Goa, June 23 -- Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has downplayed concerns over Goa's unemployment rate, stating that the situation is not as alarming as national statistics suggest. Speaking at a recent event, Sawant argued that the figures often paint a misleading picture due to the way the data is collected-particularly the heavy reliance on employment exchange registrations.

He explained that many individuals listed as unemployed are either already working in the private sector or are students pursuing higher education. "A large number of those registered at the employment exchange are gainfully employed in private firms, while others are graduates or postgraduates who register to keep their options open for government jobs," Sawant said. ...