govt help sought to save Goan clubs in Mumbai
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 1
The Federation of Goan Clubs (Kudds) in Mumbai has sought the intervention of the Goa government in protecting the age-old clubs for Goans visiting the metropolis.
The Federation has already initiated discussion with Goa government officials to treat the Kudd properties as heritage of Goans in Mumbai with real estate sharks on the prowl to dispose off the properties.
In this connection, the Federation will call on the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and impress upon the need to protect the kudds for posterity in the face of taking over bids by the landlords on grounds the properties are in the name of the managers.
General Secretary of the Federation Thomas Sequeira is in Goa to spread awareness amongst the members of different kudds to register and become members of the Federation.
Thomas and others had a meeting in Chinchinim on Saturday wherein he underlined the need for the kudds to become members of the Federation.
Says Thomas: Most of the clubs are either closing down because of funds, membership, neglect or landlords making bids to take over the club since they are registered in the name of managers”.
He said around 300 clubs belonging to Goans once existing in Mumbai and the figure has now come down to 100. “Members of the clubs don’t understand the need to register the clubs. This is one way to protect the future of the clubs”, he added.
Last year, the Federation office bearers had a meeting in Navelim and if Thomas is to be believed, there was encouraging response from the clubs, especially from Salcete.. He, however, hastened to add that there are still many clubs in Salcete and from other parts of the state which are still to get themselves registered.
“By these series of meetings, we feel confident that the members will understand the need for membership and registration and they will take the responsibility of these properties belonging to Goans”, he said.
Replying to a question, Thomas said the Federation vice-president David Joseph has initiated discussions with the Goa government and the need to protect these properties as heritage of Goa in Mumbai.
“The value of these properties is huge. The value can give big returns too. There is a need to preserve these properties”, he said, adding that the Federation has taken an appointment with the Chief Minister somewhere in June for an audience to intervene in the interest of Goa and Goans.
