Clarifies govt hasn’t interfered in tribal bodies’ affairs
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday clarified that the State government has not imposed any ban on the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) or the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj.
Responding to a Calling Attention motion by BJP MLA and former cabinet minister Govind Gaude, Sawant also reiterated that there was no intention to interfere in the functioning of either organisation.
“No administrator has been appointed for UTAA, and the government has not interfered in any internal matters. An administrator has been appointed only for the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj for six months to ensure smooth functioning. The BJP government has not initiated any action to suppress or dismantle these institutions,” he said as he was replying on behalf of Minister for Law and Judiciary Aleixo Sequeira.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the Inspector General of Registration was handling society-related matters strictly in accordance with legal procedures and that no BJP functionary had filed any complaint against the associations.
Gaude, who moved the Calling Attention, strongly criticised the government’s decision and accused it of targeting institutions that have historically worked for the welfare and empowerment of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community.
“This is the only government that has banned a non-profit organisation like UTAA. It is a politically motivated and biased move by the Inspector General of Societies,” Gaude charged, while pointing at his removal from the cabinet on June 18, being Goa’s Revolution Day.
He said both UTAA and the Samaj have played critical roles in mobilising support for the BJP among the tribal population. “I urge the government to withdraw the ban on UTAA, remove all restrictions, and dismiss the appointed administrator. If this is not done, it will send a clear message that there is a rift among the BJP’s ST group,” Gaude said.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called the situation an “undeclared emergency” and demanded that the Chief Minister clarify the legal grounds for appointing the administrator. “The Chief Minister must clearly state under what legal provision this intervention was made. There needs to be complete transparency,” Alemao said, adding that the ST community is concerned about the continuity and legality of issuing Samaj certificates and the management of their affairs.
Gaude also urged the Minister for Law to clarify the basis for the intervention and explain the steps being taken to safeguard the community’s legitimate interests.
To this, Sequeira’s written reply explained that while the government respects such organisations, any issue affecting the public services prompts government intervention. “The government recognises and deeply respects the role of such organisations in promoting the social, educational, and economic welfare of the ST community,” he said.
