Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government during a session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, accusing the so-called “Double Engine Sarkar” of systematically neglecting Goans, particularly in matters of employment, including at the newly operational Mopa Airport.
Citing a response from the Labour Minister, Sardesai revealed that the Mopa Airport does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Goa Labour Department, as it is governed by the Central Government. He pointed out that out of the 1,39,600+ workers registered under the Labour Smart Card scheme, 65,871 are Goans, while 73,744 are from outside the state—highlighting what he called a “disturbing trend” of Goans being sidelined in their own land.
“Companies like Cipla, which receive extensive government support, are not even hiring locals,” Sardesai alleged, adding that even personal recommendations by the Chief Minister to the company have failed to secure jobs for Goan youth. He warned that if Cipla-linked companies in Fatorda continue to ignore local talent, they will be removed from the constituency.
Sardesai also criticised Goa University and the State Agriculture College for employing more non-Goans than Goans. “Goa’s institutions have turned into hubs for outsiders while skilled Goemkars remain unemployed,” he said.
Highlighting the State’s growing joblessness, Sardesai claimed that Goa ranks among the highest in unemployment rates nationally. He further alleged that pharmaceutical companies conduct job recruitment camps in Goa, only to hire outsiders en masse—often importing entire villages—while Goans are excluded.
Calling the situation “grave and unacceptable,” Sardesai demanded the immediate formation of two high-level task forces to prioritise employment opportunities for the sons of the soil.
“We have no faith in the current employment schemes. If the government truly intends to introduce a genuine employment policy, it must say so transparently. Goans are being deliberately failed so that outsiders can be accommodated. This is not merely an economic issue — it is a betrayal of Goa’s youth,” Sardesai concluded.