The announcement by the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that jobless youth would be given an unemployment dole is not the right thing to do. Youth would tend to become lazy if they do not work for their living. Instead of giving a Rs. 3000 dole, to the 1.2 lakh unemployed, it would be prudent to institute a training cum earning scheme in which youth would have to work alongside the many government departments all over Goa and thus assist, while being trained in carrying out tasks that will bring some revenue to the government as well as keep youth occupied.
Also in this way since the government would benefit financially from the work rendered by the youth, they could be paid an enhanced remuneration since they have contributed towards revenue generation.
Goa has fast become a welfare state in which several other welfare schemes are also in place. Mention may be made of the Griha Aadhaar and the Dayanand Social Security Scheme as well as the Ladli Laxmi scheme.
The government had started reviewing of these schemes to find out those that should not have been given these schemes because they were fraudulently receiving them. However so far no reports have emerged about the reviewing of these schemes as well as striking off of names of those claiming these schemes fraudulently.
The state would do well not to encourage welfare except for those who are old, infirm or disabled. All other working age people should earn and not become dependent on welfare schemes.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
