ST Groups Question Legitimacy of UTTA Leadership

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: A collective of major Scheduled Tribe organisations has submitted a formal complaint to the District Registrar and Inspector General of Societies (South), disputing the legitimacy of the current leadership of the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTTA).

At a media briefing, Govind Shirodkar, representing the Gawada, Kunbi, Velip, and Dhangar Federation, disclosed that several tribal groups, including the All Goa Scheduled Tribes Union, Tribal Welfare Organisation, Gaud Jamat Mahasangh Goa, Taleigao Tribal Welfare, Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj, Tribes of Goa, and Gomantak Velip Samaj Sangh, have jointly raised concerns over the alliance’s management.

The complaint accuses the existing executive body, led by Prakash Velip, of misconduct involving fraud, poor financial oversight, and non-compliance with the UTTA’s governing rules. The petition also challenges the validity of the election held on September 30, 2022, alleging that member associations were not properly notified and that several listed attendees were either fabricated or unrelated to the organisation.

The petitioners are demanding the 2022 election be declared invalid, the appointment of an impartial administrator, and an urgent financial audit. They have also sought temporary orders preventing the current executive council from carrying out its duties.

Shirodkar also criticized Velip and Minister Govind Gaude, accusing them of using the UTTA’s platform to serve personal interests. He claimed that key decisions are being made without input from other tribal bodies.

Furthermore, Shirodkar pointed out that Velip has overstayed his tenure, remaining in office for seven years despite bylaws restricting terms to three years with no consecutive renewals.

This dispute is poised to create ripples in Goa’s tribal political landscape as it unfolds.