Siddesh Pai
Education infrastructure in Goa is presently a mix of strengths and shortcomings. With an impressive literacy rate of 88.7 per cent, Goa surpasses the national average, reflecting its commitment to education. However, this success has not translated into a robust alignment with modern industry demands.
Institutions primarily cater to traditional sectors like manufacturing and hospitality, while high-growth areas such as information technology (IT), renewable energy, and biotechnology receive minimal focus. According to the Goa Skill Gap Assessment Report, only 6 per cent of vocational training capacity is devoted to emerging industries, leaving a significant gap in workforce readiness.
Goa’s economic potential is reflected in its recent growth trajectory. The state’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) grew by 13.7 per cent in 2023-24, reaching Rs 1.06 lakh crore. It underscores the opportunities for economic diversification, particularly through education infrastructure. Programs like the Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Training Scheme, which placed over 8,800 youth in jobs, highlight the readiness of local talent to contribute to diversified industries. Yet, challenges such as skill shortages in specialized fields persist, emphasizing the need for targeted reforms in education.
Investment in education infrastructure can bridge the gap between education and employability. Establishing industry-specific training programmes in IT, renewable energy, and biotechnology can prepare the workforce for high-growth sectors. Additionally, research and innovation centers affiliated with universities can attract investments in fields such as animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC), marine sciences, green technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Education can also play a transformative role in redefining tourism in Goa. By integrating training programs in eco-tourism and sustainable local crafts, the state can shift from mass tourism to high-value models that emphasize environmental conservation and cultural heritage. This approach would create more resilient economic opportunities for local communities while preserving Goa’s unique identity. Moreover, a skilled workforce can leverage Goa’s reputation as a premier destination for creative industries, further diversifying its economy.
Foreign investments are another area where education infrastructure can make a significant impact. Goa already leads among small states in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in manufacturing, receiving $147.31 million between 2019 and 2023.
Enhanced education facilities aligned with global standards can further boost investor confidence, making Goa a preferred destination for international companies. A well-trained workforce equipped with globally relevant skills would strengthen Goa’s position as an investment hub.
The state has several prestigious institutions like the IIT, the NIT, and BITS. However, challenges persist in aligning the output of these institutions with the economic goals. Education infrastructure can play a pivotal role in preparing a workforce aligned with emerging industries along with high-potential sectors like marine sciences, sustainable tourism, creative industries, food processing, logistics and supply chain management, and electric mobility.
Integrating education programs can create a robust talent pipeline not only to support economic diversification goals but also to contribute to the national manpower pool in high-demand sectors.
In 2017, then-Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar allocated approximately 3.8 per cent of the GDP to education, with plans to increase it to 6 per cent over the years. The enactment of the Goa Private Universities Act 2020 marks a significant step in enhancing access to quality education and attracting private investment in the higher education sector.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a crucial role in bridging funding gaps and ensuring that curricula remain industry-relevant. Collaborations with IT companies, for example, can lead to the establishment of coding academies and digital skill centers. Similarly, sector-specific hubs, such as a Maritime Academy, can prepare a workforce for Goa’s coastal industries. Modernizing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and aligning their curricula with emerging industry demands would also address skill shortages effectively.
The integration of technology across educational institutions is essential for enhancing learning outcomes. Digital classrooms, virtual labs, and high-speed internet access, especially in rural areas, can significantly improve the quality of education. Specialized training centers focusing on fields like AVGC, renewable energy, and digital marketing can equip students with the skills needed for high-demand sectors.
Retention of local talent should be a priority for Goa’s education strategy. Offering incentives like subsidized housing, career advancement programs, and local internship opportunities can encourage graduates to stay and contribute to the state’s economy. Entrepreneurship should also be nurtured through incubators and funding initiatives.
Kerala and Rajasthan provide valuable lessons for Goa in leveraging education for economic growth. Kerala’s transformation into an IT hub and Rajasthan’s targeted investment in tourism-focused education demonstrate how aligning education infrastructure with economic strengths can lead to sustainable growth. Goa can adopt similar strategies, tailoring them to its unique socio-economic context. For instance, developing centers of excellence in AI and robotics, as recommended by the Indian School of Business (ISB), would align Goa’s education system with future industry demands.
To maximize the impact of initiatives leveraging education as the cornerstone for economic diversification, Goa must focus on improving rural education infrastructure, increasing public-private collaborations, and modernizing its technical and vocational training systems. Expanding scholarships and ensuring inclusive access to quality education for marginalized groups are critical steps toward equity. Moreover, the creation of institutes for creative arts, music, and design, along with modern sports facilities, can nurture talent in diverse fields, broadening the state’s economic base.
With education infrastructure central to Goa’s efforts to diversify its economy aligning educational policies with industry needs involves investing in modern facilities, and fostering public-private collaborations, Goa can transition from a tourism-reliant economy to a multifaceted hub for innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable industries. This strategic shift will not only strengthen Goa’s economic resilience but also position it as a model for balanced and inclusive development.
The writer holds a Ph.D in project management from University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, and has over 20 years of experience in industry, academics and research.
