Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant has set a target to skill and upskill 12,000 Goan youth over the next 12 months, aiming to ensure every young person finds employment in the state.Sawant said the department of rural development has empanelled 24 institutes to run three-month and six-month courses for youth who have not completed their education or want to upgrade their skills. These institutes will offer programmes in tourism, hospitality, banking, and retail, and will issue Govt of India-approved certificates. Courses will be available at two locations in each taluka.“I want to ensure that 100% Goans get employed. Goa has opportunities in the pharma, manufacturing, hospitality and shipbuilding sectors. Not everyone can get govt jobs, and all must be ready to work in the private sector,” Sawant said.He was speaking at the Yuva Kaushal Mahotsav, organised by the department of rural development to create awareness about skill development, career opportunities, and employment under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY 2.0).Sawant said govt is ready to bear the entire cost on behalf of students, including course fees, uniform expenses, and travel allowance. “There is scope for 12,000 students in the coming year who have not completed SSC, who have completed Class VIII and are sitting at home, or someone who has completed ITI,” he said.He also urged students to be willing to study and take up available jobs within the state, noting that work experience would be considered if they later apply for govt jobs.“Take the opportunities that govt is giving you to skill and upskill yourselves. Not a single youth of Goa should remain without studying and skilling themselves. You don’t have to spend anything. And the institute concerned will ensure 100% job placement,” he said.Sawant added that through DDU-GKY 2.0, Goa aims to reach 9,000 rural youth in 2026–27 to support access to employment opportunities.
