Goan tribal groups to hold 'Mahamelava' on January 25

Panaji, Dec 23 (UNI) Tribal communities here comprising the Gawdas, Kunbis and Velips will hold a ''Mahamelava'' on January 25 at Azad Maidan in north Goa to draw attention to the ''denial by the State Government of their rights as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution''.

All Goa Tribes meet convenor Pandurang Madkaikar, who is also the Transport Minister, told reporters here yesterday that about 30,000 tribals will attend the meet. The Goa Government is making a mockery of the Indian Constitution and misguiding the tribals, he alleged.

He said the tribal communities in Goa were notified as Scheduled Tribes of the state in January 2003 by the Centre. Yet, no Goa Government has taken necessary steps for the upliftment of the tribes since the last four years.

UNI SRN MAZ RL PM0825