Goa Assembly ST Reservation Bill 2024

December 19, 2024

The Lok Sabha recently debated the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Goa Assembly Bill, 2024. Opposition MPs expressed concerns regarding the delayed 2021 Census and questioned the government’s ability to conduct it effectively, given the lack of visible progress.

Bill Overview

The Bill aims to empower the Census Commissioner to ascertain the ST population in Goa, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, in August 2024. The Election Commission will use the Census data to adjust Assembly seats and reserve certain seats for STs.

Goa’s ST population saw a rise from 566 in 2001 to 149,275 in 2011. This increase resulted from the inclusion of the Kunbi, Gawda, and Velip communities in the ST list in 2003. This demographic shift necessitates a reevaluation of representation.

Opposition Concerns

Prominent MPs such as Pratima Mondal and Supriya Sule supported the Bill but raised alarms about the Census delay. They brought to light the importance of completing the Census for accurate delimitation. Sule requested clarity on the government’s plans for the Census and women’s reservation by 2029.

The budget for the Census was low, with only ₹1,000 crore allocated compared to the estimated ₹12,000 crore required. This discrepancy raised doubts about the feasibility and timeline of the Census process.

Call for Nationwide Census

Kirsan Namdeo noted that this is the first Census delay in 150 years. He advocated for a comprehensive count of the entire population, not just STs, proposing a nationwide Caste Census to better understand demographic dynamics.

Members of the ruling alliance defended the government’s actions. They praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of tribal communities across India, asserting that the government is dedicated to addressing these issues.

GKToday Notes:
Scheduled Tribe (ST): Scheduled Tribes are specific indigenous communities recognised by the government. They receive affirmative action benefits. Their representation in governance is crucial for ensuring their rights and welfare.
Kunbi Community: The Kunbi community is an indigenous group in Goa. They were included in the ST list in 2003. Their inclusion impacted Goa’s demographic representation and political landscape.
Caste Census: A Caste Census aims to collect data on various caste groups. Advocates argue it is essential for equitable resource allocation. It seeks to address social inequalities and enhance representation.

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