Berojgari Bhatta and Goa's jobless

Unemployment has always been a pressing concern for India, a nation with the largest youth population in the world. For many, especially the educated youth, finding a stable source of employment is not just about livelihood, but also about dignity, self-worth, and identity. The inability to secure a job after years of education creates frustration and, in many cases, economic hardship. In response to this challenge, both the Central Government and various state governments have introduced schemes designed to offer temporary relief and long-term support. Among the most discussed of these initiatives are the Sushikshit Berojgar Yojana and Berojgari Bhatta schemes, which directly address the problem of educated unemployment through allowances, skill training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Sushikshit Berojgar Yojana embodies this vision. States such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi have taken the lead in implementing variations of this scheme. Typically, these programs provide monthly stipends ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,500 to eligible unemployed graduates or postgraduates. For instance, Rajasthan’s Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana provides allowances for up to two years, while Bihar’s Berojgari Bhatta Yojana targets educated youth registered with employment exchanges.

However, the role of such schemes is not limited to handing out allowances. In many states, these unemployment support programmes are being combined with skill development and career counselling. For example, Madhya Pradesh’s Mukhyamantri Yuva Swabhiman Yojana not only provides allowances but also ensures that youth are engaged in productive work or training activities. Similarly, central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) complement unemployment allowances by offering skill certification and placement assistance, thereby helping beneficiaries transition from allowance to employment.

When we shift focus to Goa, the debate around unemployment becomes even more striking. Goa, often seen as a prosperous state with high per capita income and a thriving tourism economy, is grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Goa’s unemployment rate stood at 9.7% between July 2022 and June 2023, the second highest in India after Lakshadweep. What makes the situation more worrying is that rural unemployment in Goa (11.3%) surpasses urban unemployment (8.7%), showing that job scarcity is not confined to city limits but has spread to villages as well.

The gender divide in unemployment adds another layer of complexity. PLFS data reveal that 14.7% of women in Goa are unemployed, compared to 7.7% of men.  Moreover, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) tracked Goa’s unemployment rate fluctuating sharply across 2023, with figures ranging from 11.6% in January to 15.5% in April and 13.7% in August.

One of the most concerning aspects of Goa’s unemployment problem lies in the category of educated job seekers. The state’s Department of Labour and Employment recorded a staggering 1,38,409 unemployed candidates between January 2022 and December 2023. Of these, 46,302 had completed Class XII, 33,486 were graduates, and 11,575 were postgraduates. These figures highlight the paradox of educated unemployment, where young people with qualifications in hand are unable to find jobs that match their skills. Youth unemployment in the age group of 15-29 years is estimated at 19.1% in Goa, and among women, it climbs to an alarming 31%, compared to 13.2% for men.

This reality is reflected in the stories of many Goan youth. Take Azma Sayed (name changed), a 24-year-old M Com pass-out from Vasco. Despite applying to numerous banks and IT firms, she has remained unemployed for over a year, relying on tutoring younger students for a modest income. Then there is Rohit Fernandes (name changed), a mechanical engineering graduate from Margao, who now drives a cab to sustain himself while dreaming of starting his own manufacturing unit. Priya Naik (name changed), a post-graduate in sociology from Panaji, has faced repeated rejections from NGOs and research institutes. A structured unemployment allowance or skill-linked support could provide these young Goans the financial breathing room to pursue professional courses, entrepreneurship, or meaningful volunteer work.

This is where the idea of schemes like Sushikshit Berojgar Yojana becomes particularly relevant for Goa. While the state does not currently offer a direct unemployment allowance like Rajasthan or Bihar, the high unemployment rates and real-life struggles of youth highlight the urgent need for such support. Goa has historically emphasised skill development through programs aligned with its tourism and service industries. Yet, with rapid changes in technology and the global economy, young Goans increasingly aspire to jobs in IT, banking, education, and entrepreneurship.

In Goa, where many educated youths remain registered with employment exchanges year after year, introducing an allowance system could serve multiple purposes. It would provide immediate relief to unemployed graduates, create a more accurate picture of the job market, and encourage youth to remain connected with state employment services.

Goa has immense potential to promote startups in areas such as sustainable tourism, IT-enabled services, fisheries, and renewable energy. If allowance schemes are tied to skill training, mentoring, and seed funding, they can transform from mere doles into catalysts for innovation and self-reliance.

The success of Sushikshit Berojgar and Berojgari Bhatta schemes in other states provides valuable lessons. Rajasthan’s model shows that allowances combined with transparent registration and periodic verification can be managed effectively. Madhya Pradesh demonstrates how allowance schemes can be blended with short-term employment opportunities. At the national level, initiatives like Startup India and PMEGP show how financial support can encourage self-employment rather than dependence. Goa can draw from these experiences to design a policy framework that addresses its unique challenges of educated unemployment.

 Goa cannot afford to ignore its rising unemployment numbers. The choice lies between reactive denial and proactive support. Schemes like Sushikshit Berojgar Yojana and Berojgari Bhatta offer a blueprint for proactive action, one that can ensure that no educated youth feels abandoned in their search for a dignified livelihood.