Implement Tribal Act 2002, demand tribal leaders

PANJIM, Feb 5
The Tiswadi Taluka Tribal Welfare Association President Narayan Kunkolkar accompanied by Santa Cruz Tribal Welfare Association President Dattaram Balekar, Cumbarjua Tribal Welfare Association President Balchand Phatarpekar, St Andre Tribal Welfare Association President Adv Vijay Gauns, Taleigao Tribal Welfare Association President Pundalik Gauns and Curca Village Panchayat Sarpanch Subhash Dias along with other panch members held a meeting with Parliament Secretary and St Andre MLA Francis Silveira regarding ST demand and submitted a memorandum to him.
Tiswadi President Narayan Kunkolkar suggested implementation of Tribal Act 2002 for Goa, which has been passed by the Parliament in 2002 and the same is implemented by all the States, except Goa.
St Andre president Adv Vijay Gauns requested implementation of tribal sub plans and not to fill new posts in government departments until all promotions and backlog posts of reserved category are filled.
St Cruz chief Dattaram Balekar demanded establishment of separate tribal commission and reservation of 12.5% in Goa assembly.
Taleigao president Pundalik Gauns informed that memorandum has been submitted in the interest of ST community in Goa for the protection and promotion of different rights and demands.
Curca Village panchayat sarpanch Subhash Dias hoped that the long pending issues will be solved immediately and has assured that he will take up the issues with Social Welfare Minister Sudin Dhavlikar after the assembly gets over.