Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Apr 23: Around 1,300 candidates will be selected in the first phase of the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation (GHRDC) Job Fair 2026, with appointment letters to be issued before May 1 and joining scheduled by May 2, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday.
Addressing the first private sector job fair organised by the corporation at Verna Industrial Estate, Sawant said the initiative was aimed at connecting Goan youth with industry and creating long-term career opportunities.
“This is the first time such a large-scale private sector job fair has been organised. It is a platform created to transform lives,” he said.
The Chief Minister said more than 6,000 candidates had registered for the fair, with nearly 3,000 attending the event. Around 25 leading companies from industrial estates have begun interviews, which will continue over the next 10 days.
“Even those not selected in the first phase will be called again. We are committed to ensuring opportunities for all,” he said.
Highlighting the role of the corporation, Sawant said GHRDC was set up in 2014 to bring Goan youth into sectors that were earlier dominated by out-of-state workers.
“Earlier, security and housekeeping services were handled almost entirely by outsiders. Today, our own youth are taking up these roles with dignity and confidence,” he said.
He said the corporation provides up to three months of training and employment benefits such as ESI, PF, increments and career growth opportunities.
“After completing two years, there is a 20 per cent reservation in government jobs. Recently, 40 personnel from the corporation joined the police force. That is a matter of pride,” he said.
Sawant said many candidates who joined after Class 12 had gone on to complete graduation and secure government jobs, adding that the government supports higher education through scholarships and fee assistance.
He said over 5,000 youths were currently employed through the corporation in roles including security, housekeeping, drivers, computer operators and junior officers.
Addressing concerns over private sector job security, Sawant said the corporation acts as a bridge between industries and employees, ensuring stability while also allowing workers to transition into better-paying roles.
He stressed that private sector experience had become increasingly important, even for government jobs.
“Today, experience is compulsory even for government jobs like MTS and LDC. The experience gained here will be recognised and considered,” he said.
Calling for a change in mindset, Sawant urged youth to value all forms of work.
“No job is small. Every job has value,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted self-employment schemes, skill development programmes, startup grants and improved transport connectivity to industrial hubs as part of broader employment initiatives in the state.