# J. C. Almeida

Jose Conceição Almeida (6 March 1930 – 28 November 2017), better known as J. C. Almeida, was an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and the Chief Secretary of Goa, Daman, and Diu during the period when Goa was a Union territory. After Goa achieved statehood in 1987, Almeida became the first Chairman of the Goa Public Service Commission, significantly contributing to Goa's socio-economic and administrative development.

## Early life

Jose Conceição Almeida was born on 6 March 1930 in Goa, Portuguese India. He spent his formative years in Goa, where he received his Portuguese primary education at the Instituto Abade Faria in Margão. He completed his secondary education at Liceu Nacional Afonso de Albuquerque in Pangim, Goa.
In 1951, Almeida traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, to further his studies at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Económicas e Financeiras of the Technical University of Lisbon, where he pursued a degree in Economics. He graduated in 1957, opening doors to careers in fields such as economics, finance, customs, diplomacy, and chartered accountancy.

## Career
### Work in Portugal and return to Portuguese Goa

After completing his studies, Almeida worked as a professor at a technical school in Tomar, Portugal, and later as a Section Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Lisbon. In 1958, he was selected for the post of Chefe de Repartição de Estatística'l (Head of Department of Statistics) in Goa and returned to the region to take up the role. He established the General Statistical Department in Estado da India Portuguesa (Portuguese India).
During this period, Almeida also served as Administrador Gerente (Managing Director) of Caixa Económica de Goa and advisor to Emissora de Goa (Goa Radio Station). His work was widely recognized, with the Portuguese Governor General of Goa praising his contributions in the Boletim Official (now the Government Gazette).

### Transition to Indian Administration

After the liberation of Goa on 19 December 1961, Almeida faced challenges transitioning to the Indian administration due to language barriers and differing administrative practices. Despite these challenges, he eventually adapted to the new system and played a key role in shaping Goa's governance.

### As Chief Secretary and Public Service

He served as Secretary and Development Commissioner to the Government of Goa, Daman, and Diu, and later as Chief Secretary of Goa, Daman, and Diu. He later became Managing Director of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and, after Goa attained statehood in 1987, the first Chairman of the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC). His work in this role was instrumental in establishing a framework for recruitment and governance in the newly formed state.
Almeida retired from public service on 6 March 1992, leaving a legacy of integrity, discipline, and dedication to public administration.

## Literary work

Almeida was also an accomplished economist, having earned a PhD in economics from the University of Lisbon. He authored the book Goa: Administration and Economy Before and After 1962, which is considered a reference work at Goa University and other academic institutions.

## Death and Legacy

Almeida died on 28 November 2017 at Miramar, Goa, India. His life and career left a lasting impact on Goa's administration and its socio-economic development. His leadership during critical periods of Goa’s history and his academic contributions continue to be remembered.

## Publications

* Almeida, Jose Conceição. Goa: Administration and Economy Before and After 1962. Panaji, Goa: Civitas and Broadway Publishing House. ISBN 978-93-80837-58-1.