PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday announced that the Goa government will create more jobs over the next six months, with the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation (GHRDC) driving the employment push.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Old Secretariat in Panaji, Sawant said job creation remained a key priority of his government.
“Through the Human Resource Development Corporation, I am confident that in the next six months we will create 6,000 to 8,000 new jobs. There is absolutely no compromise when it comes to job creation,” Sawant said.
More than 5,000 youth are currently working through GHRDC, while the Goa Staff Selection Commission has recruited more than 3,000 youth through a transparent process. “In the coming days, thousands more will get jobs in a highly transparent manner through the Staff Selection Commission,” Sawant said.
The government had also decided to regularise contract staff who have completed 10 years of government service, he added.
Viksit Goa 2037 and fiscal health
Sawant said the government was working towards Viksit Goa 2037, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said Goa had recorded a revenue surplus for the fifth consecutive financial year and received Rs 2,050 crore from the Union government for capital investment in 2025-26, the highest-ever figure for the state.
“Fiscal prudence, stronger revenue mobilisation, disciplined expenditure and responsible debt management are the sustainable practices of my government,” he said. He added that Goa ranked second among major states in the NITI Aayog Fiscal Health Index 2026.
Roads, bridges and elevated corridors
On infrastructure, Sawant said 299 km of new highways had been constructed over the past 12 years. He announced that the foundation stone for the new Borim Bridge would be laid soon, while the Porvorim Elevated Corridor would open before Ganesh Chaturthi.
Schools and skills
On education, Sawant said 831 government schools were being upgraded under the National Education Policy 2020, while around 2.8 lakh children were being monitored through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra.
Under CM CARES, 65,000 children are being connected to coding, robotics and modern technology. “When we speak of a developed Goa, it is not just about infrastructure. We must make our next generation strong, skilled and self-reliant,” Sawant said.
MSMEs and investmentSMEs and investment
He said nearly 19,000 MSMEs employ around 91,000 people in Goa, while projects facilitated by the Goa Investment Promotion Board over the past decade had generated around 22,000 employment opportunities.
Mhaje Ghar, housing push
Sawant said the Mhaje Ghar initiative would address long-standing ownership issues involving eligible residential properties. Four laws have been amended to facilitate ownership of eligible properties, including certain homes built before 1972.
“I am confident that in the next six months, Goans will benefit from this Mhaje Ghar opportunity on a massive scale,” he said. The government will also soon launch the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (CMAY) to provide houses or flats to landless Goans, Sawant assured.
Tribal welfare and ST reservation
On tribal welfare, Sawant said all pending Forest Rights Act sanads would be distributed before December 19. On political reservation for Scheduled Tribes, he said the process would be implemented in accordance with decisions of the Central government.
Tourism and mining
Describing tourism as the “backbone of Goa’s economy”, Sawant said more than one crore tourists visit the state annually. The government is promoting hinterland, heritage, spiritual, wellness, adventure and sports tourism, he said.
On mining, Sawant said 18 mining blocks and 20 dumps had been auctioned, with operations expected to resume by October.
“I am confident that by this coming October, mining operations will run smoothly, bringing approximately Rs 1,000 crore in revenue to our mining department,” he said.
Healthcare expansion
On healthcare, Sawant said the online OPD appointment system at Goa Medical College had benefited more than 15,000 people. MBBS capacity has increased to 200-250 seats, while 140 postgraduate medical seats have been added.
Tiatr gets national heritage recognition
Sawant also announced that Tiatr has been recognised as the 56th element in the National Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of India by the Ministry of Culture.
“This milestone opens the doors for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition,” he said.
Call for responsible freedom
Concluding his address, Sawant urged citizens to use their freedom responsibly.
“Freedom to think comes with responsibility. Every voice on the internet must be grounded in facts, purpose and responsibility,” Sawant said.
“The opportunities you enjoy today were built on the tireless efforts of our ancestors. It is now our responsibility to build a prosperous Goa and create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
He called on Goans to work together towards Viksit Goa 2037 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
