Panaji: The BJP-led government in Goa on Thursday introduced a bill seeking to establish the Goa Commission for Minorities with powers of a civil court aiming to safeguard the interest of minorities in the state.
The Bill was introduced in the State Legislative Assembly by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
The Commission is expected to evaluate the progress and the development of minorities in the state and monitor the working of safeguards provided in the constitution of India and in laws enacted by Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly of Goa.
Once formed, the Commission will look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguard of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
"The Commission will conduct studies, research and analysis on the issues relating to socio-economic and educational development of minorities," the statement of the Bill reads.
Also, it will suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minorities to be undertaken by the government. The Commission will have all the powers of civil court trying a suit. It can also summon and enforce attendance of any person from any part of the state and examine him under an oath.
The Bill seeks to give rights for the Commission to make periodical or special reports to the Government on any matter pertaining to minorities and in particular the difficulties confronted by them.
The Commission can also accept matters referred to it by the state government and National Commission for Minorities.
PTI
