In a move aimed at empowering Goa’s tribal communities, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has called for immediate land ownership rights for tribal farmers and recommended the inclusion of Goa under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. The Commission emphasized the need to preserve tribal culture amid growing Western influence and highlighted the economic and political benefits such steps would bring to the state’s 12% tribal population.
President of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Antar Singh Arya, informed that the Commission is focusing on tribal youth to ensure that they remain rooted in their culture in this age where youth is easily coming under the influence of western culture.
The Commission felt that it is necessary in Goa that tribals who are tillers of the soil get the ownership of land they are farming. This will enable them in procuring loans for various purposes. Commission has recommended intervention by Goa government in this regard.
Commission also informed that issue of political reservation for tribals was briefly discussed in parliament session and may be taken up for discussion in next sessions.