The news report ‘AAP dishes out promises of jobs, doles to Goans’ (TGE, Sept, 22), sounds more attractive and promising than the earlier pre-poll sops of free power and 24x7 power supply. It is bound to bring cheer to lakhs of unemployed youth in Goa as well as the large number of families affected by the closure of mining activity in the state. As of today, the percentage of unemployment in Goa is at an all time high and the highest among other states in the country. The present BJP govt in Goa has failed miserably to address the two issues of unemployment and mining closure, which was further compounded by the pandemic that added to the misery of the people. It is in this context that Kejriwal’s pre-poll assurances of providing employment to the youth of every household, a monthly dole of Rs 3,000 each, till a job is secured, and Rs 5,000 for people affected by mining closure, becomes significant, promising and encouraging. What people now seek is a change of govt, good governance, and better living conditions. And probably another 102% assurance for the same.
