PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly to lead a Goa delegation to the Centre to seek political reservation in the 40-member House for Scheduled Tribes.
Replying to a resolution moved by MLA Ganesh Gaonkar and allegations by the Opposition that the government did not show any responsibility towards the issue, the CM informed the House that the double engine government had proceeded and provided all rights and benefits to the reserved category in the past and present.
“Our government is serious about the tribal's resolution. All rights have been granted since the double-engine Sarkar came to power in 2012... I will personally lead a delegation to the Home and Law ministries… Opposition leaders are welcome to join us,” he stated.
In his resolution, Gaonkar urged the fulfilment of the long-pending demand, stating, “This House strongly recommends the Government to make provision for political reservation in the Goa Legislative Assembly for the Scheduled Tribes of Goa. As per the census of 2011, Scheduled Tribes constitute 10.23% of Goa's population. This community deserves to be brought into the mainstream, needs support to improve education and empowerment, and therefore requires a larger political representation to achieve the same.”
Supporting the resolution, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai reminded the House that he had raised the issue during the last assembly session despite which the government failed to take the matter ahead. “I support this resolution, but merely passing it will not suffice. It won’t have any meaning if it is not followed up with the Centre. We need an assurance whether it will happen or not before the 2024 polls,” he emphasized.
While several other legislators also supported the resolution, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, who has been advocating for the reservation for his community, urged the CM to lead the delegation to the Centre after the conclusion of the ongoing monsoon session. CM’s assurance followed thereafter.
