Jobs elude Goans
Across the world, employment opportunities are becoming scarcer—especially for the younger generation entering the job market. Unfortunately, this global issue is reflected even more acutely here in Goa, where the government has consistently failed to ensure that Goans are given priority for jobs within the state. Time and again, we have seen companies choosing to hire candidates from outside Goa, even when qualified and capable Goans are available. Shockingly, job fairs are even being held outside the state, disregarding the local talent pool. This continues to happen because many companies clearly do not believe that our ministers will take any meaningful action. Instead of firm measures, we hear the same tired warnings from the state government—empty words that have been repeated for years without results. Goans are no longer fooled by this rhetoric. What we need is decisive action, not political posturing. Ironically, the only areas where some ministers show remarkable efficiency are in supporting the coal and real estate lobbies—both of which are playing a significant role in the ongoing destruction of Goa’s environment and identity. It is high time the government stood up for Goans, protects our jobs.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
On battered roads
The plight of the people of Goa undergoing fear and danger to life due to the pathetic state of roads can be aptly summed up in the English proverb ‘What can’t be cured has to be endured’. PWD Minister Digambar Kamat appears to have thrown up his hands in frustration after his five-day ultimatum to his engineers to patch up the badly potholed NH-66 stretch at Porvorim seems to have failed. Sad but true that we have now come to a stage that even ambulances ferrying the sick to hospital are overturning while attempting to avoid the potholes – the first of its kind in Goa. So what next? Will our Chief Minister please tell us?
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
It’s not on right track
Formula 4 is coming to the state for Round 4 of the 2025 Indian Racing Festival, which will be held at the Goa Street Circuit in Mormugao from November 1-2, 2025. The event is expected to significantly enhance Goa’s economy and tourism sector. However, the motorsport event is facing protests from locals and activists as it is being held without proper consideration for the public who fear major inconvenience due to road closures. Locals have called for improved infrastructure before hosting international-level sporting events. Along the route there are final resting places of three major religions. There is also a naval facility and hence drones cannot be used. There are educational institutions and a temple along the route. With the scheduled motorsport there will be restriction of the movement of citizens. The Formula 4 event could be held at another venue such as Verna so that it does not affect the daily life of the citizens.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Ensure EC’s independence
Some media outlets often dismiss Opposition leaders as irresponsible when they raise concerns about the Election Commission (EC), despite the poll panel lacking the power to prosecute or defend itself effectively. As a constitutional body, the EC is expected to function with dignity and impartiality. Yet, when Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi question its conduct, they are labelled as anarchists—an unfair characterisation. I agree with former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa that the EC cannot simply shield itself with rhetoric. The current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar should have responded to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations after a thorough review—not with a hasty rebuttal. The EC’s credibility must be protected through thoughtful and transparent action. To ensure its autonomy, the process of appointing the CEC and other top officials must be reformed. These posts should be filled by individuals of proven integrity through a neutral and independent selection process.
Diomedes R Pereira, Corlim
AI and employment
The recent hike in H1-B visa fees to $100,000 by the Trump administration is expected to severely impact Indian IT professionals seeking employment in the US. This development has already caused a noticeable dip in the share prices of Indian IT companies, reflecting market concerns. In light of these challenges, a natural question arises: should Indian IT firms increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to offset potential revenue losses and protect shareholder interests? While AI presents an opportunity to streamline operations and improve profitability, its implementation must be approached with caution. India, with its vast population of 1.4 billion, has a growing pool of skilled IT graduates and professionals who rely on these industries for employment. A sudden and widespread shift to AI could worsen the job crisis. Therefore, IT companies must strike a delicate balance—leveraging AI to automate only routine, repetitive tasks while continuing to rely on human talent for more complex, skilled work.
Elvidio Miranda, Panaji
