Ousted Goa Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude is under fire from tribal leaders, who allege he failed to address their long-pending concerns. Govind Shirodkar, President of the Gauda, Kunbi, Velip Samaj, voiced the community’s disappointment in a statement to Herald Media, claiming that most tribal demands raised since 2003 remain unresolved—with only a handful addressed during Gaude’s tenure.
Shirodkar criticised the diminishing independence of the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA), once a strong voice for tribal rights. He claimed the organisation now functions under government influence, weakening the movement and sidelining the very issues it was created to champion.
“Only one or two of our demands have been fulfilled since 2003. The rest continue to be ignored,” Shirodkar said, expressing frustration over the lack of meaningful progress. He argued that the Art and Culture Ministry should be helmed by someone from the tribal community—someone who truly understands and advocates for tribal concerns.
The demand for a tribal MLA to replace Gaude is being seen as a push to restore trust in the government’s intent and to ensure proper representation of tribal voices in decision-making. At the heart of the demand lies a broader struggle: tribal communities in Goa continue to seek rightful recognition, access to welfare schemes, and protection of their cultural identity.
Shirodkar’s remarks have reignited debate on political representation and accountability, highlighting a decades-long gap between promises and delivery when it comes to tribal welfare in the state.