Daijiworld Media Network - Ponda

Ponda, May 26: Goa's Sports and Culture Minister Govind Gaude stirred political circles on Sunday after he publicly criticised the state government over its failure to deliver on key promises made to the tribal community, particularly the prolonged delay in constructing the much-awaited 'Adivasi Bhavan'.

Speaking at the official ‘Prerna Diwas’ celebration organised by the Department of Tribal Welfare and Tribal Affairs at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda, Gaude expressed deep frustration over the unfulfilled commitments, warning that the tribal community’s patience was wearing thin.

“Some of the promises made to tribal people remain unfulfilled despite repeated reminders to the government,” said Gaude, citing the non-execution of the Tribal Bhavan project as a glaring example. “If the Bhavan is built, our children and tribal brothers from rural areas will finally have a platform of their own. But unfortunately, the administration is not following up adequately.”

The event was attended by agriculture minister Ravi Naik, ST/SC commission chairman Deepak Karmalkar, Scheduled Tribes Financial Corporation chairman Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, UTTA chairman Prakash Velip, general secretary Durgadas Gawde, and Tribal Welfare director Deepak Desai.

Gaude did not mince words when taking aim at his own government’s Tribal Welfare Department. “The department exists, but is it truly working for tribal welfare? That is something we must investigate,” he said, adding that changes in laws may be necessary to bring justice to oppressed tribal communities. “We’ve done everything within the framework of the law, but it’s now time for the government to amend the laws to bring real justice.”

He called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to publicly commit to a deadline for the construction of Adivasi Bhavan, a demand that drew applause from the tribal community present at the venue.
Expressing disappointment over the event arrangements, Gaude said, “Prerna Diwas is meant to inspire our tribal youth, but there appears to be no seriousness in organising the event. If the government doesn’t take this seriously, we are ready to conduct it on our own.”

Attempting to douse the growing anger, agriculture minister Ravi Naik assured, “I will personally accompany Minister Gaude to meet the Chief Minister. We will ensure that the demands of our tribal brothers are heard and acted upon.”

Former minister Prakash Velip also joined the call for action, suggesting that the Chief Minister hand over the Tribal Welfare Department to another minister to make it more accessible. He also demanded a clear announcement on political reservations for tribal communities.

The strong remarks by Gaude, a tribal leader himself, have sparked intense discussion in Goa's political landscape, bringing renewed focus on the state's tribal welfare policies.