TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
PANJIM: Minister for Social Welfare Mahadev Naik announced that the state government would extend to the Dhangar community, all the newly introduced schemes which are presently applicable to the Scheduled Tribes.
Addressing a press conference Monday, Naik said that government, while presenting budget 2012-13 had made a provision to extend the benefits of schemes and accordingly the decision has been taken. He also said that following a request from Goa Dhangar Samaj, the State government has decided to take all party delegation to New Delhi to urge the Union Ministry to grant Schedule Tribe status to Dhangar community in Goa. The delegation would go to Delhi before the forthcoming budget session of the State Legislative Assembly.
It may be recalled that Tribal Welfare Department has introduced seven schemes, the benefits of which would be extended to Dhangar community now. The schemes are Atal Asra Yojana, Antya Sanskar Sahay Yojana, Gagan Bharari Yojana, Mundkarache Ghar, Prashikshan Yatra, and Sanskruti Bhawan.
Minister informed that during a recent meeting with members of Goa Dhangar Samaj, which also included Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavalekar, a demand was put forth that all party delegation should be taken to Delhi to demand OBC status for the community.
“We have decided to go ahead with it. But there are doubts whether the demand would be heard or not,” Naik said adding “State Congress during its regime, failed to take up the issue and hence the community has lot of hope in BJP led government”.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, soon after taking office, has announced on the floor of the House that government would study all the possibilities for notifying the community as ‘Extremely Backward Class’, under the OBC category.
The social welfare department Monday also announced its recently notified scheme, under which a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1000 would be provided to all those engaged in traditional occupations.
