PANAJI: In a decisive move to reform labour practices and build a future-ready workforce, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the Goa government will soon launch a special inspection drive across all industrial estates in the state. The initiative aims to curb labour exploitation, enforce minimum wage norms, and ensure workers receive the rights and benefits they are entitled to.
Addressing the press today after a high-level meeting attended by Revenue and Labour Minister Atanasio Monserrate, the Chief Secretary, Labour Commissioner, EPFO officials, and representatives from key industries, including pharma, tourism, shipping, and automobiles, Sawant laid out a multi-pronged strategy to address employment challenges and uplift the state’s workforce.
Sawant expressed concern over industries that continue to flout labour laws by underpaying workers, some receiving less than Rs 560 per day. “This is unacceptable. We are aware of such practices, and we are committed to taking action. Our Labour Commissioner will conduct ground-level checks across industrial estates, and strict action will follow wherever violations are found,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that even high school graduates deserve fair wages and a basic standard of livelihood. He said the government would also focus on improving public transport connectivity to industrial estates to support the rural workforce’s commute, exploring options like better bus and rail access.
Beyond enforcement, the government plans to bridge the skill gap by expanding its network of “finishing schools” and launching industry-relevant certified training programmes. These will be offered in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, shipping, pharma, and commerce. The courses will be accessible to 10th and 12th pass-outs as well as graduates, many of whom will be able to enrol online via government platforms. Sawant urged private colleges and institutions to collaborate with the state to offer affordable programmes, some at fees as low as Rs 4000 with stipends of up to Rs 10,000 per month.
He also revealed that a cross-sector audit will be carried out to identify training gaps, wage disparities, and upskilling needs across various industries in Goa. The Labour Department will share its database of job seekers with companies to streamline recruitment and reduce hiring friction.
A significant part of the Chief Minister’s address focused on the utilisation of labour welfare funds. He pointed out that over Rs 600 crore allocated for worker welfare remains unutilised. “This money must reach the people it was meant for,” he said, adding that the funds would be channelled into schemes covering housing, healthcare, insurance, digital literacy, and medical care for dependents. He also announced the introduction of rehabilitation allowances for workers in need, effective from July.
The state government has also stepped up efforts to ensure that all private sector workers enrolled under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) receive their full benefits. The Chief Minister confirmed that the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) has already appointed representatives to assist private companies in registering eligible workers for 100% EPF and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
“As we strengthen social security, it’s equally important to focus on dignity at the workplace,” Sawant said. “ESI doctors have been brought on board to conduct regular health checkups for workers. The lack of health coverage and experience certification often hinders career growth—we aim to fix that. From providing proper documentation to ensuring timely wages, our departments are actively working on every front.”
He also underlined the importance of supporting Goan contractors to reduce dependency on external labour and announced the deployment of GHRDC personnel in security and housekeeping roles. The Labour Welfare Department is working on launching a transparent online portal to monitor the delivery of employee benefits and welfare schemes.
