Only SSC can fill them, counters Sawant
PANAJI
Government jobs have become the latest issue in Goa politics after Health Minister Vishwajit Rane claimed on Friday that nearly 22,000 posts are lying vacant across government departments.
Using both praise and sarcasm, Rane called Chief Minister Pramod Sawant a “magician” who would create jobs before the elections. He also said the BJP would return to power after the polls.
Sawant responded by saying vacancies do exist, but recruitment will happen only through proper rules.
“All appointments will be made through the Staff Selection Commission,” he said, while asking Rane to submit details of vacancies in departments under his charge before making
broad claims.
Sawant added that although thousands of jobs are vacant, transparency in recruitment is important. He also said some temporary positions are filled through the Human Resource Development Corporation.
The exchange soon turned into a political war of words.
Rane said people across Goa, including in his Sattari constituency, are waiting for jobs. He argued that recruitment should happen before the Assembly elections due in early 2027.
The timing of the remarks is important. Sawant and Rane are colleagues in the BJP, but are often seen as rivals whenever discussions about the top political post begin. With elections approaching, unemployment is once again becoming a major political issue.
Government jobs remain an important way to attract young voters. For politicians, especially those in power, promises of recruitment are also seen as a key election tool.
The BJP had also focused on job promises before the 2022 Assembly elections. At that time too, leaders spoke about thousands of vacancies and promised recruitment to win support from voters.
Rane’s latest comments will now be closely watched to see whether the government and the Goa Staff Selection Commission actually begin a large recruitment process as the state moves closer to another election year.
