PANAJI: The Goa government has notified a 4% job reservation in Group C posts for meritorious sportspersons, making it mandatory for departments to implement the quota in direct recruitment. The circular specifies that total reservations, including the sports quota, must not exceed 50% of vacancies.
“In pursuance of the Goa Sports Policy 2009 and Circular read at preamble (1), the Government is pleased to declare mandatory sports reservation of four per cent (4%) for meritorious sportsperson in direct recruitment, to Group "C" posts,” the circular stated.
However, the departments will have to ensure that all other reservations, including reservations for sportspersons, do not exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies proposed to be filled by direct recruitment.
The decision follows the State Sports Policy 2009 and fulfils a promise made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the 2024-25 Budget. Sawant had assured that Goan athletes winning gold medals at national and international events would be rewarded with government jobs. The move also comes in the backdrop of Goa’s performance at the National Games, where the government pledged greater support for medal winners.
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs had earlier drafted a scheme to provide jobs to medal winners across departments. However, the Finance Department raised concerns about recruitment rules and qualifications, following which the rules were amended to include clear provisions on eligibility, direct recruitment, and subsequent promotions.
