PANAJI
The district registrar and inspector general of societies, South Goa, last week issued an interim order restraining former MLA Prakash Velip from serving as president, and others from functioning as executive members of the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA). They have also been prohibited from using the name or seal of the UTAA, or holding meetings under its banner.
Former minister and UTAA leader Govind Gaude, who wants his BJP government to look into the entire issue, is of the clear view that the government machinery is being “misused” by “someone”. Without naming anyone, Gaude opined that “someone” who is trying to use “political powers for self-gain” should focus on “social development” of the community rather than playing “petty politics”.
“Only those with personal interest left UTAA,” he said, adding, “UTAA is a revolution… it has existed for 23 years… growing strongly under the leadership of Prakash Velip, who is one of the tallest tribal leaders.”
Six Scheduled Tribe organisations — Gakuved Federation, All Goa Scheduled Tribes Union, Tribal Welfare Organisation, Goud Jamat Mahasangh Goa, Taleigao Tribal Welfare, and Gomantak Goud Maratha Samaj — jointly filed a petition with the district registrar and inspector general of societies (South), challenging the legality of the current executive council of UTAA.
Maintaining that there is no divide within UTAA, Gaude said that the internal conflict within the community led to the complaint and subsequent order. He also said that there are some “behind-the-scenes forces” working against UTAA, and these complaints are part of it.
“It will be very interesting to understand whether the Registration of Societies Act 1860 speaks about such a ban. Obviously, the order will be challenged by Prakash Velip, as already announced by him,” he said.
The Priol MLA said that UTAA is an organisation that has been fighting for the rights and welfare of the entire ST community, from North to South Goa. “All the welfare schemes that the government has introduced are only due to the efforts of UTAA, and one cannot deny that,” he said.
The petitioners claimed that both Prakash Velip and the former art and culture minister had used the UTAA platform for personal gain. They also stated that Velip had held office for seven years, in violation of UTAA’s bylaws that limit the term of an executive council to three years and prohibit members from serving two consecutive terms.
“UTAA and Prakash Velip are strong enough to fight against all evils. The tribal community is with UTAA and Prakash Velip. Our fight for justice will continue,” he said.
