GOA TRIBAL'S EMPLOYMENT GENERATION PROGRAMME

Empowering Goa's Indigenous Communities

- By Gauri Ghadge

Goa's reputation as a thriving tourism hub often overshadows the quieter stories of its indigenous tribal communities. These communities, deeply rooted in the state's forests and villages, have preserved Goa's ecological balance and cultural traditions for centuries. Yet, when it comes to participation in the modern economy, they have remained underrepresented and underserved. Recognising this disparity, the Government of Goa has designed the Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme (GTEGP), a flagship scheme implemented through EDC Limited that empowers tribal youth through entrepreneurship.

The GTEGP is not a welfare handout but a structured programme that combines subsidised finance, minimal promoter contribution, and compulsory training. By doing so, it transforms tribal youth from job seekers into job creators. It is, in many ways, a model of inclusive development - a scheme that uplifts communities while also strengthening Goa's economic fabric.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME

The central objective of GTEGP is to provide self-employment opportunities to Goa's Scheduled Tribe population. It enables eligible individuals to set up micro and small enterprises across three major sectors:

• Manufacturing enterprises which can drive local production and value addition.

• Service enterprises, which offer new avenues in tourism support, repair services, and professional offerings.

• Trade enterprises, which include small shops, trading activities, and, in the case of agricultural produce, up to 100% working capital support.