PANJIM: Reiterating that nearly 90 per cent of crimes in the State are committed by migrant labourers, the Chief Minister on Monday directed the contractors and employers, employing them, to obtain ‘Goa Labour Card’ before engaging them in the work.
Sawant speaking during a Labour Day programme in the state capital said that every labourer coming to Goa should have a labour card. He said that more than 90 per cent of the labourers working in the construction industry are from outside Goa.
“If we see the ratio, then 90 per cent of the crimes are done by migrant labourers. Be it from Bihar, UP and from the other areas. After committing any crime here, the migrant labourer goes back to his state and then it becomes difficult to nab him or her,” he said.
Sawant said that if the migrant labourers are registered with the Labour Department then the government will get data of their addresses and it can help police to investigate any case.
“At least if we have their identity then they will restrain themselves from committing crime fearing arrest. Hence it is the responsibility of contractors, employees and employers to get a labour card done," Sawant said adding that online facilities will be made available to apply for a labour card.
“This will also help in reducing the crimes in the State,” he added.
Earlier in March, Sawant had asked hoteliers to obtain 'Goa Labour Card' before employing staff and check their criminal records, if any, following two incidents of hotel staff attacking foreign women tourists.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said that the actual unemployment figure in the state is to the tune of 20,000 though Employment Exchange shows 1.10 lakh unemployed in Goa. “We are in the process of bifurcating those who are studying, who are working in private jobs and others employed. This will help us to know the exact figures,” he said.
Sawant also announced that the government will take decision on increasing the minimum wages in the next 15 days and will ensure that they are higher than any other States.