PANAJI
A sizeable gathering assembled at Casa de Povo, Goa Velha, on Saturday evening to discuss the contentious issue of expanding the role of women within Comunidades.
Advocate Savio Correia opened the debate by highlighting the potential legal challenge posed by Article 20 of the Code of Comunidades, which restricts membership to male descendants. He argued that this contradicts Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing equality, and suggested granting women membership rights, though excluding their descendants. This point of contention, concerning the rights of descendants, had already been raised by others.
Dr Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues clarified the distinct roles of "gaunkar" (member) and "acionista" (shareholder), stating that a gaunkar could be an acionista, but not vice versa. She also expressed concern over the multitude of unfulfilled duties within Comunidades.
Dr Meenacshi Martins acknowledged the patriarchal origins of the Comunidades Code, yet emphasized the crucial role women have historically played in these communities. She advocated for their active participation and warned of potential legal action if their inclusion wasn't achieved.
Advocate Shailesh Henriques stressed the need for change, advocating for open-minded discussions and reasoned decision-making. He suggested government assistance in facilitating this process.
The second session presented a case study by Michael Mendoca, a gaunkar of Anjuna Comunidade. He detailed how the general body overruled the managing committee to secure favourable decisions for gaunkars, citing the recent Sunburn festival rent increase as an example.
A lively question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Alexandre Moniz Barbosa, chair of the meeting. Suggestions included forming a committee to further explore and resolve the issue.
