Herald: Why is the United Tribal Alliance Association (UTAA) opposed to the amendment to the Goa Agricultural Tenancy Act?
Velip: It’s not only UTAA, but farmers, irrespective of caste and creed, who are opposing the amendment. The amendment envisaging a change in the jurisdiction from the Mamlatdar Courts to the Civil Courts is totally unacceptable. The common man and farmers are afraid to approach the courts. The Mamlatdars use the Talathis and other staff to carry out inspection and obtain reports. We do not know whether the judges will go on the fields for inspections. Civil Courts rely on documents in disposing of cases, but there are instances wherein a common man sometimes finds it difficult to obtain a document. We are also opposed to contract farming as the amendment does not restrict the entry of corporate and outsiders in our fields. Land is scarce in Goa and we do not want the big sharks to take over the agricultural fields as well. We had a bitter experiences when a corporate had planned to take over the cashew plantations.
Herald: But, it is also a fact that hundreds of tenancy cases have been dragging on in the State for years.
Velip: It is an admitted fact that many cases have been awaiting disposal for many years. But, what can you expect from a Mamlatdar, when he is overburdened with other duties, including elections, law and order et al. If the Mamlatdars are overburdened, then let the government appoint dedicated Mamlatdars to deal only with tenancy cases
Herald: But, a prominent member of UTAA and Minister for Tribal Welfare Ramesh Tawadkar says the amendment will benefit the tribal communities. Comment.
Velip: I am indeed surprised by the statement of the Tribal Welfare Minister when the whole of Goa is opposing the amendment, including his BJP party leaders and MLAs. Let the Minister clear his stand what exactly he meant by saying that the Amendment will benefit the tribal community. I have no further comment to offer on the minister’s statement.
Herald: Members of the ruling party have termed the opposition to the amendment as politically motivated.
Velip: This is totally absurd. Where is the question of politics when the farmers and the tribals are only seeking justice. I was into politics, but today I am a neutral person. But, that does not mean that I should not come out and take a stand on the controversial amendment.
Herald: The movement against the government’s amendment has evoked support from the Opposition political party as well.
Velip: We welcome support from every quarter to the cause of the common man and the downtrodden, but the Opposition party ought to be vociferous in demanding withdrawal of the amendment. Our incumbent Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, had set an example when he was in the Opposition when the Congress was governing the State. The Opposition should take the issue to the streets by holding demonstrations. Are they doing anything?
Herald: What will be the future course of action? Do you foresee any realignment of forces in the State over the amendment?
Velip: My inner voice tells me that the government would do a re-think on the amendment and give justice to the farming and tribal communities. I am sure the government is aware that the very purpose of the Tenancy Act will be defeated if the amendment is brought into force. Going by the support pouring in from different quarters, groups and communities, I do not rule out people from across the political board and communities coming under one platform to fight against the injustice.
