Margao: The long-standing dispute within the state’s toddy tappers community over the issuance of caste certificates has taken a significant new turn. The registration of the All Goa Toddy Tappers Employees Association, which lapsed for decades, has been officially renewed following legal proceedings.Mario Coutinho, who represented a group of toddy tappers in the matter, told reporters that the registration will remain valid until 2030. He expressed hope that the development would finally put to rest the controversy that plagued the community for long. “Elections to elect a new committee will be held shortly,” Coutinho added.The dispute has its roots in the community’s recognition under the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. State govt notified Christian toddy tappers, locally known as renders, for inclusion in the state OBC list. Govt authorities rely on recommendations from registered toddy tappers associations when issuing caste certificates to members of the community.Allegations had surfaced recently that forged and fake certificates issued by the Association were being used to obtain caste certificates, triggering a sharp divide within the community and leading to the formation of 2 rival groups.
