Goa: Vijai Sardesai Slams Government as Unemployment Rate Hits 8.7%, Double the National Average Amid Cash-for-Jobs Scandal

Goa's unemployment rate has reached a troubling 8.7%, nearly double the national average of 4.5%, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24. The situation is even more alarming for women, with a female unemployment rate of 16.8% compared to the national figure of 4.9%. The state also trails in labour force participation, recording a rate of 39% against the national average of 42.3%.

The job market in Goa is heavily concentrated in the services sector, which employs 55% of the workforce, followed by 30.5% in the secondary sector and 19.7% in agriculture. However, these sectors have been unable to accommodate the growing number of job seekers, especially among youth and women, leading to increased frustration.

Goa's unemployment crisis is compounded by allegations of corruption in public sector hiring. The recent cash-for-jobs scandal has intensified scrutiny on the state government. Accusations have surfaced that government jobs are being sold, preventing deserving candidates from securing employment. The controversy has particularly centered around Lower Division Clerk (LDC) positions, where jobs were allegedly sold for large sums of money.

Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai has been vocal about the issue, criticizing the state government for failing to provide opportunities for Goan youth. Sardesai pointed out that corruption in recruitment ensures only those with money can secure jobs, leaving qualified candidates behind. He also cited the misuse of land allocated for employment generation, specifically referring to the 50 lakh square metres given to Zuari Agrochemicals, which he claims has been repurposed for luxury housing rather than job creation.