Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a broad set of measures aimed at strengthening welfare and job security for private sector employees, while urging young Goans to look beyond government employment and tap into opportunities emerging across various industries.
Speaking at a Mega Job Fair hosted by the Labour Department at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Sawant said the government is working on policy reforms that will improve working conditions and create a more secure environment for employees in the private sector.
As part of these efforts, Labour Inspectors have been instructed to monitor employment trends in industrial units located within Goa’s industrial estates. The exercise will focus on assessing how many Goans are employed in these establishments and whether workers are being provided long-term employment opportunities.
The initiative follows concerns that some employees are reportedly denied continuity of service, affecting their eligibility for benefits and career progression.
Sawant said the government intends to introduce new regulations that encourage fair salary structures and reward employees for experience and years of service. He indicated that a package of worker-focused measures is likely to be rolled out in the coming months.
Among the proposals being examined are transport concessions, housing support, healthcare assistance and educational benefits for workers’ families. The government is also considering expanding travel subsidies on public transport services to ease commuting costs for employees.
In addition, discussions are underway to create pathways for workers to upgrade their qualifications through collaborations with higher educational institutions. The objective, according to the Chief Minister, is to ensure that private sector employees have access to continuous learning and career advancement opportunities.
Addressing the large gathering of job seekers, Sawant emphasized that career growth should not be limited to government service.
He said Goa’s economy is generating opportunities across a wide range of sectors and encouraged youth to gain industry experience that can strengthen their professional prospects. He also noted that work experience has become increasingly important for various government recruitment processes, making private sector employment a valuable stepping stone.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing focus on skill development, pointing to training programmes being conducted through technical institutes, skill development agencies and apprenticeship schemes. He stressed that adapting to changing technologies and acquiring new skills will be essential in an increasingly competitive job market.
Referring to the healthcare sector, Sawant said specialised training programmes introduced by the government have enabled many students to secure employment soon after completing their courses, demonstrating the value of industry-oriented skill development.
The job fair witnessed participation from more than 150 companies offering thousands of vacancies across sectors such as aviation, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, information technology, banking, hospitality, telecommunications, construction and e-commerce.
Officials said the event attracted a large number of registrations from job seekers across the State, reflecting growing interest in private-sector opportunities. They added that previous employment drives organised by the government have already helped thousands of candidates secure jobs.
Sawant said the government’s goal extends beyond employment generation and includes ensuring better wages, career progression and social security for workers, thereby making private-sector careers more attractive and sustainable for Goan youth.
