TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Saying that the sacrifices made by Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip will not go waste, Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar has said the BJP-led government would go all out to fulfil the long-pending demands of the Scheduled Tribe community.
Speaking at the Sankalp Din organised at the Ravindra Bhavan here this morning, the chief minister underlined the need for the Scheduled Tribes to take to education as vehicle for the community’s upliftment and progress, while at the same time cautioned them not to forget their roots.
“Education helps individuals and the community at large to come up in life and in society. But, at the same time, one should not forget one’s roots and strengths as one moves ahead in the society”, he said, while announcing that he has sanctioned a new college in the Scheduled Tribe dominated area of Dharbandora for the benefit of the Scheduled Tribes population.
The chief minister said his government has set in motion the process to realise the long pending demands of the Scheduled Tribes. “Out of the 12 demands, already we have started the process vis-à-vis 10 demands. It will take around a year to ensure full implementation of the 7-8 demands”, he said.
Referring to the reservation of jobs and seats for STs in government jobs and educational institutions, the Chief Minister sought to allay apprehensions in the minds of the general category that reservation affects the quality of professionals.
“I don’t believe that reservation affects the quality of the individuals. Reservation may give you a seat, but not marks. Today, we can see ST students coming out with flying colours in the field of education”, he said.
Parrikar said his government is committed to fill up the reserved posts for the STs, while accusing the previous Congress government for filling up the reserved posts with general category candidates.
Referring to the May 25 Balli incident when the two tribal youth were burnt alive in the Achal factory fire, the Chief Minister recalled that the news came as a shock to the people of Goa, adding that his government will never allow the sacrifices of Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip to go waste.
