Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Government has renewed its efforts to secure political reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs), with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stating that the issue is under active consideration with the Central Government and expressing optimism that a resolution will be reached soon.
Speaking on the matter, the Chief Minister said the State has already taken up the issue with the Centre and is pursuing it consistently to ensure that the long-pending demand is addressed at the earliest.
Scheduled Tribe Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said the government is hopeful of a positive outcome within the next 15 days. He noted that regular follow-ups are being carried out and said both the Chief Minister and BJP Goa President Damu Naik are personally monitoring the progress.
According to Tawadkar, the government remains committed to restoring political reservation for Scheduled Tribes and is working to bring clarity to an issue that has remained unresolved for years.
However, tribal organisations have decided to intensify their campaign, arguing that the implementation process has been delayed for too long. The United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) on Monday announced a statewide agitation, including a ‘Chalo Panaji’ rally on August 13.
The protest will coincide with one year since the President gave assent to the legislation passed by Parliament relating to ST political reservation. UTAA leaders said the constitutional benefit has still not been implemented despite the passage of time.
UTAA Chief Prakash Velip said the organisation would launch an extensive outreach programme across nearly 750 waddos to mobilise Scheduled Tribe communities and raise awareness about their demand. He also appealed to political parties, youth groups and citizens to support the movement.
Velip said the tribal community has gone through four Assembly elections since 2007 without political reservation and stressed that the community is determined to ensure the benefit is in place before the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. He added that the agitation would continue until the constitutional right is implemented.
