Margao: Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar on Friday said he has received consistent support from Tribal Welfare Department officials in implementing initiatives for the welfare of the community.
His remarks come in the wake of Sports Minister Govind Gaude’s recent outburst hinting at corruption in the department, while also pointing to its inefficient functioning.
Gaude had called for shutting the department down and had expressed ire over the delay in setting up the Tribal Bhavan.
At a media briefing held to discuss upcoming educational programmes of his Shree Balaram Education Society, Tawadkar said the society would provide foundational and skill development courses free of cost for students. “Since the tribal portfolio is held by the Chief Minister, there is access for tribal legislators to meet him and raise issues directly. The director and officials of the department have shown consistent cooperation in implementing various initiatives,” Tawadkar said.
Commenting on the long-pending Tribal Bhavan project, Tawadkar said the director would provide a detailed explanation for the delays and name those responsible.
He reiterated his commitment to uplift Scheduled Tribes and said this mission does not require association with the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA).
He announced plans to empower 5,000 students over the next decade with the support of government and academic institutions. He urged parents to attend a meeting on Sunday at the educational society’s Poinguinim premises, where new infrastructure for residential students will be unveiled.
Plans are also in place to introduce additional skill development programmes in the future.
