The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) has issued a strong appeal to the government to revoke the ban imposed on the Gomantak Gaud Maratha community and the UTAA itself. The association claims that the ban has resulted in the suspension of Scheduled Tribe (ST) caste certificates for numerous tribal individuals, depriving them of constitutional rights and essential welfare benefits.
According to the UTAA, the ban has disrupted the issuance of ST certificates, which are vital for accessing government reservations in education, employment, and various social welfare schemes. The loss of these entitlements has left many tribal families in crisis.
In response, the UTAA has announced plans to launch a state-wide awareness campaign. Representatives will visit every village and ward across Goa to educate citizens about the ban's impact and rally support. The group believes public pressure is key to reversing the decision.
The UTAA has also issued a direct warning to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). If the government fails to act swiftly, the alliance has vowed to confront the BJP over the issue during the 2027 assembly elections. The tribal vote holds considerable weight in several constituencies, and the UTAA’s opposition could influence the political dynamics in the state.
“If the ban is not removed, we will question the BJP when they come to seek votes in the 2027 assembly elections. We will go from village to village, to ward to ward and make people aware,” a UTAA spokesperson declared.