Panaji: The state government will conduct a comprehensive dual-part study on employment trends and the formalisation of traditional occupations.
In the first part, the government will undertake a large-scale primary survey across all districts and talukas to build a ground-validated evidence base on employment and enterprise dynamics.
“The study is intended to support evidence-based policymaking, targeted interventions and improved alignment with national statistical and policy frameworks,” a government official said.
The official stated that Goa’s economy is characterised by a mix of tourism-driven activities, a high degree of self-employment, seasonal work patterns and a significant informal sector.
“These features necessitate a more nuanced and context-specific understanding of labour market conditions. However, existing national datasets, including the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), offer limited insight into such localised and sector-specific dynamics,” the official said.
The official added that standard survey approaches often under-capture seasonal employment, multi-activity livelihoods and small-scale enterprises, leading to gaps in understanding and possible misalignment in policy responses. In the second part, the government will undertake a focused study on traditional occupations and heritage-linked businesses to assess their status and enable formalisation within the broader economy.
“Goa sustains a diverse base of traditional livelihoods that contribute to local economies and cultural identity. However, many operate outside formal systems, with limited access to finance, social security, market linkages and institutional support,” the official said.
The official stated that these occupations face declining viability, generational shifts and competition from organised sectors, alongside limited policy-oriented evidence.
“Through the study, the government aims to identify barriers to formalisation and generate actionable strategies to enhance inclusion, improve livelihood sustainability and support integration into evolving economic opportunities,” the official said.
