Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a setback to minorities who staged a protest at Azad Maidan demanding the creation of a State Minority Commission, the Goa government has ruled out setting up such a body, asserting that it is unnecessary.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Minister for Industries, Trade and Commerce and Panchayati Raj Mauvin Godinho said the Pramod Sawant-led government had never discriminated in extending either central or state schemes to citizens.
“Demands are being made for a separate commission for minorities, but the fact is there is no need for one in Goa. We do not discriminate while providing schemes. Some are attempting to create divisions between communities,” Godinho said.
The minister pointed out that nearly 17 schemes across various departments are applicable to minority communities, adding that most sections have already achieved mainstreaming. “When there is a saturation point and schemes are already being given, what will be the outcome if a Minority Commission is set up? It will only duplicate work,” he said.
Godinho maintained that the interests of minorities are safeguarded through existing transparent and accountable mechanisms. “In the given scenario, there is no alarming need for setting up a minority commission in Goa, as that will only duplicate the work of existing departments,” he reiterated.
The statement comes after minority groups argued that a dedicated commission was essential to address community-specific grievances and ensure targeted welfare. For many protestors, the government’s position marks a major disappointment.
