PANAJI
The Goa government is likely to revise its existing recruitment rules -- on employment and promotions -- in a bid to facilitate direct recruitment of sportspersons-cum-medal winners in government jobs.
While, the government is considering reserving 3-4 per cent Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts, the direct recruitment for Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ would be considered for medal winners who are degree holders or post graduates.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his 2024-25 Budget announced that sportspersons who win gold medals at the national and international level will be rewarded with government jobs. Following National Games success, Sawant along with Sport Minister Govind Gaude had promised 4 per cent job reservation for Goan sportsmen, who win medals.
Accordingly, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs drafted a scheme to provide jobs to medal winners in various government departments. However, the Finance Department raised certain queries with regards to recruitment rules and qualification for direct recruitments.
“We are now complying with the queries. We will have to amend the recruitment rules for direct recruitment and subsequent promotions. When we speak about direct recruitment of group A and B posts, we will have to see that the people employed there are qualified and able to do justice to the post. We will also have to give a dignified position to the medal winners at International or national level,” Sports Minister Govind Gaude told The Goan.
“Though, direct recruitment at high level posts are considered, we will have to see whether it is practically possible,” he added.
The Minister also clarified that the jobs to be reserved would be only to sportspersons, born in the State and who have won medals at national or international level. “We are hopeful to notify the scheme by February, next year. The move is aimed towards bolstering sports in the State,” he said.
In the National Games held last year, Goa secured 92 medals that included 27 gold, 27 silver and 38 bronze. Apart from that, several young sportspersons like Ethan Vaz, under sub junior category, is making Goa proud at the International platform.
According to sources, the government will also put in place a Selection Committee headed by either the Sports Minister or Secretary Sports to clear the posts in various categories.
