PONDA
It may be recalled that a group of about 15 people had demolished the huts of the Makadmare tribe on October 16. Later, the government gave them compensation to erect new huts, while many NGOs and individuals also helped them by providing food and clothes.
Bhiku Gawas, Joint Mamlatdar (II) of Ponda, told The Goan that an order has been passed to include the names of 40 Makadmare tribals in the electoral roll. “They will now have voting rights and their names will be included in electoral rolls to be published in January 2017,” he said.
When asked if there is provision to consider their names in the electoral roll even if they don’t possess officially recognized dwelling units, Gawas replied: “There is a provision in the Constitution of India to give voting rights to those who are residents of any area, staying in camps or huts. There is no need for any house number. We mention the name of the locality where they stay.”
Though 40 Makadmares will now be voters of his constituency, local MLA Mahadev Naik has sided with the locals on the issue.
