Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Mission Political Reservation for Scheduled Tribes of Goa has temporarily suspended its ongoing Dharna-Andolan for 10 days following assurances from Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar regarding follow-up discussions with the State and Central leadership on implementation of political reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Goa.
The peaceful agitation had been underway since 11 May 2026 outside the Directorate of Tribal Welfare at Shramshakti Bhawan, Panaji, demanding immediate notification of the implementation date for the Political Reservation Act, 2025 concerning reservation for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
According to the Mission, a delegation had earlier met Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar and expressed concerns over the delay in implementing the legislation. The Minister reportedly assured the delegation that he would coordinate with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and initiate discussions with Central leaders on the issue.
The organisation stated that Tawadkar informed them he has already discussed the matter with the Chief Minister and is scheduled to visit Delhi on 23 and 24 May to pursue the issue further. The Minister also reportedly assured that Scheduled Tribe leaders from Goa would be called to Delhi once appointments with concerned Central leaders are confirmed.
Following the assurance and appeal made by the Minister, the Mission decided to temporarily call off the agitation to facilitate dialogue with the State and Central Governments while continuing efforts for early implementation of the reservation law.
The Mission further pointed out that the Goa Government will observe “Prerna Din” on 25 May at Ambaulim, Quepem, commemorating late youth leaders Mangesh Gaonkar and Deelip Velip, who were martyred during the historic UTAA agitation at Balli.
The organisation stated that political reservation for Scheduled Tribes was one of the key demands raised during the UTAA movement and urged the Government to meaningfully discuss the issue during the upcoming Prerna Din programme while taking concrete steps towards implementation.
