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Time of India

CM hits back at Gaude over tribal welfare criticism

Margao: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday mounted a strong defence of his govt's performance on the tribal welfare front, taking veiled swipes at Govind Gaude, whom Sawant had recently sacked as the art and culture minister. Gaude's ouster followed his corruption charges against the CM-led tribal welfare department and accusations of inefficiency. Speaking at the launch of the Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan at Sanguem, Sawant listed various schemes and initiatives launched for tribals during his tenure as CM. 'And someone says I haven't done anything for the tribals,' Sawant said, alluding to Gaude's criticism. 'I may not be related by blood with my tribal brethren, but I have an emotional connect with them, a social relationship, something that comes from within, and therefore, I was able to implement 100% of the schemes.' Sawant said, 'If anything, caring for tribals runs in BJP's DNA. Previous govts wouldn't even acknowledge the existence of tribal communities, let alone their issues.' To drive home the point on his tribal welfare initiatives, Sawant said that when he took over, 10,000 applications were pending under the Forest Rights Act. 'My govt was able to grant sanads to 3,500 applicants,' he said. 'The rest will get the sanads by Dec 19 this year.' The administration is working in the mission mode to achieve the target, Sawant said. He also pointed to the establishment of the tribal commission and the tribal corporation after he took over as CM. He said a tribal research centre is being set up at Sanguem, a tribal museum has been proposed at Farmagudi, and the Kunbi village at Sanguem is set to be ready in three months. In a pointed jibe at Gaude, Sawant said, 'It pains me deeply when I come to know of the hardships any of my tribal brothers face, be it for want of a toilet or a tap, and that speaks of my passion for uplifting the tribals.' Sawant said, 'Many who had blood relationships with tribals came and went but couldn't do anything worthwhile.' Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram and state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai were among those present for the function.