Times News NetworkMargao: Amidst mounting demands for political reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Goa, members of the Scheduled Caste community have now raised their own set of demands — seeking an increase in the quantum of SC reservation and the designation of a constituency in South Goa as an SC-reserved seat, on the lines of Pernem in North Goa.Members of the SC community came together under the banner of Dalit Voice of Goa at Quepem on Thursday to voice these demands.Appreciating Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent outreach to the Dalit community at Sakhali, a community leader said the dialogue had inspired them to step up awareness efforts among their own members. “We have begun creating awareness among the Dalit community about their rights,” he told reporters, adding that despite SCs being entitled to reservation under state policy, the lack of clarity over the exact quantum had left many members unable to access its benefits.The community demanded that govt constitute a committee of experts to study the issue and fix the quantum of SC reservation in govt jobs. They also called for a reserved assembly seat in South Goa and a corresponding reserved seat in the zilla panchayat, stressing that this be done “without creating injustice to other communities.”The community said it would submit a memorandum to the mamlatdar and deputy collector for govt’s consideration. The community also extended its support to the demand for inclusion of the Gouly-Dhangar community in the Scheduled Tribes list and urged the Centre to reconsider its rejection of the proposal.
