Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar has reportedly called for the creation of a third district in the state specifically targeting the tribal belt. He suggested that the new district could include areas such as Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem and Dharbandora. A day earlier Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral had made the same suggestion in the assembly. The proposal aims to address the long-standing issue of accessibility to government services for residents in these areas. Citizens have to go to the South Goa Collectorate office in Margao for basic government services. On May 30, 1987 when Goa attained statehood two districts, namely North and South Goa were recognized. In February 2020 the state government considered forming a third district in the state, in view of increasing population and the need for overall development. Last year the government had reportedly constituted a 7-member committee in order to examine the proposal. A third district could bring significant infrastructural development besides creating more employment opportunities. It can lead to upgrade of services like health, power, education, transportation, etc. Creating a new district will involve a huge burden on the state treasury. There needs to be larger public discourse before a decision is arrived at.
