The All Goa Toddy Tappers Association has made a fervent plea to the government not to discriminate the community on the basis of religion.Speaking to the media on the occasion of the annual felicitation of meritorious students from the toddy-tapping community,
MARGAO
Association president Gaspar Afonso said the government should work for the welfare of toddy tappers irrespective of their religious background.Afonso demanded that the government release funds to the tune of Rs 30 lakh belonging to the toddy tappers. “This amount is presently lying with the government. We had been knocking the doors of the government to release the amount so that the ageing and bed-ridden toddy tappers get the benefit of their own money,” he said.Afonso rued that despite contributing fees to the government s kitty, the toddy tappers have not benefit in any way from its schemes. “The toddy tappers community and its business activity, which was once flourishing in the state, is on the decline in Goa,” he lamented.Meanwhile, the Association felicitated two students for securing highest marks at the SSC and higher secondary examinations held recently. Alisha Dourado (Std XII) from Quepem and Miss Jasiel Fernandes (Std X) from Velim were awarded scholarships of Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively. Zilla member representing Navelim, Cipru Cardozo and former Velim ZP member Anthony Rodrigues presided over the function as guests.
