Goa Forward Party Leader Vijai Sardesai Slams State Govt Over 'Cash-For-Jobs' Scandals, Criticizes Public Land Mismanagement

Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai has condemned the government's recruitment practices, citing ongoing "cash-for-jobs" scandals. He asserted, "It's clear that the Goa government has turned its back on the youth of Goa."

Sardesai Criticises Govt's Management Of Public Land

Sardesai also criticized the government's management of public land, highlighting the case of Zuari Agrochemicals. He noted that over 50 lakh square metres of land was allocated to generate employment for local youth. However, he accused the government of allowing this land to be subdivided and converted from industrial to residential use, facilitating sales to wealthy individuals for as much as ₹1,19,000 per square metre—far above the original rate of 25 paise per square metre.

He questioned, "Are these second homes providing job opportunities for locals? Absolutely not."

Goa’s Unemployment Rates Double The National Average Amidst Cash-For-Jobs Scandal

Goa is facing an unemployment crisis that is far worse than the national average, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24. With an unemployment rate of 8.7%—nearly double the national rate of 4.5%—Goa's employment situation is deeply concerning. For women, the situation is even more dire, with female unemployment standing at a staggering 16.8%, while the national average is just 4.9%.

The state's overall labour force participation rate is also lower than the national figure, with Goa clocking in at 39% compared to India’s 42.3% .The breakdown of employment by sector further complicates the picture. While 55% of Goans work in the services sector, 19.7% in agriculture, and 30.5% in the secondary sector, these industries have not been able to absorb the growing pool of job seekers, particularly the youth and women. This failure has led to widespread frustration and disillusionment, exacerbating an already volatile employment landscape.

Is Cash-For-Jobs Scandal The Reason For Increasing Unemployment In Goa?

The dire unemployment situation is not solely an economic issue; it is tied to systemic corruption that has gripped Goa's public sector hiring. The cash-for-jobs scam has rocked the state, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant squarely in the crosshairs of this controversy.

Allegations have surfaced that government jobs are being sold to the highest bidder, pushing qualified, honest candidates out of the system. The most recent case involved Lower Division Clerk (LDC) positions, where jobs were reportedly being sold for hefty sums. This scandal is only the latest in a series of allegations that have plagued the Sawant administration.

Earlier, a shocking incident from Sanquelim, CM Sawant’s own constituency, came to light where a woman was accused of accepting bribes to help people secure government jobs. Opposition leaders Viriato Fernandes and Vijai Sardesai have been vocal about this corruption. Both have linked the high unemployment rate to the pervasive bribery within the state’s hiring practices.

Sardesai pointed out that the sale of government jobs ensures that only those with money can secure employment while deserving candidates are left behind. Fernandes highlighted that this corruption is directly contributing to the unemployment crisis, as opportunities are hoarded by the well-connected and wealthy.

The implications of these scandals are clear: not only is Goa suffering from high unemployment, but the few available jobs are being monopolized by those with financial means, leaving the state’s educated youth in the lurch.

The Sawant administration’s failure to tackle this corruption is fueling public anger, with demands for transparency and reform growing louder. If Goa’s government continues to prioritize monetary influence over merit, the state’s unemployment crisis will only deepen.