Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tribal leaders renewed their demand for the implementation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation in the Goa Legislative Assembly, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take up the matter with the Centre and expedite the issuance of the final notification required for its rollout ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
A delegation comprising Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, MLAs and community representatives met the Chief Minister and stressed the need for immediate follow-up with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the notification that would bring into effect the law providing Assembly seat reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Goa.
The leaders said the issue remains pending despite the legislation already being in place. They pointed out that during a meeting in New Delhi earlier this month, Shah had assured the Goa delegation that the matter would be examined after consultations with the Solicitor General.
Speaking to reporters, Tawadkar said all necessary demographic and population-related details have already been submitted to the authorities and there is no reason for further delay. He expressed hope that the reservation process would be completed in time for the next Assembly elections.
At the same time, he indicated that the community may be compelled to consider other democratic means to secure its rights if the demand is not addressed. However, he maintained that the response from both the State and Central governments has so far been encouraging.
Independent MLA Govind Gaude said the tribal community has spent more than two decades pursuing what it considers a constitutional entitlement. While expressing optimism about a positive outcome, he emphasised that continuous engagement with the Centre remains necessary.
Tribal leader Prakash Velip said the legal framework for reservation is already in place and that the process could move forward quickly once the notification is issued. According to him, the Chief Minister has assured the delegation that efforts are underway to resolve the matter.
Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar and Independent MLA Antonio Vas were also part of the delegation.
The legislation envisages reservation of four Assembly constituencies for Scheduled Tribe candidates. Based on current population patterns, constituencies such as Priol, Quepem and Sanguem are expected to be among those reserved, while either Nuvem or Curtorim could make up the fourth seat.
Political observers, however, have cautioned that any prolonged delay in issuing the notification could jeopardise implementation before the 2027 elections, potentially pushing the reservation exercise to the next electoral cycle.
