The move by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to withdraw all advertisements inviting applications for jobs in government departments, that appeared after the Goa Staff Selection Commission Bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly, is laudable. This effectively ends the discretion that a minister had in employment in his or her department and also eliminates the ‘quota’ system whereby MLAs could get a certain number of their constituents employed in association with the minister concerned.

The system that was followed by all governments until now allowed for corrupt practices. In the past – distant and near – there have been a number of allegations of corruption involving ministers and their progeny and their supporters offering jobs in return for a consideration. All that should now stop and a youth who is qualified and competent should stand a very good chance of making it to the final list of employees. 

The news may dampen the spirits of those thousands who had already applied for the posts that will be withdrawn, but will cheer many others who stand a chance of a government job by virtue of their merit, which the Commission is expected ro recognise and reward. The Commission is expected to be apolitical and its decisions cannot be questioned. It will have to also work in such a manner so as to not attract allegations.

Sawant’s decision can be hailed as bold, especially since forms for certain posts had already been collected by aspirants. This may delay the recruitment process, but if this will increase efficiency in government, whereby departments get qualified and proficient staff, why should anyone complain? It should encourage local youth to aspire for a government job, rather than entering the competition with the fatalistic feeling that the process had been compromised by the political powers.

Such transparency in government recruitment was overdue, and though promised by previous chief ministers, was never delivered. Sawant has done well, the Staff Selection Commission that will be appointed cannot let down the people.