Pune: Many Katkari tribals still lack essential government documents such as caste certificates and Aadhaar cards, which are necessary to prove their identity and access various government schemes. However, due to the persistent efforts of Janjati Kalyan Ashram and Pune-based builder Suhas Lunkad, who have been working for years to secure these documents, their efforts have borne fruit. Recently, 550 Katkari tribals from the taluk were provided caste certificates at the Hutatma Nagya Mahadu Katkari Samaj Vikas Kendra in Male village, Mulshi taluka. This initiative is expected to enhance the development of the Katkari tribal community by granting them official recognition. The Sub-Divisional Officer’s Office, Tehsildar Office, and Panchayat Samiti Office of Mulshi extended their support to this initiative.
Dr. Praveen Dabadghav remarked, “The Katkari tribal society has always been a patriotic community. They contributed to the struggle of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for the establishment of Swaraj, and martyr Nagya Mahadu Katkari upheld this legacy. Over the centuries, the community was marginalized from the mainstream, but today, there is a need for their reintegration. Education is vital for this. Currently, girls in the community are more educated than boys. Janjati Kalyan Ashram is working diligently to bring education to both boys and girls and integrate them into the mainstream, and the support of Rohan Builders in this effort is invaluable.”
Suhas Lunkad noted, “Earlier, we helped 800 members of the Katkari community obtain caste certificates. Additionally, we are supporting this community in housing, documentation, health, education, and employment generation. We believe that combined efforts in these areas are key to the overall progress of the Katkari community and improving their standard of living. Moreover, we have undertaken housing projects for this community under government schemes. We are constructing 55 houses, and for each house, we have received financial assistance of ₹1.2 lakh from the government. Rohan Builders is contributing the remaining amount. So far, 35 houses have been completed, and the remaining 20 will be finished in the next 2-3 months.”
The event was attended by Mulshi Block Development Officer Sudhir Bhagwat, Taluka Health Officer Vaman Gengje, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) West Maharashtra Provincial Executive Dr. Praveen Dabadghav, Rohan Builders’ Managing Director Suhas Lunkad, Janjati Kalyan Ashram Pune Division President Prakash Dhoka, Mulshi Division President Vasant Waghmare, Rohan Builders CSR Department Chief Vartika Bhatevara, former Zilla Parishad member Sagar Katkar, and others.
