The Makadmare tribe staying in Nirankal-Ponda, who were recently enrolled in the voters list, are likely to get their voter ID cards either on ‘National Voters Day’ observed on January 25 or earlier.
PONDA
Bhiku Gawas, Joint Mamlatdar-II, Ponda and assistant electoral registration officer for Shiroda constituency, told The Goan that their names have been sent to GEL for further process. “No sooner the cards are received, we will distribute it. Mostly, we can distribute it on National Voters Day or before that,” he said.
Gawas had organized a special camp for ‘Makadmares’ to demonstrate ethical voting, EVM and VVPAT.
According to Gawas, the tribe community was excited to know about the voting process. The camp was organised under the guidance of deputy collector and electoral officer Paresh Faldesai and the 40 members of this tribe, who have got voting rights, participated in the demonstration programme.
One application of Dhondu Rajaram Powar was rejected, as required documents were not submitted. He has challenged the rejection with the South Goa Collector.
It may be recalled that this tribe came into limelight after their huts were demolished by a group of 15 people on October 16. The government released compensation to erect the huts, while many NGOs and individuals also lent them helping hand by providing food and clothes.
Sources informed that the members who received Aadhar and ration cards could enroll in the voters list easily, but Powar couldn’t submit his documents as he didn’t posses it.
Nirankal villagers had earlier objected the government’s move to include this tribe in electoral roll and even local MLA and Industries Minister Mahadev Naik was with the locals over the issue.
