THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Taking serious note of the ongoing issue of land ownership in Goa, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) today asked the State government to take a Cabinet-level policy decision on giving land titles to the tribal community.
"There is no ownership of agricultural land cultivated by Goa's tribal community. They should be given rights so that they can avail of government benefits. Today they are missing out on various schemes due to lack of land document," stated NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya.
Arya said the State Chief Secretary has been asked to make sure that a Cabinet decision is taken to give land titles to tribal families who have been farming for generations.
He also said the Commission is paying special attention to tribal youth, who are being influenced by western culture and social media.
The NCST, currently on a three-day visit to Goa, reviewed government efforts for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the State.
During the visit, the Commission met Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and representatives of the tribal community.
