Goans ended up as the biggest losers, both in terms of land and jobs, when it comes to Konkan Railway works. Interestingly, Goa was a major player in the Konkan Railway project contributing 3104.09 hectares of land in comparison to Maharashtra’s 836.791 hectares and Karnataka’s 1124.116 hectares. Sadly, Goans had insignificant gains in terms of jobs in comparison to the two neighbouring States. The question to be asked is: who is responsible for this failed promise of jobs and why hasn’t our Members of Parliament not taken this issue up with the KRC and the Centre? This issue has been languishing for nearly three decades and has been completely ignored by all
and sundry.
A mere 334 persons managed to get jobs in the KR despite the significant contribution in terms of land given against the 1,550 and 1,054 jobs given to Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively. The C-Class jobs offered was a raw deal for a few Goans. A computer-based test in 2018 has seen only three candidates passing out of the 440 who answered. The underlying logic of job quotas for Goans appears flawed if candidates are to be selected from an all-India pool. Moreover, the KR officials are unable to provide details of centre-wise data or data on candidates falling out at the time of document verification, making the entire exercise look suspicious.
If there are no benefits to Goans, why would locals readily sacrifice their lands? This failed promise sets a bad precedent, and future proposals from railways are bound to meet with resistance. The current land demand of the railway ministry for doubling of Tinaighat-Vasco South Western Railway line is unlikely to find favour, even if this project doesn’t come under the purview of the Konkan Railway because the villagers see no benefit coming to them.
The job scenario continues to remain bleak despite assurances by the government. The precarious fiscal situation is making it even worse. The mining shutdown has hit the economics of the State big time and which is why the government must look at creating job opportunities elsewhere. A cursory glance at the composition of staff in Railways, Telecommunication Department, Nationalised Banks and several other departments indicate that Goan staffers form a minuscule minority. In fact, in telecom, it’s hard to find a Goan. The Central agencies follow a different approach towards staff recruitment and Goans are known to be falling short in such competency. In such a situation, the State government must give this a push and prepare Goans for competitive exams.
The State’s focus has never been on Civil Services Examination and Staff Selection for different Cadres; neither does it have training centres. Let’s admit the fact that candidates from other states have had better results because they are well prepared. Goa has abundant talent, and it only needs to be channelled in the right direction.
