PANAJI
The BJP ST Morcha members on Tuesday met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and demanded the removal of the word “Bhumiputra” from the Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill 2021.
A delegation of the BJP ST Morcha led by former minister and State BJP Vice President Ramesh Tawadkar met Sawant at his official residence in Altinho-Panaji and informed him that the ST community had been agitated over use of the word “Bhumiputra” in the Bill and demanded that government should replace it to pacify the agitated community.
A memorandum later submitted to Sawant stated that the Gawda, Kunbi, Velip identify themselves as the original, first and foremost sons of soil and the word “Bhumiputra” is synonymous in establishing in identity of these sons of soil.
"The word “Bhumiputra” in its literal meaning would mean son of soil. This would have a wider meaning not restricted to the mere existence for 30 years. The word “Bhumiputra” encompasses larger magnitude beyond the mere existence for 30 years on a piece of land. The use of this word in the recently passed bill has therefore seen to be not appropriate....", adds the memorandum.
The ST delegation claimed the use of the word “Bhumiputra” had hurt the sentiments and feelings of all the tribals of the State and cautioned that the entire community would oppose the passing of any such bill, which may have disastrous effect if not attended to with proper rectification.
