NCST Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya Reviews Tribal Welfare Initiatives in Goa
Panaji : Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Shri Antar Singh Arya, chaired a series of crucial meetings in Panaji today to assess and review the status of welfare initiatives for the tribal communities in Goa. The meetings were organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Tribal Welfare.
Accompanied by NCST members Dr. Asha Lakra, Shri Nirupam Chakma, and Shri Jatothu Hussain, Shri Arya reviewed the implementation of various welfare schemes and safeguards for Scheduled Tribes (STs) during a State-level meeting attended by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, and senior officials from various departments.
The discussions focused on the outreach and effectiveness of government schemes aimed at the tribal community, and the Chairperson emphasized the constitutional mandate of the NCST in ensuring the protection of tribal rights and welfare.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that the provisions enshrined in the Constitution, statutory laws, and government orders are implemented in both letter and spirit,” said Shri Arya. He called on the State administration to resolve tribal-related issues on a mission mode and suggested the establishment of a Tribal Bhavan in Goa.
One of the key concerns raised was that of land ownership. Shri Arya highlighted that tribal communities, who have traditionally protected the environment through their reverence for nature, should be granted ownership of their ancestral lands.
Engaging with tribal youth was also underlined as a priority area. “The youth are the future of tomorrow. Their empowerment and involvement are essential for the community’s development,” he stated.
Also present were NCST Secretary Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, and Joint Secretary Shri Amit Nirmal.
Earlier in the day, the Commission held consultations with tribal delegations and representatives of social organizations working for tribal welfare. The meeting was attended by Chairperson of the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd, Shri Vasudev M. Gaonkar, and Chairperson of the Goa Commission for SC/ST, Shri Deepak Karmalkar.
During the interaction, representatives raised several issues including land rights, reservations, the need for a Tribal Research Institute, atrocities against tribals, and concerns related to education, placements, and women’s welfare.
The Commission assured that all issues and observations would be compiled and presented before the President and the Parliament as part of its national review efforts.
