Team Herald
PONDA: Around 40 Vanarmare tribals, who were given voting rights after the State learnt of their plight when their huts were demolished in October, experienced and enjoyed their first election.
Having lived in Goa since before Liberation, the tribal community was almost forgotten, but the demolition of their huts not only brought them succor from the government and people, they also were able to exercise franchise for the first time as their names were included in the electoral rolls.
On Saturday they came walking to the polling station and cast their votes. Govind Rajaram Powar (60) the senior most member of the Vanarmare family voted for the first time along with other members of the tribe.
Gopal Powar (40), the tribe’s leader said none of the candidates had visited their dwellings to campaign, however, they still voted without any pressure or influence.
Gopal hoped that the new government would provide them permanent houses in place of the huts they currently live in, besides also giving them electricity and water connections, besides education for the children and jobs to the adults, as they are deprived of several facilities, including some necessities.
