PANAJI
It’s a tarikh pe tarikh for Tribal Bhavan in Goa. More than three years after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone at Porvorim, the project has failed to take off with little more than vague assurances about its completion.
The project, which the CM promised would be completed within two years, was planned at a prime 2,200 sq mtr plot belonging to the Serula Communidade. The estimated cost stood at Rs 40 crore.
The land designated for the Tribal Bhavan has been used by an automobile company to park and unload new vehicles, for over a year now.
Going back to the day when the foundation stone was laid on August 13, 2021 when Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude was also present, he stated the Bhavan would be constructed by the Tribal Welfare Department and rental income from commercial shops would be used for its maintenance.
The minister had even conceded that it took nearly three and a half years to finalize this project.
The project aimed to ensure that students from remote areas like Canacona who face difficulties in pursuing higher studies due to the lack of accommodation in Panaji, would make the best use of the premises which will also have hostel facilities for both girls and boys.
It will also include shops, hostels, a library, a wedding hall and other facilities besides various corporations and commissions related to tribal welfare.
Gaude has since claimed that objections raised by some have stalled the project as the matter is currently pending before the Mamlatdar and Tribunal. “Until the court case is resolved, the project cannot move forward,” the minister had stated.
Recently, the United Tribals Association Alliance urged the government to accelerate the construction of the Bhavan.
The Goan tried to connect with Tribal Welfare Director Dashrath Redkar, who remained unavailable for comment.
