MARGAO
A substantial 2.45 lakh square metres of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)-acquired land on the Quitol plateau is proposed to be allotted to M/s Skydiving Adventures Pvt Ltd for setting up an integrated aero sports and aviation ecosystem.
As details of the project emerge, a key question likely to occupy the minds of local residents “ and Goans in general “ is whether the project will meaningfully benefit the local population, particularly in terms of employment. The concern gains significance given the sizeable extent of government-acquired land proposed to be handed over for the venture.
According to projections submitted by the company, the project is expected to generate a total of 303 jobs. Of these, 185 positions are earmarked for Goans, while the remaining 118 jobs are projected to go to non-Goans. This translates to approximately 61 per cent of the total projected employment being reserved for locals.
However, the company has indicated that the employment target will be achieved within five years of commencing operations.
When these figures were brought to the attention of Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, he maintained that both the company and the government must first clarify the nature and quality of jobs proposed under the project.
“The company as well as the government will have to place before the people the nature of jobs that would be created and whether locals will genuinely get employment opportunities,” he said.
He further added that employment generation would be a key issue during his proposed meeting with the Chief Minister.
“During our meeting with the Chief Minister, we will seek a clear explanation on employment generation under the project,” the MLA stated.
As discussions continue, employment prospects and the distribution of opportunities are likely to remain central to the debate surrounding the proposed aero sports and aviation ecosystem at Quitol.
