PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced an extensive inspection drive across all industrial estates to identify and curb labour exploitation. He warned to take stern action against the violators in a bid to safeguard workers’ rights.
The drive will also look into other issues concerning the workforce including minimum wages, entitlement of leaves, job security and other rights and benefits.
Sawant chaired a high-level meeting attended by Labour Minister Atanasio Monserrate, the Chief Secretary, Labour Commissioner, EPFO officials, and representatives from key industries, including pharma, tourism, shipping, and automobiles. During the meeting, the Chief Minister laid out multi-pronged strategies to address employment challenges and uplift the State’s workforce.
The marathon meeting also held discussion on the acute shortage of manpower faced by industries across the State and explore solutions to improve employment in the private sector.
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.
“Let me be clear, the government will not tolerate labour exploitation and strict action will be initiated against those violating the norms,” he maintained. As per the government norms, a minimum wage for unskilled workers is Rs 544 per day, semi-skilled Rs 605 per day, Rs 660 to skilled workers, Rs 702 per day for highly skilled workers and Rs 660 per day for clerical jobs.
Speaking further, Sawant said the State’s industries are witnessing a significant manpower shortage, citing an instance where only two candidates turned up for interviews conducted by the Goa Pharma Association. A similar situation prevails in the shipbuilding sector.
“There are job opportunities available, but there is no manpower. Many young Goans are reluctant to join the private sector due to concerns about job security. After discussing various issues, we realised that the youth feel there is no safety and security of job in the private sector, that is why they don’t prefer it as a career option,” he said.
He said the meeting also reviewed the existing wage structure and decided to revise the minimum wages across industries.
Another key issue discussed was the lack of transportation linking bus stands to industrial estates. Industry bodies have been asked to submit their transport requirements to the government for necessary action.
Sawant also announced that it will be made mandatory for industries to hire Goan contractors for their operations.
In a major decision regarding labour welfare, the Chief Minister said that from July 1, 2025, companies will be required to utilise funds from the Labour Welfare Fund and the Construction Labour Welfare Fund to implement 16 different benefit schemes, including housing support and scholarships for workers’ children. The two funds together have a corpus of Rs 600 crore.
