Margao: Office spaces for social activists and NGOs could soon be made available within unused government buildings, wherever feasible, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said in the assembly on Friday.
The assurance came in response to a private member’s resolution moved by Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, which sought recognition for NGOs and social activists engaged in disability empowerment, animal welfare, child development, orphan care, elderly support, assistance for street children, natural resource preservation, and environmental protection.
The Opposition Leader said that the contributions of NGOs and social activists deserved formal acknowledgment and support. “We must establish NGO facilitation and resource centres in each district, identify underutilised government buildings, and provide community spaces for these NGOs with transparent criteria. Additionally, we should consider implementing incentives for them accordingly,” he said.
The state government, under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, had recognised the work of activists by rewarding nearly 40 members from various NGOs on Statehood Day, Phal Dessai said. “The government has formulated several schemes for NGOs, and I urge them to apply for awards. Furthermore, I appeal to NGO members to maintain their records meticulously to qualify for government grants,” he said.
A brief verbal clash arose when Alemao began naming social activists such as Claude Alvares, Norma Alvares, Swapnesh Sherlekar, and Dr P Kurade.
Phal Dessai questioned their relevance to his department, prompting the chief minister to intervene and allow Alemao to continue.
Benaulim AAP MLA Venzy Viegas urged inclusion of more activist names in government recognition lists, while legislators Altone D Costa, Cruz Silva, and Viresh Borkar voiced support for Alemao’s resolution. Following deliberations and Phal Dessai’s assurances, Alemao withdrew his resolution.
