Goa Tribal Rights Group Issues 15-Day Ultimatum Over ST Assembly Seat Reservation Delay
The advocacy group 'Mission Political Reservation for Scheduled Tribes of Goa' has delivered a stern 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate coordination with the central government to notify the commencement date for a law that would reserve assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes in Goa.
Democratic Action Threatened Over Constitutional Rights
During a press briefing held on Thursday, the organization issued a clear warning that failure to act within the specified timeframe would compel them to launch "democratic and ground-level actions" to safeguard the community's constitutional rights. The group expressed deep concern about the prolonged delay in operationalizing crucial legislation that has already received presidential approval.
The Stalled Legislation: The Readjustment Act
The legislation in question, 'The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, 2025', received presidential assent and was officially gazetted more than six months ago. However, the act remains inactive because it requires a separate notification from the central government specifying the appointed date for implementation, which has not yet been issued.
Election Timeline Creates Urgency
John Fernandes, president of the organization, highlighted the critical timing issue. He explained that once the appointed date is officially notified, subsequent statutory procedures—including the formal notification of ST constituencies—typically require three to four months to complete. "With Goa assembly elections scheduled for February 2027 and the model code of conduct expected to take effect by January 2027, any further delay could render timely implementation impossible," Fernandes stated.
Allegations of Political Interference
Fernandes also raised serious concerns about what he described as a "growing and credible apprehension" within the ST community. He alleged that influential political figures within the ruling establishment are deliberately working against the act's implementation and exerting pressure on both state and central governments to withhold the crucial notification.
Call for Immediate Government Action
The organization has urgently appealed to the state government to escalate the matter to the highest levels with the Ministry of Law and Justice, demanding immediate issuance of the notification. The group emphasizes that further delays would not only violate constitutional guarantees but also potentially disenfranchise the Scheduled Tribes community in the upcoming elections.
The 15-day countdown has begun, with tribal rights activists watching closely to see whether their demands will be met or whether they will need to mobilize their threatened democratic actions to secure their community's political representation.
