MARGAO
On World Tribal Day, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a slew of projects for the tribal communities with central assistance and funding, including a tribal research centre, tribal museum and a tribal bhavan in the state.
Addressing the function organized by the Goa Commission for SC/ST at the Ravindra Bhavan, here, on Monday, to celebrate World Tribal Day on the theme “Leaving No One behind”, the Chief Minister said the tribal research centre will be set up at Sanguem with central funding to protect and preserve the rich tribal culture and heritage for posterity.
“It is important that the culture and other aspects of tribal significance, including the culture and heritage, are protected. We need to document their culture,” he said, adding that the research centre will come into existence in 2-3 months.
The CM pointed out that the tribal museum, which will come up at Farmagudi. The tourism department will showcase the rich contributions made by the tribal communities in various fields, including agriculture, education, culture and history.
“We have to preserve the rich tribal culture and heritage for posterity. Tribal welfare Minister Govind Gaude has initiated the project. The foundation stone will be laid soon,” he said.
Announcing that the proposed tribal bhavan will come up at Porvorim, the Chief Minister said it will house the tribal welfare department, the ST Corporation and the ST Commission under one roof. He said the foundation stone for the tribal bhavan will be laid on August 13.
Saying the government is working for the welfare and upliftment of the tribal communities, the Chief Minister reassured the tribal people that all their pending works will be addressed within the next six months.
Touching on the pending cases under the Forest Rights Act, the Chief Minister said the government is concerned over the slow pace of disposal of cases. Sawant promised the tribals that he along with Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude will personally monitor the disposal of forest right cases with the District Collectors and the deputy collectors for quick disposal.
Tribal leaders, including minister Gaude, Ramesh Tawadkar, Prakash Velip and others were present.
The key-note address was delivered by Dr Uttkarsh Bettodkar and Arvind Kuttkar. Dr Madhu Ghodkirekar explained the significance of the theme “Leaving No One Behind”.
