The discussion on the employment of Goan youth in the private sector has been a topic of considerable concern in the legislative assembly of Goa. The government’s stance, asserting that it cannot compel private companies to exclusively hire Goans, raises questions about the interest of Goan youth in private jobs.
This issue has garnered attention, especially in the wake of the repercussions faced by the industrial sector in Karnataka after the state government-mandated 80% reservations for Kannadigas.
This move almost led to an exodus of industries from Karnataka, highlighting the complex dynamics between governments, private enterprises, and employment.
According to the Goa Employment Exchange, approximately 1.59 lakh local youth are registered, although the Chief Minister indicates that the actual figure may differ and is subject to government verification.
Adding further complexity to the situation, it is observed that the youth employed in the private sector are still registered with the employment exchange. This trend raises an important question about the prevailing perception of employment among Goans.
Is government employment the primary pursuit for Goans, with private jobs seen as a secondary option?
It is evident that the allure of government jobs is firmly entrenched in the mindset of Goan youth. The pursuit of employment opportunities in the private sector seems to be at odds with this prevailing inclination.
This preference for government jobs can be attributed to numerous factors, including job security and social prestige. However, it is crucial to recognize the significance of private-sector employment in driving economic growth and providing diverse career avenues.
The specific challenges encountered by the media industry in Goa shed light on the difficulties that private companies face in attracting local talent.
The scarcity of writers, reporters, news anchors, videographers, graphic designers, accountants, and office assistants in the media industry is indicative of a broader trend.
The reluctance of Goan youth to embrace demanding roles, particularly those that extend beyond standard working hours, presents a critical impediment to the growth of private enterprises.
Furthermore, despite concerted efforts to attract local talent through extensive advertising and competitive salary offerings, private companies are compelled to recruit from neighbouring states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka.
This trend raises pertinent questions about the preparedness and aspirations of Goan youth regarding private employment opportunities.
In this complex landscape, it is essential to navigate beyond assigning blame and instead focus on fostering a conducive environment for the mutual benefit of Goan youth and private enterprises.
It demands a multifaceted approach that addresses perceptions, skills development, and collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector. Bridging the gap between the aspirations of Goan youth and the requirements of the private sector is pivotal in nurturing a thriving ecosystem of employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the dilemmas surrounding the inclination of Goan youth towards private sector jobs necessitate a comprehensive exploration of underlying motivations and challenges. While the allure of government employment is understandable, fostering a balanced approach that acknowledges the vitality of private jobs is integral for the holistic development of Goa’s workforce and economy.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
