Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu lauded the efforts initiated by the State government for the betterment of tribal communities in the State. She was speaking after interacting with the members of tribal communities of Goa at Raj Bhavan, Goa today in the presence of Governor of Goa, Shri. P. S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. She said Goa perhaps is the only State in the country wherein Tribal portfolio is held by the Chief Minister of Goa. In view of this, President exuded confidence that tribal community in Goa will never lack behind in terms of improving living conditions and bring them in the mainstream of the country.
Tribal community should not think them self as inferior. Tribal community are life giver and conservator of our Forest, water and land she added .While sharing her experience of having her interaction with tribal in various States, President of India said that she is happy to see that tribal from Goa are two steps ahead as compared to other states . They are well-educated and are professional doctors, lawyers and are also seen engaged in business activities.
Tribals are very different from other communities as they believe in living together in unity. We have to inculcate this value from this community, she asserted. President advised the tribal community to come into the mainstream and contribute for the betterment and welfare of the country.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in his welcome address said that State Government have been continuously working for the betterment of Tribal community and approximately 17 schemes are made available from the Department of tribal Welfare. Chief Minister informed that over 1221 sanad have been handed to several beneficiaries under the Scheduled Tribes and other traditional Forest Dwellers under Forest Right Acts,2006. Chief Minister also assured the tribal community that the statue of Tribal Leader Birsa Munda will be soon installed at Tribal Research Institute of Goa.
Chief Minister presented the President of India her Portrait created by Rangoli Artist Shri Akash Naik
Also present on the occasion were the Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri. Ramesh Tawadkar, Social Welfare Minister, Shri. Subhash Phaldesai, Former Deputy. CM. Shri.Chandrakant Kavlekar and officials of Tribal Department.
