VALPOI
Members of the Dhangar community have reiterated their demand for immediate grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status at a meeting organised by the Goa Dhangar Samaj Seva Sangh, Sattari, at Shri Lairai Dhond Mandap in Dhangarwada, Maloli-Sattari.
The meeting focused on strengthening community awareness, organisational unity, youth participation, and preparing for the constitutional struggle to secure the long-pending demand.
Among those present were Goa Dhangar Samaj Seva Sangh, Sattari, President Dhulu Dhondo Shelke, Secretary Chandrakant Pavane, Treasurer Janu Pingale, Vice-President Laxman Zore, along with several community leaders and members.
Addressing the gathering, Shelke, former Secretary Pavan Varak, Treasurer Janu Pingale, and Rama Kharwat explained the present status of the demand for ST recognition, ongoing developments at the government level, constitutional provisions, and the importance of pursuing the issue through legal and democratic means.
Shelke said the demand for Scheduled Tribe status is not an individual issue but a matter of social justice, equal opportunities, educational advancement, economic development, and constitutional rights for the entire Dhangar community.
He appealed to every member of the community, especially the youth, to actively participate in the awareness campaign, strengthen the organisation, and rely only on authentic information instead of rumours or misinformation.
“The struggle for Scheduled Tribe status belongs to the entire community. Only a united society can secure its rightful constitutional rights. If every member works together with dedication and unity, success is certain,” Shelke said.
The speakers also encouraged the younger generation to remain aware of education, skill development, government welfare schemes, employment opportunities, competitive examinations, social organisation, and constitutional rights.
It was resolved to organise awareness meetings, public interactions, village-level campaigns, and social initiatives across all villages of Sattari to reach every Dhangar family.
Participants expressed disappointment that despite the Dhangar community’s long-standing struggle, the demand for Scheduled Tribe status remains pending.
The meeting also noted that although the State government has recently announced decisions regarding political reservation for Scheduled Tribes, the Dhangar community continues to remain outside the ST category.
As a result, many community members are unable to avail themselves of constitutional safeguards, educational opportunities, reservation in employment, and various development schemes.
Speakers announced that similar awareness meetings would be organised across various villages in Sattari to strengthen public outreach and mobilise the community.
