Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has downplayed concerns over Goa’s unemployment rate, stating that the situation is not as alarming as national statistics suggest. Speaking at a recent event, Sawant argued that the figures often paint a misleading picture due to the way the data is collected—particularly the heavy reliance on employment exchange registrations.
He explained that many individuals listed as unemployed are either already working in the private sector or are students pursuing higher education. “A large number of those registered at the employment exchange are gainfully employed in private firms, while others are graduates or postgraduates who register to keep their options open for government jobs,” Sawant said. This, he noted, results in an inflated estimate of the state’s actual unemployment levels.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that Goa’s economy continues to generate employment across key sectors like tourism, hospitality, IT, and services. He also highlighted various government-led initiatives aimed at reducing real unemployment, including skill development programmes and job-oriented schemes designed to prepare youth for the current market demands.