly transferred to these locals, it could make a difference to his net remuneration.
The government should be sympathetic to the requirements of the locals engaged in private service. The haphazard transport network makes it even more difficult for private sector workers. A person from Canacona hired at an industrial unit in Verna cannot sustain himself on a paltry salary. Transport systems need to be linked to industrial units to facilitate ease of travel.
Government must work towards keeping the dignity of Goans intact. It has to walk its Goemkarponn talk. Goans find their own charm in living their simple day to day lives, even if it means enjoying his simple xitt-kodi (let’s leave fish aside for now). But, don’t point an accusing finger at the Goan and force him into following the lifestyle of the migrant labourer which revolves around chapatti and chutney.
Parrikar must be commended for the fact that he has finally admitted that nobody can force private players into employing Goans. He has finally spoken the truth, after beating around the bush and giving an impression that Goans will get a job quota ranging from 40 to 60 per cent in private sector.
