Alleges Gaude signatory to formation; demands cancellation, warns legal battle
PANAJI
The Gakuved Federation on Saturday revealed that tribal leader Prakash Velip has registered a new tribal association under the identical name – United Tribal Associations’ Alliance (UTAA), on the very same day the South District Registrar and Inspector General of Societies issued an interim order restraining him from serving as president of two-decade old UTAA, which comprises of eight tribal associations.
Addressing a press conference, the Federation also revealed that former Minister and Priol MLA Govind Gaude is one of the signatory in the formation of the second UTAA, registered on July 3 in North Goa District Registrar’s office.
They charged that the move is a deliberate attempt by Gaude and Velip to divide the ST community as they want to retain power in the community. They also accused the MLA of betraying the community for political power.
On July 3, the District Registrar, South Goa issued an interim order restraining Velip from serving as president, and others from functioning as executive members of the UTAA. They have also been prohibited from using the name or seal of UTAA, or holding meetings under its banner.
Federation convenor Adv Suresh Palkar said that Velip and his 14 associates, who were illegally serving as executive members of UTAA, have formed a new organisation and have registered it under the identical name on July 3 at the North Goa District Registrar Office under President Vishwas Gaude.
“This registration is a clear violation of Section 3A of the Societies Registration Act, which prohibits registration of societies with identical or almost resembling the name of already registered or existing society,” he explained.
Stating that the North Goa District Registrar has committed serious procedural violations by allowing the registration, the Federation has demanded immediate deregistration and urged the government to initiate inquiry against the District Registrar.
“If the North District Registrar fails to cancel or revoke the illegal registration, the alliance association of UTAA will challenge the decision in the High Court. A contempt petition against Velip and others will also be filed,” Federation president Govind Shirodkar said.
