PANAJI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minoity Cell, Goa has dismissed calls to set up a State Minority Commission, stating that the State has long upheld equality and communal harmony across all sectors.
Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters on Monday, Minister Mauvin Godinho stated that the government treats all communities equally, even when implementing central and state schemes. “We (Goa) have not created any distinctions among communities. All schemes are distributed fairly among the eligible beneficiaries irrespective of which religion they come from. There are no complaints alleging discrimination based on religion. The need for such a commission simply does not arise,” Godinho said, an opinion which was supported by former MLA Glen Ticlo.
The BJP also pointed out that under the state government’s saturation approach, many minority groups have achieved mainstreaming. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure full participation and benefits for minorities through various welfare schemes.
“The government has implemented multiple programs targeting the upliftment of all sections of society, including economically weaker and underprivileged minorities. Given this, there is no immediate or pressing need to establish a Minority Commission in Goa, which could lead to duplication of existing transparent and accountable mechanisms,” the leaders said.
In the recently concluded assembly session, MLA Venzy Veigas had called for the formation of a Minority Commission, describing it as a statutory necessity to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities.
BJP minority leaders also stressed that Goa is not a state where forced religious conversions occur. “There has been strong bonding between communities over the years. Issues related to law and order in this regard simply do not arise,” Godinho said.
On the issue of illegal Uber operations, the Minister for Transport stated that the State’s draft guidelines make it clear that any app operating without government permission in Goa will face strict action. “I have already instructed the department to proceed accordingly,” Godinho said.
