OLD GOA
With only two days to go for the election to the managing committee of the Dhado Khazan Tenants Association, Carambolim farmers have reiterated their demand that the members’ list should be updated first before holding of polls.
The demand was made as a large number of farmers once again gathered at the Carambolim panchayat hall on Sunday.
It may be recalled that the election for the Dhado Khazan Tenants Association was initially slated for October 12. However, due to lack of quorum, the same was adjourned and slated for October 20.
Speaking at the meeting, activist Tara Kerkar informed that out of the over 300 members listed in the tenants association over 200 members have expired.
“So, how can the elections be allowed to be held when such a huge number of members have expired? Will the dead come and vote?” Kerkar questioned while opining that the authorities concerned are making a mockery of the heirs of the members who have expired by not including their names in the members’ list.
“The then Tiswadi Mamlatdar had passed an order to include the names of the heirs in members’ list in 2017 but to date their names are not included. Even the HC has issued directions to ensure that the names are included but nothing has happened so far,” Kerkar stated and informed that this is contempt of HC order.
When asked whether the aggrieved farmers have brought it to the notice of the HC, Kerkar questioned whether the farmers have to time and again knock the doors of the court to get justice.
“Currently, the youth are out of jobs and many are eking out their living by turning to farming. But, here the youth are not even allowed to undertake farming as the fields are inundated. What should they do? Should they commit suicide?” Kerkar questioned.
“We are not against holding the elections but our demand is simple that the members’ list is updated first. Let them hold the elections thereafter,” a farmer Caetano D’Mello stated while adding that in the meanwhile the Tiswadi Mamlatdar should take over the functioning of the tenants association and ensure that the list is updated.
