Tag: Employment Generation

Events in Goa

Cooperative Movement Key to Economic Growth and Jobs, Says Assistant Registrar at Mapusa Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Mapusa showcased the growing importance of the cooperative movement in strengthening the economy and generating employment. Assistant Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Rajesh Parwar, emphasised that cooperatives remain essential for economic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development. Addressing the event jointly organised by Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Cooperative Society and the Rotary Club of Mapuca, he explained that successful cooperatives depend on effective management, dedicated staff, and active shareholder participation. Parwar reminded societies of their legal obligation to conduct annual general body meetings and present audit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

He highlighted new opportunities introduced through the Central Government’s MPACS legislation, which offers cooperatives an open platform to expand into diverse businesses. Parwar also pointed to schemes supporting common service centres, fuel stations, gas agencies, and grain storage, noting NABARD’s financial assistance for these ventures. He stressed that the real strength of the cooperative movement lies in supporting self-help groups, farmers involved in dairy and agriculture, and artisans working in handloom and handicraft sectors, observing that both cooperatives and community groups thrive when they uplift each other.

Guest of honour Amita Salatry of GCCI spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of food, urging participants in the cooking competition to value presentation, aroma, and the use of traditional Goan elements. She reminded attendees that India’s cultural heritage regards food as divine and encouraged mindful consumption without waste.

Bardez Bazaar Chairman Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to supporting self-help groups and small entrepreneurs. He shared how Bardez Bazaar has become a trusted first choice for distributors and small businesses seeking stability and visibility. Reflecting on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of cooperatives as “schools of democracy” capable of reaching every household, he emphasised that India’s journey toward self-reliance continues to be supported by all Prime Ministers, including the current leadership under Narendra Modi. Khalap also offered a glimpse into Bardez Bazaar’s humble beginnings, recounting how its founders secured a modest loan of ₹5,000 from Mapusa Urban Bank and developed the organisation into a ₹35-crore enterprise that operates without government aid or debt, employs 100 people, and consistently delivers a 20% dividend to its shareholders.

Rotary Club of Mapuca President Rohit Natekar announced that the club and Bardez Bazaar will launch a permanent project next year to support self-help groups and help them scale their initiatives. He also noted that Bardez Bazaar’s proposed mall will bring added benefits to the local community.

The event’s cooking competition, themed “Gomantakiya God Padarth,” celebrated Goan cuisine, with Mithila Harmalkar winning first prize, followed by Antara Naik and Harsha Redkar. Consolation prizes were awarded to Ranjana Narvekar, Nafiza Shaikh, and Varsha Polle. The celebration underscored how cooperatives continue to nurture talent, support livelihoods, and strengthen community bonds across Goa.

Human Interest

Goa Commits to 100% Implementation of PM-VBRY, Says CM Dr Pramod Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

The Government of Goa has reaffirmed its commitment to achieve 100% implementation of the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a central employment initiative aimed at incentivizing both first-time employees and employers across sectors. This was stated by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant at an outreach programme organised as part of the Seva Pakhwada campaign, in collaboration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Goa, and the Office of the Commissioner, Labour & Employment.

Dr Sawant called upon industrial employers to take full advantage of the PM-VBRY incentives by creating new jobs in their respective units. At the same time, he urged Goan youth to be more proactive in pursuing these opportunities. Referring to a job fair held in Bicholim, he noted that despite over 300 openings, fewer than 100 job-seekers turned up—highlighting a disconnect between job availability and participation. “If locals don’t step up, these opportunities will go to candidates from other states,” he said.

The scheme is divided into two major parts:

Part A – Incentive to First-Time Employees:
Targeting individuals registering with the EPFO for the first time, this provision offers a financial incentive of up to ₹15,000, disbursed in two installments. The first installment is payable after 6 months of continuous service, and the second after 12 months—subject to completion of a financial literacy programme. Employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month are eligible. To promote saving habits, a portion of this incentive will be placed in a fixed deposit or similar instrument, withdrawable after a defined period.

Part B – Support to Employers:
This component focuses on encouraging businesses—particularly in the manufacturing sector—to hire additional employees. Employers who hire two (for those with <50 employees) or five (for those with ≥50 employees) new workers will receive ₹3,000 per month per employee, for a duration of two years. For manufacturing units, this incentive may extend to the third and fourth years, provided sustained employment is maintained.

Establishments must be EPFO-registered and commit to continued employment for at least six months per new hire to qualify.

With this initiative, the Goa government aims to catalyze economic activity, reduce unemployment, and align with national employment goals. The outreach also reflects the state’s intent to bridge gaps between industry needs and job seeker readiness, offering long-term benefits to both employers and employees.

For updates on implementation and eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact the Labour & Employment Department or visit the EPFO Regional Office, Goa.