The Periodic Labour Force Survey report released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released state-wise unemployment figures for last year. Unsurprisingly, Goa ranked second in the country at 9.7 per cent, surpassing the national average of 3.2 per cent. Lakshadweep was perched at the top with 11.1 per cent, while Tripura was at the rank bottom, an excellent position to be at, with 1.4 per cent.
The unemployment figures are not very surprising because Goa has consistently fared poorly in this area, and the figures of the past decade stand testimony that the State is grappling with joblessness. The only concern is that not enough is being done to remedy the situation. For example, data released in April by the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy has pegged Goa’s unemployment rate at 15.9 per cent, ranking it seventh among other states. In January 2023, the joblessness stood at 16.5 per cent. These figures may fluctuate, but the only constant has been the dearth of jobs.
The hunger for jobs was amplified in the recent re-opening of recruitment at the South Goa Collectorate, with 30,114 applications received for the 147 vacancies. While it is encouraging that the government finally decided to go ahead with filling the vacancies in cold storage since 2019. However, the manner in which the recruitment process unfolded was reflective of a lack of seriousness and exposed the casual approach of authorities. Another positive has been the State government’s directive to the Goa Staff Selection Commission to complete all recruitment processes for vacant Group C posts by October 31.
We are not saying that the government is not doing anything; rather, it is not doing enough. There is a need to look beyond filling up a few vacancies in government offices. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s concept of skill development under the Shiksha Sangam programme is a step in the right direction because the focus is on skilling, upskilling and reskilling. But, this must be pursued aggressively and taken to its logical end. In the recently concluded monsoon Assembly session, the CM informed the House that 90 per cent of those who underwent training at the Aviation Skill Development Centre have gained employment at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa. Again, this is another positive but must be a constant endeavour.
There is a need to integrate skill development, labour and industries departments so that all are in sync with the demand and supply of labour. The much-publicised Job Fair held in November last year, which had 14,000 job seekers registering, failed because there was a total mismatch between requirements and available skills.
There is a need to be practical on unemployment, and the government must devise ways to resolve the crisis. Goa has raised many seafarers who have gotten into recruitment on cruise liners and cargo ships overseas. However, the State does not have an institute to cater to all the needs of the shipping industry. Interestingly, even Dehradun has started an Oceanic Maritime Academy that provides comprehensive training and certification for seafarers.
Goa is sinking into the depths of unemployment, and the State must step beyond big talk and explore all avenues with a multi-pronged strategy to tackle joblessness.
