the goan I network
MARGAO
The ‘melava’ is also expected to be attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Minister for Tribal Welfare Ramesh Tawadkar, Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, State BJP president Vinay Tendulkar among others.
Disclosing this at a media conference, State BJP vice-president Prakash velip pegged the ST population (including Hindu and Catholic STs) at 1.62 lakh and spread over 16 of the 40 constituencies in the State.
Velip said although reservations for STs are in force for panchayat, ZP and municipal polls, there are no reservations at the assembly level. “The melava will adopt a resolution demanding reservations for STs in the 2017 State assembly polls and all efforts will be undertaken in this regard,” Velip told media persons. “Except for Pernem taluka, the STs are present in all the remaining talukas in the State,” Velip added.
Velip also informed that another resolution demanding the declaration of scheduled areas in Goa will also be adopted at the melava. “But the assent of the President of India is needed for this purpose,” Velip stated.
According to Velip, the ‘melava’ will be attended by 1500 STs. He informed that preparations for this exercise have already commenced and meetings of workers in areas such as Poriem, Sankhali, Sanguem, Kepem, Cumbharjua have already been held in which a total of 500 volunteers have been guided by the ST leaders.
Responding to a question, Velip said the amendment to accord political reservations for STs can be accomplished within three months as Goa fulfills all the requirements in this regard. “An Ordinance in this matter was moved twice but has lapsed. Only Goa and Uttar Pradesh have no political reservations for STs,” Velip remarked. The State BJP ST Morcha president Vithoba Velip, Chandrakant Gaonkar and Satish Velip were also present for the briefing.
