Goud Community Holds Convention in Malkangiri, Urges Authorities to Address Six-Point Charter of Demands for Community Welfare

Malkangiri,Oct 9 [UDN}:: A district-level convention of the Goud community was organised in Malkangiri to highlight issues related to community rights, entitlements and social security. Representatives of the Goud community from different parts of the district participated in the gathering and discussed various social, economic and developmental challenges faced by the community.

Community representatives said that despite a significant Goud population residing in different parts of Malkangiri district, many members continue to face difficulties in accessing government welfare schemes and other public benefits. They alleged that even though the Goud community has been included in the Scheduled Tribe category, people in several areas are still not receiving the benefits and facilities to which they are entitled.

During the convention, the Goud community submitted a six-point charter of demands aimed at improving education, land rights, political representation, housing, livelihood security and overall development.

The major demands included:

1. Hostel facilities for Goud students from the primary education level to improve access to education, particularly for children from remote areas.
2. Grant of land pattas to families residing on forest land, enabling them to secure legal rights over the land they have been occupying.
3. Reservation provisions for political representation of the Goud community in the district.
4. Greater access to pucca housing schemes for economically vulnerable Goud families.
5. Protection of livelihoods associated with cattle and cow-based activities, including those dependent on milk and cow urine-related occupations.
6. Formation of a separate development council for the Goud community to promote its socio-economic and educational development.

Community leaders urged the district administration and the state government to give serious consideration to the demands and take necessary steps at the earliest. A large number of members and office-bearers of the district Goud community were present at the convention.

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