Goa is a small and highly literate state with a population of about 15 lakhs and has been considered to be a prosperous state. Poverty is hardly known in Goa and in the past, Goa was known as a land of plenty. However, in the last 20 years, Goans have opted in large numbers to apply for Portuguese nationality and thus many of the Goans, in particular the working age people have gone to foreign shores and that vacuum created has been filled up with a large number of migrants. In fact, it could well be said that of now that Goans and migrants from other States are equal in number.
It would be pertinent to analyse whether the Goans are adequately provided for and here it would be right to cite a few aspects of life in Goan now, especially economically.
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It would be right to say that about 1 lakh houses, flats and shops are rented out to the migrants by way of the 11-month Leave and Licence Agreements and thus this mode provides for sustenance of many Goans. Also it is known now that with the influx of tourists there are many hotels, bars and restaurants and cafes which are owned by Goans and which bring them income. Also due to the tourism boom, many Goan youth have purchased Tourist Taxis which are a source of income to the families of their dependents. It would be pertinent to note that all taxi drivers have been punctual in repaying their loans and thus especially during the season time, they earn a decent sum of money.
Also 1 in every 22 Goans have government jobs in the various departments, public sector banks and also KTC.
Also there are several social welfare schemes such as in particular, Griha Aadhaar that provides for regular income to at least 1 lakh womenfolk for their families which is a cushion against inflation. A large number of senior citizens, widows and differently abled persons are being provided regular income under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme. Even a fair number of eligible brides in Goa are provided with LadIi Laxmi for their marriages. Thus it should be noted that almost all Goans are being provided for in sufficient amounts and thus Goa can be considered a fairly well-off state.
Besides, the vehicle density of Goa which is about 15 lakh four wheelers and 12 lakh two wheelers indicate that Goans are fairly well off economically.
Also besides these above mentioned sources of income, Goans are also engaged in several other businesses and are employed by private companies and institutions. Add to this the fact that foreign remissions come in from the United Kingdom and the Gulf region and Goa can be still considered to be a prosperous State. With the resumption of mining due shortly, the employment avenues will increase to a great extent. Thus it is right to note that Goa is a place where social and communal harmony thrives due to the fact that all are well provided for. In fact the prevalent atmosphere in the State is the reason for Goa being a prominent state in the global tourist map.
