Raia to host convention of non-STs on Feb 27
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 22
After a series of ST conventions in Curtorim constituency organized in association with local MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, Raia village is now bracing up to host a convention of non-ST people from the village on February 27 at 3.30 pm.
Organised by the Raia Villagers Association with the backing of MLA Lourenco, the convention will be attended amongst others by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, besides a host of government officials.
Briefing newsmen, the Curtorim MLA said the convention is aimed at bringing about awareness amongst the non-ST population, including the OBCs on the various government schemes meant for the general category. “There will be one session totally dedicated to the schemes meant for the people in general”, he added.
Replying to a question, Lourenco said that he was approached by the Raia Villagers Association for his support in organizing the convention for the non-ST population. “I was instrumental in organizing three ST convention during the last three years. When the Association approached me for the non-ST convention to help in popularizing the schemes for the general category, I immediately agreed to the proposal”, he said.
Admitting there are a large number of poor amongst the general category, the MLA said it is his responsibility to take various government schemes to the door steps of the deserving people.
Raia Sarpanch and Convenor of Raia Villagers Association Savio Gomes said the people had questioned them as to why there are no government schemes for the general category.
Panch member Flory Monteiro said there was a general feeling that conventions are held by the MLA only for the Scheduled Tribes community. “There were questions raised in many quarters whether the MLA is organizing conventions only for the ST community. They wanted to know why the general category was being discriminated”, she said, adding that the people are now happy that the local MLA has lent his support to organize a non-ST convention in Raia village.
Incidentally, of the total 13000 population, the population of general category is put at 10,000, while the remaining 3000 population belonging to the ST Community.
