PANAJI
Goa government’s stoic silence on the controversy surrounding outstation recruitment by companies for their plants in Goa has seemingly created an uneasy situation as pharmaceutical companies are now likely to call upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to express their grievance.
The companies argue they hold recruitments in Goa for positions at their outstation plants “ which also offer opportunities for Goans to work in their facilities located elsewhere.
One such prominent company has arranged a walk-in interview for positions at its Aurangabad plant in Goa on June 2. “We have observed a pool of talented Goans who are open to opportunities beyond the State,” a company official revealed on condition of anonymity.
Quite a few pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies operating in various IDCs admitted to the challenge of finding Goans willing to relocate within the State. “Goans often prefer not to adjust to work shifts or locations within the State for obvious reasons. This has posed challenges for companies to recruit them for relevant positions. However, we have noticed this trend throughout India,” stated another official.
Three companies, Indoco Remedies Ltd, Encube Ethicals, and Cipla, withdrew walk-in interviews in Maharashtra and Gujarat following opposition.
Chairman of ASSOCHAM (Goa State Council) Manguirish Pai Raikar has called for a balanced approach stating that 35 per cent of Goans are employed outside the State. “We have to look from the other side too. About 35 per cent of Goans are working at different places. What will happen if those companies stop hiring us,” he questioned.
Raikar also conceded that hiring Goans reduces the need to arrange accommodation and transport for employees, provided there is sufficient local talent. “If a company fails to find a suitable candidate within Goa, will it shut its operations?” he added.
Sources revealed that several companies are in a tight spot as initially when they insisted on “jobs exclusively for Goans,” they had to change it to “Goans preferred.”
“Association members will soon hold a meeting to decide the future course of action. We will seek an appointment to meet the CM to present our grievances and seek an urgent solution,” said one pharma association member.
In 2019, the government announced to formulate a policy ensuring 80 per cent of jobs in private industries are reserved for Goans. Sawant had stated that without such a policy, it would be difficult to expect strict compliance.
Raikar has objected to this policy, stating it is unrealistic to force employment only for Goans unless there is a proper subsidy and other requirements in place.
