Panaji: The United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) has called on the state and central BJP governments to promptly pass ‘The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024’ in Parliament. This bill aims to ensure political reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Goa by adjusting seat distribution in accordance with Article 332 of the Constitution.
UTAA president Prakash Velip emphasized that despite differences among ST factions, all agree on the need for political reservation. He highlighted that since the Gawda, Kunbi, and Velip communities were officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes in 2003, they have been persistently demanding political representation. However, despite multiple elections and protests, the demand remains unfulfilled.
Velip also pointed out that a similar bill was introduced in 2004, discussed in 2007, and reviewed in 2011, but it has yet to be passed. Delaying the passage of the current bill would hinder further amendments required for delimitation and constitutional provisions.
According to the 2011 census, the ST population in Goa stands at 10.26%, justifying their claim for political representation. UTAA has urged Parliament to approve the bill in the ongoing budget session to ensure fair representation of Goa’s Scheduled Tribes in the state assembly.
