Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) held a series of key meetings in Panaji to review the implementation of welfare schemes and constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Goa. Chaired by NCST Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya, the sessions brought together top state officials, tribal leaders, and social organizations.
During the meetings, organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Shri Arya and fellow commission members—Dr. Asha Lakra, Shri Nirupam Chakma, and Shri Jatothu Hussain—assessed ongoing government schemes for the ST population and their effectiveness in reaching grassroots beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arya emphasized the Commission’s constitutional role in safeguarding tribal rights and urged state authorities to resolve tribal issues on a mission mode. He highlighted land ownership as a critical concern, stating that tribals, as protectors of nature, deserve rights to their ancestral lands. He also proposed the establishment of a Tribal Bhavan in Goa and stressed the importance of empowering tribal youth.
The Commission also interacted with tribal delegations and organizations, who raised concerns about land rights, reservations, tribal atrocities, student support, and the need for a Tribal Research Institute.
Key attendees included Goa Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, NCST Secretary Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Joint Secretary Shri Amit Nirmal, and representatives from the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation and Goa Commission for SC/ST.
Shri Arya concluded by stating that findings from the national tour would be submitted to the President and Parliament for further action.
