MARGAO: The longstanding dispute within the toddy tappers’ community over alleged fake caste certificates and the functioning of their organisation has taken another turn.
A new committee for the All Goa Toddy Tappers Association has been elected, but the opposition group is determined to seek justice by approaching the High Court. Meanwhile, the newly elected committee has announced plans to file defamation cases against their rivals.
Francisco Fernandes, the newly elected President, has expressed his intention to initiate defamation suits against individuals who have allegedly been tarnishing the association’s image. He firmly stated his commitment to safeguard the reputation of the association.
In contrast, Mario Coutinho, representing the opposition group, has declared his intent to file a petition with the High Court. He alleged that the newly formed committee is entirely illegal and questioned the legitimacy of their election.
They have even sought the intervention of the Chief Minister in response to claims of fraudulently issued caste certificates.
According to the opposition group, the District Registrar/Inspector General of Societies has invalidated all caste certificates issued by the All-Goa Toddy Tappers Association (AGTDA) due to the association’s failure to renew its registration. The newly formed committee includes Michael Francis Cardozo as the Treasurer, while Antonio Francis Remy Borges, Silvester D’Souza, Xavier T Fernandes, Joaquim Inacio Fernandes, Iraldo Fernandes, Agnelis Pereira, Luis Gonzaga Rebelo, Veltia Pereira and Antonio Rodrigues are the members of the association.
They assert that all samaj (caste) certificates previously issued by the association remain valid. Fernandes clarified that the election process for the new committee was announced back in May, and proceeded legally. “The registration of the association was not renewed due to some technical reasons. hence, they cannot say that its functioning was illegal,” he said.
