Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, May 21: Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Antar Singh Arya, on Wednesday urged the Goa government to take concrete steps to grant land ownership rights to tribals who have been cultivating lands for generations.

During his two-day visit to the coastal state, Arya interacted with tribal communities, NGOs, and government officials to assess the situation on the ground. He also held meetings with Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Speaking to media persons, Arya acknowledged Goa’s development since liberation in 1961, saying, “Goa is doing well on all fronts.” However, he expressed concern over the plight of tribals, many of whom still lack ownership of the land they have tilled for decades.

“They are dependent on landlords for permissions even to build houses on the land they’ve cultivated for more than 100 years. Without ownership, they are deprived of several state and central government schemes,” Arya stated.

He said he had also discussed the issue with chief secretary Dr V Candavelou, urging the state to find a resolution and restore rightful ownership to tribal communities.

Arya added that he had meaningful discussions with individuals and organisations working in tribal welfare. “The ground realities in Goa will be included in the annual action taken report that is submitted to President Droupadi Murmu,” he said.