The State government’s reluctance to establish a State Commission for Minorities, despite mounting demands from civil society, raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting its minority communities, especially in the wake of the insecurities on display elsewhere in the country.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho's rejection of a State Commission for Minorities on the premise that existing welfare schemes are sufficiently disbursed and that no discrimination exists is hollow. It overlooks fundamental issues of representation and grievance redressal. Welfare schemes often fail to reach marginalised groups due to a lack of targeted outreach, awareness, or local-level implementation gaps. The role of such a body extends beyond welfare schemes and encompasses safeguarding the rights of minorities.
Moreover, Godinho does not understand that such a Commission is not a prerogative of the government, but a constitutional right of every State. The government’s assertion that there are no complaints of discrimination does not necessarily mean that minorities are free from prejudice or social exclusion. Absence of formal complaints cannot be read as “all is well”. It could also reflect fear of reprisal or lack of accessible grievance mechanisms, which a dedicated minority commission could provide.
The Chief Minister’s assurances at the recently concluded Legislative Assembly session that incidents like the unlawful arrest of Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh will not recur in Goa may reflect a certain degree of commitment to religious harmony, but it remains far from convincing because of the contradictory tone. His earlier call for an “anti-conversion law,” citing concerns over forced conversions and Love Jihad, despite the lack of credible reports, raises suspicion about the government’s intentions. Such laws have historically been used to target minority communities under the guise of protecting societal harmony.
Developments in other states, most recently Chhattisgarh, demonstrate how anti-conversion laws have been weaponised, leading to false arrests, harassment, and the suppression of minority rights. The controversial arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh, despite clear evidence of innocence, illustrates the dangerous potential of such laws to distort justice and deepen communal divides.
The government’s narrative that Goa is free from religious violence or coercion may be genuine because the State is known for its communal harmony, thanks to its people. But that cannot be a reason to deny a setting up of a minorities commission. While Goa is a peace-loving State, one cannot overlook the undercurrents and the societal challenges faced by minorities. There have been numerous instances in recent times where the simmering tensions were obvious. The dismissive attitude towards these concerns, labelling civil society protests as political opposition, is misplaced. The peaceful protests by minorities in several parts, including Chicalim, Panaji and Old Goa, were out of genuine fears.
The question is, why reject such a body? State Commissions for Minorities play a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of minority communities within their respective states. Their primary function is to monitor, evaluate, and recommend measures for the effective implementation of safeguards provided for minorities in the Constitution and State laws. They investigate specific complaints of rights deprivation and take action with relevant authorities. One does not understand the basis on which minorities are denied this right.
It's time to be far-sighted and win the confidence of all communities. It's time to walk the talk of inclusivity. The current posturing risks festering mistrust and social fragmentation. Godinho must stop his appeasement politics. The government must uphold the secular ethos and move beyond rhetoric to unite Goa.
