PONDA: Addressing the 61st anniversary celebration of the Gomantak Goud Maratha Samaj at Hanuman Temple in Ponda, Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar offered words of encouragement to the ST community, emphasizing the significance of retaining hope amidst their struggles for political reservations.
Tawadkar acknowledged the frustrations expressed by some members of the community regarding the prolonged delay in achieving political reservations. He urged them to adopt a positive mindset and concentrate on the community’s present accomplishments.
Highlighting the potential for change, Tawadkar noted that the ‘doors of political reservation’ have not been closed entirely, asserting that continuous efforts and a positive outlook can yield progress. He expressed confidence in the community’s ability to achieve their goals and persuade central leadership to support their cause.
Tawadkar drew parallel with other instances of reservations, pointing out that the Government of India has made decisions on similar matters in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. He cited the examples of Gawada, Kunbi, and Velip communities obtaining Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2003. Tawadkar maintained that if regions like Kashmir and Tripura can secure reservations, it should not be an arduous task for the central government to extend the same privilege to Scheduled Tribes in Goa.
In pursuit of their goals, Tawadkar revealed plans to collaborate with the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and a delegation from Goa to meet with the Home Minister and Prime Minister. The aim of these discussions will be to present the case for political reservations for the ST community in Goa, building upon the precedents set by other regions.
SSC meritorious school students were felicitated on the occasion.
