PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, stated that Vedanta Limited, the only company to have resumed mining operations under the new regime, had re-employed 90% of the previously laid-off workers. This claim was made in response to a starred question regarding employment policies in the private sector.
Sawant mentioned that the government had imposed a condition for leaseholders to prioritise rehiring previously laid-off employees and locals. He asserted that Vedanta had retained 90% of the old workforce, while negotiations were ongoing to re-employ the remaining 10%, who had some labour issues with the company. Sawant clarified that while the government could not mandate 100% rehiring, efforts were being made to achieve this goal.
However, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao contested this figure,
stating that out of 303 laid-off workers, 154 remained unemployed, which translates to only 50% being re-employed. Sawant assured Alemao that he would address and resolve this discrepancy.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai questioned the Chief Minister on the consistency of his statements, pointing out that Sawant had previously stated that the government could not make rehiring mandatory. Sardesai also inquired about
the registration of leaseholders on the employment portal, as mandated in the tender documents, which requires them to give preference to locals.
In response, Sawant acknowledged that only Vedanta Ltd had resumed operations two months ago and had not yet registered on the portal. Sardesai highlighted this as a violation of the tender document requirements.
‘Govt has taken action against two companies for recruiting staff outside Goa’
PORVORIM: Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate addressed concerns raised by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, stating that the government had already filed cases against two companies for advertising for staff in other States. Monserrate assured that the government would consult with industries to increase penalties and introduce provisions for imprisonment to deter other companies from similar violations.