Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant declared on Friday that Goan youth should be prioritized for permanent jobs following the cancellation of walk-in interviews by two pharmaceutical companies in Maharashtra. Sawant stated that his government is prepared to amend policies to ensure local youth benefit from job opportunities within the state.
The controversy began when two top pharmaceutical companies with plants in Goa scheduled recruitment interviews in Maharashtra, sparking outrage among opposition parties. They accused the BJP government of neglecting Goan job seekers despite the state’s higher-than-average unemployment rate. As the backlash grew, the companies decided to cancel the interviews.
In response, CM Sawant informed the media that his office had intervened and asked the companies to withdraw the interviews. He has summoned the companies’ officials for discussions to address the issue. “Our intention is clear: Goan youth should secure permanent jobs, not temporary ones subject to arbitrary termination. We are ready to amend existing policies if needed, and this will be addressed in the upcoming assembly session,” Sawant stated.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai vehemently criticized the move to hold interviews in Maharashtra, calling it a deliberate attempt to exclude Goans from job opportunities within their state. “Conducting walk-in interviews in Maharashtra for Goa-based plants is an affront to our state. This is happening while Goa’s unemployment rate surpasses the national average,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai highlighted that he had previously warned the government about such practices by pharmaceutical companies and had been assured of strict action. He demanded immediate intervention from the Chief Minister, insisting that the government enforce the proposed 80% job reservation for Goans in the private sector. “Goans must benefit from the industries operating in Goa. If not, why have these industries here?” he questioned.
Furthermore, Sardesai called for urgent government investment in enhancing the skills and employability of Goan youth to better prepare them for the job market.
The issue also drew criticism from other opposition parties, including the Revolutionary Goans Party and the Congress Party, who accused the BJP government of failing to protect the interests of local job seekers.
