Industry employees get cards based on domicile
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The government has declared that it is aware of the number of Goans and non-Goans employed in various industries and has issued them cards of three colours, based on their domicile. It categorically says that it has a mechanism in place to record the number of employees of Goan origin and outsiders employed in each industrial unit in the State.
To those who are ‘Goans’, a green line smart card is issued, to those who have lived in Goa for less than 15 years but moré than 5 years, an orange line smart card is issued and for those who are in Goa for less than 5 years, a red line smart card is issued.
The major flaw in this methodology is that the government does not differentiate between ethnic and naturalized Goans (who have lived for more than 15 years) officials admitted. This is done by the Department of Labour and Employment and the Industries Department does not have any mechanism and is not aware of how many Goans are employed in the various industries in the State.
Ironically, Goans are not being given any preference for employment in institutions that are supposed to represent Goa outside the State.
Recently, Goenkarancho Ekvott alleged that that there was not a single Goan employed at the two prominent Goan institutions in Delhi ~ Goa Niwas and Goa Sadan. The government has recently promised that it would take measures to rectify the same.
Industries have been given schemes like the preferential purchase scheme for micro and small enterprises scheme 2008, Goa State Export Market Development Scheme, Interest Subsidy Scheme, Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, among others, But there has been a constant refrain from all that there has been a steady influx from across the borders and these are employed in industries that are in the State.
Locals allege that there are buildings constructed and even large number of flats hired out by contractors whose job it is to supply labour to the industries that dot the 22 industrial estates in the State. In fact the government has acquired land to expand the Tuem industrial estate ~ with possession being taken over. The land has been acquired at Rs 25 per sqm for tenanted land and Rs 100 per sqm for untenanted land.
According to Industrial Policy of Goa 2003, the government was aiming for balanced “industrial development in the State of Goa so that there are no areas of want.” It further says that the “fruits of industrial growth have to be enjoyed by all people of all regions of Goa.” This has not happened till date and a cursory visit to the industries including the hotel and shack industry will bear this out.
“A focused approach, a definite direction and effective implementation are the thrust issues of this industrial policy. The policy outlines schemes which will tap into a huge pool of skilled human resources presented by local youth providing them with sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities. All this geared towards promotion of sustained, environment friendly industrial growth,” it says adding “The policy zeroes in on the strengths of the State and provides a clear direction for industrial growth. It addresses both, the needs of today and those of the future to create prosperity that marches smoothly with the ethos and temperament of the people and unique culture of the State.”
