Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The United Tribal Association’s Alliance (UTAA) has strongly advocated for political reservation for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the Goa Legislative Assembly, calling for its implementation ahead of the 2027 general elections. A UTAA delegation, led by its president and former minister Prakash Velip, submitted a comprehensive memorandum to Antar Singh Arya, Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), during a recent meeting. The memorandum highlighted the introduction of a Bill by the central government proposing 10 percent reservation for ST communities in the Goa Assembly and urged for its swift passage in Parliament. UTAA emphasized that both the Union and State governments must ensure that political reservation is enacted in time for the next election cycle. The group also opposed any attempt at sub-categorization or subdivision within ST communities, asserting that such moves would undermine unity and that only Parliament has the authority to address matters of representation and constitutional amendments. The memorandum called for a proper census to determine the tribal population in Goa, based on original settlers and a defined cut-off date. In addition, UTAA demanded expedited implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and fast-tracking of pending claims, noting that forests are integral to the livelihood of tribal communities and not just a matter of policy or development. The delegation also pressed for the formal declaration of Scheduled Areas in Goa, pointing out that such a step, as mandated by the Constitution, has yet to be taken in the state.
