TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Saying that current conducive political situation prevailing at the Centre might pave way for amendment to Article 371 of the Constitution, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik on Tuesday said that Goa should take advantage of the situation in Delhi to make a strong case for bestowing Special Status on the State.
“The strong demand raised by Bihar for Special Status has created conducive atmosphere to amend the Constitution. This is the first time in the last 3-4 years that a favourable situation is prevailing at the Centre. We must take advantage and lobby hard for Special Status for Goa”, the Rajya Sabha MP told newsmen.
Flanked by PCC general secretary Altinho Gomes, Naik welcomed the resolution adopted by the Goa Legislative Assembly, but said the government should immediately lead a delegation to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the Budget session.
“The Union Budget session will end on May 10 and the Goa delegation should meet the Prime Minister and other Central leaders and put across our demand”, he said, adding that all the three Goan MPs including him will also put in their efforts to get Special Status for Goa.
Saying that the government should do its homework properly on the issue, Naik reminded that Goa’s demand for Special Status is different from that of Bihar, which is primarily demanding financial package from the Centre.
“What we are demanding is Special Status to protect our limited land resources. Our identity, culture and heritage are attached to our land. We should make a strong point for Special Status on this count”, he added.
When asked whether the Congress leaders from Goa would also lobby with the Congress President Sonia Gandhi since she had promised Goans Special Status four years ago, Naik said “definitely, we will take up the issue with the party leaders in Delhi.”
Besides Sonia Gandhi, the issue can be discussed with Rahul Gandhi as well. Congress party is serious on the issue”.
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…says govt should work for a separate cadre for Goa
MARGAO: Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik on Tuesday said the state government should work for a separate cadre for Goa and for an independent High Court for the State.
Naik, who is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on law and justice, further said the committee would deliberate on some “technical problems”, raised by some members over reservation of Assembly seats for the SCs/STs.
During an interaction with newsmen, Naik said the government should demand an independent High Court for Goa, saying it is the State’s constitutional right to have an independent High Court. “The government should discuss the issue with members of the Bar and get the issues resolved”, he said.
On separate cadre for Goa, the Rajya Sabha MP said that Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar has rightly understood the situation when officers from outside have been found wanting in putting in their work diligently and sincerely. “A separate cadre for Goa will bring officers at the command of the government”, he added.
On reservation of seats for SCs/STs, he said there’s no issue at all over the three Goan ST communities Gawdas, Kunbis and Velips in getting the benefit, but there exist some technical issues relating to some communities in other States which will be deliberated at the fourth round of meeting.
