Gaude slams political agenda of some ST group members

Staff Reporter

Margao

The Directorate of Tribal Welfare in association with the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) observed the 12th Prerna Din in remembrance of two tribal youths-Mangesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip who lost their lives in Balli agitation in 2011.

At the event, Minister for Art and Culture Govid Gaude called on all the ST groups to remain united, while he also criticised some ST group members for displaying ulterior intentions.
Gaude stressed on the need to keep working for the upliftment of the community and praised the work of UTAA. “I have never called Mangesh and Dilip as late because their sacrifices must remain alive in the community. There are some who have questioned the observance of this day and the work of UTAA. Political reservation has always been one of UTAA’s demands, but there seems to be a hidden political agenda going on. Leaders should not be dealers; they should be shepherds working for the people. Today there are thousands who have benefited because of the work of UTAA,” he said.

He added, “There should be andolans so that the people especially the youth are able to get what is really required but there seems to be some hidden political mission with some of the groups. They don’t want to empower the community.”

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, via a video recording played at the event said, “The sacrifices made by the two youths must remain alive and must be a symbol to empower the community. Students from the community are taking advantage of the schemes in the state. UTAA must also take up digital strategies for the community.”
The event that was attended by thousands of people from ST communities was held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. The Adivasi Pradnyawant Puraskar 2023 was also presented to members of the community. They included Dr. Shambu Ghadi (education), Umesh Gaonkar (farming), Gokudas Ghadi (social worker) and Kalpesh Murgaonkar (sports).

The tribal welfare department also launched its digital currency initiative in collaboration with the IDFC First to provide a direct benefit transfer of scholarship funds to students who have availed of the scheme.

The tribal department’s citizen charter booklet and a book on the life of Bhausaheb Bandodkar was also launched at the event. A memento was also presented to the wife and son of late Dilip Velip.
Also present was Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai who stressed on the need for the youth of the community to be educated.

“The number of atrocities against the community has reduced, but we have not reached the level we want. To get to that level, education has to be the most important aspect. The youth must study and we must respectfully fight for our demands. There should be unity among ourselves. Instead of criticising each other, we must try to come together and resolve it,” he said.