Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

SHRI DIGAMBAR KAMAT
CHIEF MINISTER, GOA
Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Union Ministers, Hon'ble Chief Minister,
Hon'ble Members of the National Integration Council, Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to participate in the 14th National Integration
Council Meeting today. The entire nation is now passing through a period of
rapid Economic Growth & Development. However, some anti-social and antinational
forces are at conspiracy to see our derailment from the path of progress
by indulging into terrorist activities and creating communal tensions. We are also
facing a situation where there are persistent threats posed by the forces of
terrorism, communal forces and other divisive forces. Naxalism has reached to
our neighbouring State which is a matter of concern to us.
India is a country having pluralistic character. In this scenario the agenda
for today's meeting is in the correct perspective when we have to promote
socio-economic development and also to remove the imbalance and eliminate
the divisive tendencies and to promote a feeling of security among all the
citizens with special emphasis on the minority and vulnerable sections.
I am happy to say that till now Goa has been a peaceful State and there is
complete communal harmony and people of all religion, caste and creed live
peacefully. The State has not been engulfed by any major communal incident
since liberation in 1961, except one incident in 2006. There have been some
minor incidents of idol and religious places desecration, but the communities
have shown utmost restraint and are living harmoniously. The State Government
is well aware of the harmful potential of even such minor sporadic incidents and
has taken steps to prevent any such incident. Peace committees have been
formed at Taluka and District levels. Beat patrolling is maintained by the Police
and there is regular interation meeting between locals of all communities. Meetings
with religious leaders of all communities are also held to maintain liaison at
grass-root level.
Goa is the only State in the country having an Uniform Civil Code. It ensures
equal right to inheritance of property. Besides, we have 100% Registeration of
Births and Deaths and Registeration of Marriages is compulsory.
We strongly feel that the peaceful atmosphere in the State has been prevalent
due to the development achievements in key social sectors. The reach and
coverage of the core social services has been universalized in the State. While
there is concern at the current pace of progress in the country with regard to the
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