PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government cannot force the private industries to hire local candidates and hinted that amending the Employment Exchange Act to ensure that private companies give priority to locals in their recruitment.
Replying to a private member’s resolution tabled by Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, the Chief Minister said that the government cannot force any industry to hire local candidates because it depends on the qualifications, skill and the attitude of the candidates.
He said that the government will amend the Employment Exchange (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act 1959, after taking the industries into confidence.
Sawant said that though the employment exchange was currently sponsoring the local candidates during the recruitment drives conducted by the industries, the amendment would make it mandatory for the industries to inform the government if they are recruiting 10 or more employees. The amendment will also ensure that maximum unemployed locals are employed.
Sawant further said that work experience certificates of private companies will be accepted for ‘C’ category government jobs. Those working in private companies should inform the employment exchange that they are working in a private sector. In future these certificates can be used for government jobs, he added.
In his resolution, Ferreira urged the government to make it compulsory for the private sector in the State to notify vacancies so that locals get an opportunity to apply for these jobs.
He further urged the government to introduce a comprehensive legislative framework to establish robust laws to monitor and to create a fair and just working environment, protect livelihoods of Goans, ensure transparency with clear guidelines and procedures and protect employee’s rights.
Speaking in favour of the resolution, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said that a law must be enacted so that Goans get justice and benefits.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “We have to have willingness to have our own laws. We have ignorance of what is coming to us."
He said a pro corporate labour code is going to be introduced which will not have balance between protecting workers' rights and fostering economic growth.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said first of all there is no job and even if someone gets then it is below his or her potential.
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said there is need to give incentives to companies, which employs more local youth.
Latr, Sawant asked Ferreira to withdraw his resolution. But this did not satisfy the opposition benches and they opted for voting. The resolution was put to vote and it got defeated as only seven MLAs voted in its favour while 23 against it.