http://oheraldo.in/node/10316
Sonia's help sought in implementing ST Bill BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 25 — The Goa State Scheduled Tribes Action Committee has urged AICC President, Sonia Gandhi to do justice for the tribal communities of Goa by fulfilling the demand such as declaring 30 per cent reservation as per the 1991 census. A delegation of the Action Committee led by Chief Convenor, Antonio D Gauncar called on Ms Gandhi during her recent visit to the state and called for efforts to that the STs in the state get due justice atleast after 40 years. The Committee asked her to advise the state government to implement the Scheduled Tribes Bill in toto by considering all the provisions enshrined under it. "We have been suffering for the last 40 years. If necessary, bring an amendment to met out justice to the STs in Goa", the delegation said. Saying that STs are the most neglected and the most harassed section of Goan society since the last 40 years, the Action Committee, however, informed Ms Gandhi that the tribals are being subjugated at the hands of land owners and the capitalists and cheated by Goan politicians. "Though the Scheduled Tribes in Goa hold the key in bringing the politicians to power, their interests are hardly taken care of by the selfish politicians. They are exploited on all fronts", the Action committee asserted. -- TUMCHER AXIRVAD ASSUM; DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England