Speaking at two events on Thursday in the state capital, Sawant stressed that Goan youth should look beyond government service and stated that jobs only in the government do not represent "employment".
Sawant stated that young people from outside the state will "grab" the jobs if Goans do not take advantage of these employment opportunities.
There are plenty of jobs in the private sector in Goa, according to Sawant, who added that no one would remain unemployed if local youth took advantage of them. At the 'Yuva Tourism Clubs Meet' event, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of human resource development and training in order for Goans to fully capitalize on job opportunities in the tourism sector, which has emerged as the primary driver of the state's economy.
According to the Planning and Statistics Periodic Labor Force Survey conducted by the Union government, Goa's unemployment rate was 8.7%, compared to the 4.5% national average. The government had also come under fire from opposition parties for this bleak situation.
Goa's high unemployment rate appears to be causing some turbulence within the ruling party in the meantime. At a Sattari event on Wednesday, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane declared that a minimum of 22,000 new jobs must be generated in the next two years.