Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

The implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) offers Goa a transformative opportunity to revolutionise its skilling landscape. With a dynamic economy that increasingly leans on tourism, IT, renewable energy, and creative industries, Goa must prioritise the development of a workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Skilling for blue-collar jobs such as real estate services, home maintenance, old-age care, and nursing must take centre stage alongside high-demand sectors like technology and green energy. These are critical for Goa, creating opportunities for dignity-driven work while meeting local needs.

The NEP’s emphasis on multidisciplinary education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship—skills essential for a competitive global economy. Rapid implementation of STEM labs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with global institutions can elevate Goa’s talent pool. By reskilling the existing workforce and creating mentorship networks, Goa can empower entrepreneurs to generate jobs rather than seek them. This shift to a learner-centric, industry-driven ecosystem will position Goa as a knowledge hub, attracting investments while delivering long-term economic resilience.

Transport is the backbone of economic growth, and Goa’s public transport system now stands at a turning point. Panaji’s new buses have set a positive precedent for eco-friendly and efficient mobility—now it is time to scale this model across other cities. Each town, along with its industrial segments, needs a manifold increase in bus fleets to serve residents, students, workers, and tourists effectively. Connectivity between industrial estates and residential hubs, as well as seamless and adequate links to key transport nodes such as Dabolim and Mopa airports and major railway stations, is critical. Electric buses and multimodal transport systems that integrate ferries and last-mile options will make mobility greener and more inclusive. Such infrastructure will not only reduce congestion and emissions but also boost industrial productivity and tourism. Goa’s ability to lead in sustainable urban transport depends on the adoption of this vision by the decision makers, and will transform Goa.