This is with reference to the news report 'Don't blame govt alone for high joblessness: CM' (TGE Dec 8). Chief minister Sawant has made a very irresponsible statement by absolving the Goa govt of its responsibility and blaming educational institutions in Goa for not providing skilled -based education to students, resulting in the high unemployment rate of 13%---- the highest in the country, according to the recent report of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy(CMIE). If this were so, then how is it that thousands of our skilled workers such as masons, carpenters, plumbers electricians, fitters, welders, etc are employed in Gulf countries and other foreign countries, and the demand for such skilled workers continues every year? This has become possible only because we have govt-run and private institutions like the ITI (Industrial Training Institute) that impart technical training to SSC passed and undergraduates in the above mentioned trades. Besides, we also have our engineering colleges and the prestigious IITs that churn out thousands of skilled professionals every year who are gainfully employed in foreign countries but unfortunately not in Goa , because of the lack of industries, poor infrastructural facilities and job opportunities. In such a dismal scenario therefore, how does the Goa govt promise lakhs of jobs to the unemployed and also blame our educational institutions?.
