------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- Govt to set up ST corporation soon --------------------------------------------- The state government will set up a Goa State Scheduled Tribe Corporation within a month. Informing about the decision, the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, who was addressing the inaugural session of the day-long Girivasi Youth Sammelan, a meet of Goa's tribal youth which was held in the city, however, observed that it would be unwise to conclude that the establishment of this corporation would solve problems faced by Goan tribals who had been included under the ST category some time back.
He also pointed out that education would go a long way in the development of ST communities in Goa and added, "But getting educated does not mean severing ties with one's land."
The government was also thinking through an action group which would ensure that no tribal youth was deterred from pursuing education due to financial problems, Mr Parrikar stated. "The government will also make the necessary arrangements of funds from next academic year for the purpose," he said.
The Chief Minister, who addressed the gathering of over 1,000 youths from Gawada, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar communities who came from Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem, Sattari, Ponda and Salcete talukas, informed that the state government was preparing a report on Dhangar community in the state, which would soon be sent to the central government with a recommendation to include the community in the ST category.
"Out of the 50,000-odd beneficiaries of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme, nearly 20,000 belong to Gawada, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar communities and include a large number of widows," Mr Parrikar informed, adding that these widows had lost their husbands primarily due to their addiction to alcohol. The members of these communities should try to close down the bars which are opened in their villages in large numbers, he suggested.
Ennobling the agricultural profession, the Chief Minister said that this sector gives ample opportunities to cultivators to use modern as well as traditional techniques, besides various facilities provided by the state as well as the central governments.The sammelan would have its efficacy if tribals youths orient themselves in positive direction, he observed.
The Chief Minister also felicitated some members of the four communities for their outstanding contribution to the society. The president of the reception committee, Mr Prakash Velip said that the youth members of the four communities had great responsibility in giving a right direction to their people.
"Unfortunately, the members of the communities could not receive much education and the maximum number of drop-outs at the school level is from these communities," he observed.
Mr Velip further observed that alcohol and matka had adversely affected Goan tribals and pointed out that superstitious beliefs were also responsible for causing damage to families.
Urging the government to come forward and solve the problems faced by them, he said the issue of Kumeri cultivators, setting up of a hostel for the youth members of the community and undertaking a survey of the four communities should be given priority by the government.
Mr Girish Prabhune, a representative of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad who has been active in tribal areas of Maharashtra, delivered the key-note address on the occasion. Mr Pritesh Desai welcomed the gathering, while Mr Bhushan Bhave delivered the introductory address.
Earlier, a special exhibition displaying traditional items used by the four communities down the years, was inaugurated by the Sanguem MLA, Mr Vasu Gaonkar.
A public gathering was held at Azad Maidan in the evening following a procession through the city. The gathering was addressed by the Transport Minister, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar. -------------------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 11/12/03 page 1 -------------------------------------------------------
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