A fully literate workforce, as is envisaged, can potentially increase Goa’s GDP growth by 3% and more annually, as there are supplementary programmes under way
Goa is fast developing to emerge as the capital of human development (CHD) in India. Hundred per cent literacy is a foundational pillar of CHD. Goa has officially achieved 100% literacy, making it the first Indian state to do so. As Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made the announcement, there could not be a better gift for the state on May 30, the Statehood Day.
This milestone was reached through targeted literacy programmes, including the New India Literacy Programme, which helped bridge the final literacy gap. The state government worked extensively to identify and educate illiterate individuals, assiduously working at the last mile, ensuring that every citizen could read and write.
What does this mean for you and I: 1) Greater Access to Opportunities – Literacy empowers individuals with better job prospects and access to government schemes. 2) Improved Civic Participation – A literate population is more engaged in governance, voting and policy discussions. 3) Economic Growth – A skilled workforce attracts investment and boosts local industries. 4) Social Development – Literacy enhances awareness of health, rights and financial literacy, improving overall quality of life. 5) Digital Inclusion – With literacy comes better access to technology, enabling people to participate in the digital economy.
Literacy’s expected impact depends on how well education translates into practical skills and opportunities. Goa is focusing on quality education, digital literacy and employability training to maximise the benefits of this achievement. This milestone in literacy is a catalyst for Sustainable Development. It has the potential to drive sustainable development across multiple sectors. Some of the areas where the state is already taking giant strides include fostering growth in IT, green energy and entrepreneurship. This is attracting global investments and the state’s literate population makes Goa more appealing for industries requiring skilled labour.
The surging literacy has improved financial awareness, encouraging savings, investments and responsible economic participation. Over 95% of Goa’s adult population now has access to formal banking services, compared to 85% a decade ago. A study mentions that 78% of literate individuals in Goa actively engage in financial planning, compared to 55% among semi-literate groups. Household savings rates have increased by over 12% due to better financial literacy and planning. With literacy bolstering digital awareness, UPI transactions in Goa surged by much over 40% in the last two years.
A literate population can access higher education and vocational training, strengthening Goa’s talent pool. This has started giving results in the skilled labour expansion. Goa has a strong presence in pharmaceuticals, mining, shipbuilding and engineering goods. The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to reach more than Rs 1,21,309 crore ($14.65 billion) in 2024-25, growing at a CAGR of 9.17% since 2016.
Literacy fosters financial awareness, enabling more people to start businesses and contribute to the local economy. With better education, job opportunities expand, reducing unemployment and improving living standards. Goa’s initiatives under Viksit Bharat 2047 align closely with India’s national priorities, focusing on infrastructure, education, environmental sustainability and economic growth. The state’s development efforts reflect the broader vision of transforming India into a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy.
Educated citizens are more likely to adopt eco-friendly practices and support green policies. The state is promoting Sustainable & Climate-Resilient Farming and due to increase in literacy, younger agri-preneurs are engaged in the promotion of organic farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics and vertical farming to enhance productivity. Agro-tourism and cash crop diversification are possible due to the state’s dynamic policy of allowing farmers with at least 4,000 square metres of land to participate. Rapid promotion of non-traditional high-value cash crops like avocado, rambutan, pomelo, grapefruit, mango and cashew with subsidies for farmers is under way.
Goa’s identity as a Swayampurna Agricultural Hub contributing towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat is taking shape solidly and steadily. Goa’s achievement of 100% literacy is set to strengthen Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) by increasing enrolment, improving skill development and aligning vocational education with industry needs. With universal literacy, more youths will be eligible for technical and vocational education, leading to increased ITI admissions. Literacy ensures better comprehension of technical subjects, making training more effective. Literacy programmes have empowered women from rural areas, increasing their participation in ITI courses.
All ITIs in the state are 100% ISO certified thereby demonstrating government commitment to quality and standards in skill development. More importantly, the ITIs in the state are being expeditiously upgraded as Centre of Excellence with the help of reputed industries and through CSR initiatives to ensure that the workforce remains competitive and industry-abled. A state-of-the-art Model ITI has been developed to encourage local youth for skill training and to meet the demands of local industries.
(Charudutta Panigrahi is an economist and a policy expert.)
Goa has implemented NEP 2020, integrating vocational training into school curricula to create a seamless education-to-employment pathway. Equating two-year ITI courses with HSSC qualifications, to improve job eligibility will be a supportive policy step.
Achieving 100% literacy is more than a symbolic milestone – it has tangible economic benefits that will directly impact Goa’s GDP. It would enable the state to diversify beyond tourism, attracting industries like IT, green energy and advanced manufacturing. A skilled workforce makes Goa more competitive globally, increasing exports and foreign investments. Innovation will continue to thrive in the literate state, leading to new start-ups, research and technological advancements.
A fully literate workforce, as is envisaged, can potentially increase Goa’s GDP growth rate by 3% and more annually, because there are supplementary and supportive programmes under way to add value to literacy and convert the foundation into skill development, employment and industry growth.
(Charudutta Panigrahi is an economist and a policy expert.)
