NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Stating that politicians in the state have never promised government jobs ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Friday, said that government jobs at the most can be provided to 12 per cent of the population.
“Politicians have never said that they will give government jobs. We can provide government jobs to only 12 percent of the people, beyond which nothing can be done. We cannot create more posts. We can only replace those people who retire,” said Parrikar while interacting with the youth at the State Youth Parliament Programme in Panaji.
The Chief Minister claimed that Goan youth are shying away from taking up jobs which require hard work.
He went on to add that Goan youth queue up for government jobs like that of clerks, etc.
“Goans are not keen on working on fishing trawlers, and in mining and tourism sectors. And, hence 10,000 employment potential is shifted to those from Jharkhand and Odisha,” he said.
Raising concern about drug abuse amongst students, Parrikar said that a girl student drinking beer is a matter of concern.
He, however, claimed that drug abuse is not widespread in schools and colleges.
He said that the disappearance of money from parent’s wallet or pocket on a regular basis could be a first sign of drug addiction among students, and hence it is important to keep an eye on such students.
“Since August 13, 2017, around 170 people have been arrested in the drug trade, and the government has cracked down heavily on the network,” he said adding that the drive against drug menace will continue till it is eliminated.
“I don’t think the drug abuse has spread to colleges, but we are definitely worried,” he said.
Parrikar said that the current education system in Goa is not providing a proper direction to the students on future prospects.
He urged the students to acquire educational degrees, and start their own business and generate employment for others, rather than depending on politicians to provide them government jobs.
Taking a jibe at the organisation which took up the issue of delayed food supply to policemen on duty during an event, Parrikar said that questions are raised when food supply is delayed by two hours. The same organisation does not question as to why police are deployed on duty during the
night.
“Is it not inhumane to put up a person for a night duty when others are sleeping? Why should the government send soldiers on the borders? If I start treating police with kid gloves then there will be law and order problem,” he said.
He informed that 1,000 tonne of locally produced vegetables have been procured by the state government through Goa State Horticulture Corporation.
“Goans’ dependence on the Belgaum market for vegetables is reducing,” he said adding, secondly over the last two to three years, Goa is exporting chilies to Belgaum.