PANAJI
Sports and Culture Minister Govind Gaude on Sunday created a flutter when he publicly voiced dissent and sharply criticised the performance of the government in tribal welfare and affairs.
Gaude said, some of the promises made to tribal people are yet to be fulfilled inspite of constantly reminding the government and cited the non-execution of the long-delayed 'Tribal Bhavan' project.
He was speaking during the official 'Prerna Diwas' programme organized by the Department of Tribal Welfare and Tribal Affairs at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda.
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, ST/SC Commission Chairman Deepak Karmalkar, Scheduled Tribes Financial Corporation Chairman Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, UTTA Chairman Prakash Velip, General Secretary Durgadas Gawde and Director of Tribal Welfare Deepak Desai were also on the dais.
Gaude was particularly critical of the functioning of the Tribal Welfare Department warning that their (tribals) patience is running out and would not hesitate to launch an agitation again.
The government started a department for the welfare of tribals but whether it is really providing welfare to tribals is a matter to investigate, Gaude said.
"Even today, the tribal brothers are pursuing their pending demands which they are being denied by flagging loopholes in the law. Till now, we have done everything within the framework. We will continue to do so within the framework. But the government should change the laws to provide justice to the tribal brothers who have been oppressed," Gaude said further.
Citing the long delay in constructing the 'Tribal Bhavan' Gaude said the project has been pending for many years.
"If the Bhavan is built, tribal children and brothers in rural areas will have a platform of their own. They will get a place of their own," Gaude said, adding that the administration is not following up on the project adequately.
"Chief Minister should publicly announce when the Adivasi Bhavan will be built," Gaude said.
Prerna Divas is a day of inspiration for tribals and the Department should make proper arrangements so that a large number of community members come, he said, but expressed dissatisfaction that does not seem to be happening.
"If the government does not take this programme seriously, we (tribals) are ready to organise it ourselves. Tribal youth get inspiration from these programmes. Therefore, the concerned officials should be aware that this programme should be smooth and planned," Gaude added.
Sensing the anger, Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik sought to calm down the mood when his turn to speak came.
"I will personally take Govind Gaude and discuss this with the Chief Minister. We will both definitely work to convey the feelings of the tribal brothers to the Chief Minister. Our efforts will continue to push the demand for the Adivasi Bhavan," Naik said.
Former minister Prakash Velip said that the Chief Minister should hand over the tribal welfare department to another minister so that the people of the community get time to meet him whenever they want.
He also sought that the government announce when political reservations for tribals will be fulfilled.
