Inside the Kushavati Plan: Why Goa's Hinterlands Are Finally Getting Their Own District
Last month, the Goa government officially notified the creation of 'Kushavati'—the state's third district. This significant administrative move, carved out of South Goa, is set to bring governance closer to approximately 1.9 lakh residents across four hinterland talukas. The decision marks a pivotal step in addressing long-standing developmental gaps in these rural areas.
Committee Recommendations and Rationale
In November 2023, a seven-member committee headed by the chief secretary was formed to assess the need for a third district in Goa. The committee's report, which has now been made public, outlines several compelling arguments for this restructuring. Key objectives include uplifting the tribal community, enhancing local governance, improving the delivery of public services for the increased population, and fostering equitable growth and infrastructure development in rural areas.
The committee emphasized that the proposed new district, with a significant tribal population, would allow for targeted solutions and streamlined administration. "As the proposed new district consists of a significant component of people belonging to the tribal community, the unique needs and challenges of the community can be fulfilled by the creation of this district," the report stated. It further highlighted that 37.83% of Goa's population resides in rural areas, primarily in talukas like Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem, Canacona, and Sattari.
Geographical and Demographic Details
The new district, named after the Kushavati river that flows through southern Goa, will comprise four talukas: Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem, and Canacona. Prior to this, Goa had only two districts—North Goa and South Goa. North Goa includes five talukas, while South Goa encompassed seven. The creation of Kushavati redistributes these areas to better serve the hinterland regions.
Key statistics from the committee report include:
- Total geographical area: 1,558.72 square kilometers (42.1% of Goa's total area)
- Population: 191,512 persons (95,877 males, 95,635 females)
- Households: 44,426
- Villages: 94 (87 inhabited, 7 uninhabited)
- Census towns: 6
- Assembly constituencies: 5
- Village Panchayats: 30
- Municipalities: 4
Notably, the district has a substantial tribal population, with 53,237 persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes and 1,834 to Scheduled Castes. The report pointed out that Scheduled Tribes comprise 28% of the total population, indicating a significant scope for upliftment in these rural regions.
Expected Benefits and Challenges
The committee outlined numerous anticipated benefits from the creation of Kushavati district. These include:
- Enhanced Governance: Smaller districts bring administration closer to the people, ensuring better implementation of government schemes and proper utilization of funds.
- Improved Service Delivery: Residents will no longer need to travel long distances to the district headquarters in Margao for administrative work, making their lives easier.
- Economic Growth: The district is expected to foster economic development through targeted schemes and infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure Development: Focus on transportation, telecommunication, electricity, drinking water, healthcare, sanitation, and education.
However, the committee also flagged potential challenges, particularly the financial burden on the state exchequer. Establishing administrative infrastructure and recruiting necessary manpower will require significant investment. To mitigate this, the report suggested generating funds through the convergence of existing state and central government schemes. Additionally, assistance could be sought from central programs like the 'Aspirational Districts Programme' and 'Aspirational Block Programme,' aimed at transforming underdeveloped regions.
Headquarters and Future Outlook
The committee recommended setting up the district headquarters in Quepem taluka. This strategic location is expected to facilitate efficient administration and service delivery across the new district. The report concluded that the establishment of Kushavati "represents a significant step towards enhancing local governance, improving delivery of public services to the beneficiaries in the remotest corner of the district, and fostering economic development within the region."
This move by the Goa government underscores a commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from focused administrative attention and developmental initiatives. As Kushavati takes shape, it holds the promise of transforming the lives of its residents, particularly the tribal communities, and setting a precedent for equitable development across the state.
