Goa’s unemployment rate is nearly double the national average: Government survey

Team Herald

MARGAO: In a concerning development for Goa’s economic landscape, recent data from the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has revealed an alarming unemployment rate of 8.7%, more than double the national average of 4.5%. This stark figure has ignited a fierce political debate, with the Opposition criticising the current government’s economic policies and their impact on the State's youth.

The report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation through the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), paints a challenging picture of Goa’s job market. While the State’s economy is diversified, with 19.7% of the population employed in agriculture, 30.5% in the secondary sector, and 55% in services, the unemployment figures tell a troubling story, especially for women. The female unemployment rate stands at a staggering 16.8%, compared to 5.6% for men, highlighting a significant gender disparity in job opportunities.

Reacting to these statistics, Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led State government. “This government has shut all employment opportunities and abandoned Goa's youth,” Sardesai declared, pointing to what he described as ‘irresponsible, reckless, and mindless policies’.

He criticised the decision to allow land previously earmarked for industrial development at Zuari Agro Chemicals to be sold for luxury second homes, arguing that such actions are ‘throwing poor Goan youth and their families on the streets’.

Incidentally, as per the survey, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) in Goa, stands at 39% compared to the national average of 42.3%, which has also raised concerns. This disparity is even more pronounced when broken down by gender, with female labour force participation at just 21.2%, less than half of the 56% rate among men. These figures, covering June 2023 to June 2024, underscore the challenges facing Goa’s workforce, particularly its women.

The Opposition’s criticism has extended beyond land use policies to encompass broader issues of governance and economic planning with Sardesai alleging that government job recruitment is ‘marred by ‘Cash For Job’ charges’.

He pointed out that even the thriving pharmaceutical sector has begun recruiting from neighbouring States, a move, he claims has not been adequately addressed by State policies to protect local employment opportunities.

Govt pushing youth into a bleak future: Yuri Alemao

PANJIM: Launching a scathing attack on the BJP government over rising unemployment, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday said that the ruling party is committing grave injustice to the youth of the State and pushing them into a bleak future.

In a statement, he said, “Congratulations to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for getting another certificate from the Periodic Labour Force Survey over the unemployment rate. BJP’s double engine has failed to address the unemployment issue and hence, youth are deprived of opportunities and jobs.”

Stating that the double-engine government has finished small businesses by implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Alemao said, “Now unemployment has spread in a terrifying manner. However, the government is doing nothing to improve the situation by creating jobs. This has forced Goan youths to migrate to other countries in search of jobs.”

“BJP government is busy selling its jobs and on the other hand, it has no control over recruitment done by private companies. Hence, two pharma companies had recently advertised in Maharashtra to recruit youths of that State in Goa. This is unacceptable. Still, this corrupt government is boasting of employment generation in hospitality and other sectors,” he alleged.

He claimed that the repercussions of the unemployment scenario will have a bad impact on society.