Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Political leaders across party lines welcomed the Centre’s decision to bring into force the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, 2025, describing it as a landmark moment for the State’s Scheduled Tribe community.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant termed the notification a “promise kept” and said it marks the beginning of the process to ensure political representation for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for facilitating the legislation.
Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar described the notification as a historic achievement secured after years of efforts and sacrifices. “We wholeheartedly welcome the ST Political Reservation Act. We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said.
Asked about the constituencies likely to be reserved, Tawadkar said the matter would be decided after the statutory process is completed by the Election Commission of India.
BJP Goa President Damu Naik also welcomed the notification, stating that the law coming into force is a significant step towards ensuring rightful representation, equality and a stronger voice for the Scheduled Tribe community in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao congratulated the Scheduled Tribe community, saying the notification was the result of sustained agitations and protests over the years. He said the long-pending demand had finally been realised through the determination of the community.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai called the enforcement of the Act a “historic day for Goa” and the culmination of a long struggle for justice and equal representation. He, however, stressed that the process must now move swiftly towards the Election Commission notifying the reserved constituencies so that the constitutional right translates into meaningful political representation.
Independent MLA and tribal leader Govind Gaude paid tribute to tribal activists Mangesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip, saying their sacrifices during the 2011 Balli agitation should never be forgotten. He said the notification was a reminder of the struggle that paved the way for political reservation for Goa’s tribal communities.
The Centre notified the Act on August 6, 2026, formally initiating the process for reserving four Assembly constituencies for Scheduled Tribe candidates ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. The final list of reserved constituencies will be notified after the completion of the statutory exercise involving the Census Commissioner and the Election Commission of India.
