PANAJI
As education levels among government staff continue to rise, Goa’s public workforce is undergoing a gradual but notable shift. A Department of Planning and Statistics report shows a steady increase in the number of highly educated employees, with a 1.10 per cent rise in those holding higher or technical qualifications between 2019 and 2024.
However, of the 63,970 government employees working across departments, autonomous bodies, aided institutions, and public sector undertakings, 50.01 per cent have completed schooling only up to Class 1–12 — a sign of the continued reliance on personnel with basic education for routine administrative and service functions.
In 2019, 5.70 per cent of the workforce belonged to Group D (peons and below), the lowest category in the administrative hierarchy. By 2024, this figure had dropped to 2.48 per cent (1,588 employees), marking a sharp decline of more than half.
Conversely, Group C (clerical) employees now dominate the workforce, accounting for 76.27 per cent of the total staff, or 48,792 employees.
This expansion reflects the growing demand for mid-level administrative and technical roles, which require higher skill sets compared to Group D positions.
Officials suggest that the reduction in Group D employees is linked to modernization and digitization of government services, which has reduced the need for manual and support staff.
At the same time, the expansion of Group C indicates a shift toward a more technically proficient workforce.
The report also points to a gradual but positive increase in female participation in government services.
In 2019, women accounted for 35.74 per cent of the workforce. By 2024, this figure had risen to 36.51 percent, reflecting efforts to promote gender inclusivity in public employment.
While the increase may appear modest, experts note that it signals a slow but steady change in the traditionally male-dominated government sector.
Analysts believe these trends carry important implications for Goa’s administrative efficiency. The rise in educational qualifications among employees is expected to improve service delivery, while the decline in Group D positions highlights the impact of technology on traditional roles.
The increase in female representation, though incremental, is seen as a step toward more balanced and diverse governance.
As Goa continues to modernize its administrative machinery, the report underscores the importance of aligning workforce development with the state’s evolving socio-economic needs.
With nearly 64,000 employees on its rolls, the government faces the dual challenge of managing resources effectively while ensuring inclusivity and skill enhancement across its workforce.
