PONDA: The tribal people from three hamlets in Priol have asked Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Sudarshan Bhagat to provide them reservation in elected offices.
The tribals made this demand during a visit by Bhagat to their hamlets to discuss the Centre’s developmental plans for their communities, on Tuesday. The Union minister was accompanied by Goa Minister for Tribal Affairs Govind Gaude.
Bhagat is in Goa on a three-day visit to understand the problems faced by the tribals in the State.
Later in evening, addressing the tribal people at Rajiv Ghandi Kala Mandir, Minister Bhagat assured to convey their demands for reservation to the department concerned.
The minister also assured central funding for improving water, road and electricity infrastructure in tribal dominated areas.
He informed that the Central government has initiated the process to set up modern schools especially for tribal students on the lines of private schools so that, he said, the tribal students do not lag behind in education.
“In our country, the tribals have been lagging behind in many fields as they are dwelling in forest and hilly areas. Their place of residence makes it difficult for them to get access good educational institutions. But now, the government has taken steps to provide them quality education through various schemes,” he said.
Compared to the tribals living in other parts of country, he said, the tribal communities in Goa are little ahead both in educational and economic fields.
Local Minister Gaude brought to notice of the Union minister the non-implementation of the Forest Dwellers Act in Goa.
“Tribals in South Goa have been facing more problems than their counterparts in North Goa. Since they live in hilly areas, they faces water problem. The lands which they are cultivating are often not owned by them. Therefore, there is need for more funds from the Central government for the development of Tribals in Goa,” Gaude said.
