PANAJI: Around 1,300 candidates will be selected in the first phase of the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation (GHRDC) Job Fair 2026, with appointment letters to be issued before May 1 and joining scheduled by May 2, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said today.
Addressing the first-ever private sector job fair organised by the corporation at the Verna Industrial Estate, Sawant said the initiative is aimed at connecting Goan youth with industry while ensuring long-term career mobility. “This is the first time such a large-scale private sector job fair has been organised. It is a platform created to transform lives,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the response has been significant, with over 6,000 candidates registering and nearly 3,000 attending the event. Around 25 leading companies from industrial estates have begun interviews, which will continue over the next 10 days. “Even those not selected in the first phase will be called again. We are committed to ensuring opportunities for all,” he added.
Explaining the role of the corporation, Sawant said it was set up in 2014 to bring Goan youth into sectors traditionally dominated by out-of-state workers. “Earlier, security and housekeeping services were handled almost entirely by outsiders. Today, our own youth are taking up these roles with dignity and confidence,” he said.
He highlighted structured training and employment benefits offered through the corporation. “We provide up to three months of training. These jobs come with ESI, PF, increments, and a clear career path,” he said. “After completing two years, there is a 20 per cent reservation in government jobs. Recently, 40 personnel from the corporation joined the police force. That is a matter of pride.”
Sawant also pointed to upward mobility within the system. “Many who joined after Class 12 have gone on to complete graduation and secure government jobs. We support further education through scholarships and even cover full fees,” he said, adding that over 5,000 youths are currently employed across roles ranging from security and housekeeping to drivers, computer operators, and junior officers.
Addressing concerns around job security in the private sector, the Chief Minister said the corporation acts as a bridge between industry and employees. “There was mistrust earlier. So we created a system where the corporation appoints candidates and industries pay through us. This ensures stability,” he said. He added that candidates can later transition directly into companies offering better pay or continue with the corporation.
He stressed that private sector experience is now crucial. “Today, experience is compulsory even for government jobs like MTS and LDC. The experience gained here will be recognised and considered,” Sawant said, noting that candidates completing one year in the private sector will be given preference for certain government posts.
Calling for a shift in mindset, he said, “No job is small. Every job has value. I started my career with a salary of Rs 4,000 as a medical officer.”
Sawant also outlined parallel initiatives in skilling and employment. “We are ready to provide two- to three-month training with stipends. Companies can offer on-the-job training, or we will facilitate it through the corporation,” he said.
On self-employment, he highlighted schemes offering loans at 4–5% interest through the Economic Development Corporation, training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Panaji, and startup grants of up to Rs 10 lakh under the IT department. “If you have an idea, the government will support you,” he said.
The Chief Minister said new ITI courses and continuous upskilling programmes are being rolled out to meet industry demand. He also pointed to expanding opportunities in sectors like tourism, industry, and events. “If we don’t take these opportunities, others will,” he cautioned.
On infrastructure, Sawant said transport connectivity to industrial hubs such as Verna will be strengthened. “Internal bus services have already started. We will expand routes across shifts based on where employees are coming from,” he said.
Urging youth to stay focused, he said, “Opportunities are being created, infrastructure is being built. The next step is yours. Work hard, stay consistent, and make the most of it.”
