50 per cent graduates unemployed in Goa, says CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday noted that about 50 per cent of graduates who passed out of educational institutes in the state are unemployed owing to the lack of quality skills.

"There is a need for out-of-the-box thinking. For so many years, we have been grooming graduates with B.A, B.Com and B.Sc degrees. It feels sad to even wonder if we are grooming enough quality students. How many of them are working towards their future on their own?" Sawant said. He was addressing a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) seminar.

"We will have to shut down some courses at the higher secondary level. We will not be able to permit more and more B.A and B.Com colleges. People come to me for sanction to start B.A and B.Com colleges, and I ask them why? Nearly 50 per cent of the students after completing their graduation are sitting idle at home," the Chief Minister said.

Stressing on the need for skilling and innovation, he said, "You know why I feel bad, that after postgraduation or completing their M.A, M.Com or M.Sc, students ask me, 'what should I do now. I do not know what to do'." He added that skilling would also help thin out competition when it comes to applying for government jobs.

"If there is a vacancy for a stenographer, the application (ratio) is 5:25, if it is for the post of LDC it is 5:25,000. This is an example of an interview conducted six months back," he added.

Regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy, he said it would be implemented the next year. "We will implement the New Education Policy in the state next year after taking all stakeholders into confidence. We will work towards ensuring how the policy will benefit pre-primary and primary students," Sawant said.