Govt cannot force industry to employ Goans “only” as local manpower is not available in every sector: Parrikar

Panaji, July 25 (KNN) Stressing that the government cannot force industry to employ Goans “only”, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikar said that local manpower is not available in every sector and each job warrants set skill, and if that skill is not available locally, then they have to depend on the workforce from outside.

Parrikar said that the government can however incentivize such recruitment by upgrading the existing subsidies to industrial units.

Parrikar said this in response to an industry-related question from the Congress MLA Antonio Fernandes during the question hour in the state legislative assembly.

“As the economic situation has changed in many fields, over the years, Goans are not ready to work (in every available field),” the Chief Minister said adding, “I can’t force industries to employ Goans because each job warrants set skill, and if that skill is not available locally, then they have to depend on the workforce from outside.”

The Chief Minister gave an example of the need to employ specialised nurses in the cardio-thoracic unit at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, but they since they were not available locally, they had to recruit from outside.

Parrikar also said that as many as 885 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been set up in Goa since March 2015 with the proposed employment of 9,165 people.

“Furthermore, the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board has approved 15 new industries with the proposed employment potential of 886 people,” he added.

The Chief Minister also admitted that the government does not have the complete record of the Goans employed by the industrial units in the state. “However, we can compile this information with the help of subsidies claimed by these units, for employing locals,” he assured.