50,000 jobs target unrealistic: Goa minister

Panaji, Jan 8 (IANS) The Goa government's promise of providing 50,000 jobs by 2017 was unrealistic and unattainable and the BJP-led coalition would require another term to achieve the target, state Industries Minister Mahadev Naik said Thursday.

"We are working towards creating jobs, but 50,000 jobs by 2017 as promised by then chief minister Manohar Parrikar, it is not possible in reality. Now there is limited time left. But we assure to fulfill this promise once we return to power again for five years in 2017," Naik told reporters.

The promise was made in 2013 in the Goa Industrial/Investment Policy 2013-18 that aimed to attract investment of Rs.25,000 crore and create 50,000 jobs in five years.

The policy drafted by industrialist Atul Pai Kane, who headed the panel of experts, had laid emphasis on creating sustainable employment for local people and revenue generation to the state by trying to attract environment-friendly industries.

Naik said six industries were expected to set up shop in the state in the near future as approved by the Investment Promotion Board.

He, however, did not say how many jobs could practically be created in the state before the end of his tenure.

"A huge portion of land is locked in Special Economic Zones and hence we are facing shortage of land. But still, we are making small plots available to industrial players for expansion and for setting up new units," he said.

Now India's defence minister, Parrikar had then said that with a robust investment policy, a conducive environment would be created for industries in Goa, which was neglected by the earlier Congress-led government.