Team Herald
MARGAO: Goa Livelihood Forum (GLF) recently released a seminal research report that calls for alleviation of the loss to livelihoods of thousands in Goa, mainly due to the closure of the mining industry. The report was on the ‘Livelihood Scenario in the State’ based on a survey all the talukas in the State of Goa titled GLF Livelihood Reports 2020
This report is a follow up to the white paper on livelihoods launched last year in the State. The white paper is meant to help the readers understand the issue of sustained quality and standard of life of Goans, offer possibilities of policy and implementation interventions and brace the State to tackle the growth imperatives for the next generations.
GLF launched also launched its North Goa Women’s Forum at the hands of Sulakshana Sawant.
Sanjay Dhavlikar, Editor, The Goan Varta, delivered the keynote address about the Goa Livelihoods Report 2020.
According to the report, the ban on mining has not only affected the families dependent on mining but also the families whose livelihoods are dependent on the ancillaries of the mining industry. With the household incomes depleted by more than half after the mining ban, the incidence of domestic violence have increased due to joblessness and financial crunch to run families. The women and children are the worst sufferers due present stoppage of mining.
As per the report, the agriculture sector too hasn’t fared too well with only 8% of the youth picking the same as a viable livelihood opportunity on account of fragmented land holdings and other issues such as fair realisation of Agri- produce value. The tourism sector also faces its own set of challenges with it being felt that the government should work towards promoting wellness and medical tourism to attract a mix of foreign and domestic Tourists.
Asha Vernekar, Secretary GLF said, “The GLF Livelihoods report 2020 aims to bring the voice of Goans, to the centre of conversation about the importance of livelihood in our society. According to a report published by the Centre for Monitoring of Indian Economy (CMIE), Goa is witnessing its worst phase in terms of employment generation, and the rate of unemployment of the state is at 34.5% which is the highest in the country. The negative economic impact of a continued stoppage on mining activities and the slump in the tourism sector would be a large ticket for the economy to absorb at this stage. The issues plaguing the tourism, agricultural and mining sector in the state, if continued, would have an irreversible impact on the State Economy.”
