Panaji: The directorate of tribal welfare will soon set up Dharti Aaba Suvidha Kendras (DASKs) in nine tribal-dominated villages across Goa to provide localised support for the development of Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities through NGOs.The identified village panchayats are Morpirla, Cotigao, Gaondongrim, Netravalli, Cola, Molcornem, Shristhal, Poinguinnim, and Kirlapal-Dabhal.The directorate has invited applications from registered NGOs and charitable trusts to establish and operate the centres. Eligible organisations must have been formed with the objective of empowering tribal communities and have at least 50% of their members belonging to Goa’s ST community.Selected organisations will receive a fixed honorarium of Rs 30,000 per month to run DASK activities. They will also receive Rs 18,000 per month for one multi-tasking staff member and Rs 25,000 per month towards remuneration for two volunteers. These amounts will increase by 3% annually.Each DASK will also be entitled to Rs 25,000 annually for stationery, printing and other office expenses, besides rent of up to Rs 10,000 per month, as certified by the PWD (Buildings Division). A one-time non-recurring grant of Rs 1.5 lakh will be provided for procuring equipment such as a desktop computer, UPS, computer table and cupboard.Interested NGOs and charitable trusts must apply by Aug 7 using the prescribed format available at the Directorate of Tribal Welfare offices in Panaji and Margao. Applications must include ST certificates showing that at least 50% of the members belong to Goa’s ST community, along with a brief project report outlining activities undertaken for tribal development.
