SHWETA KAMAT
PANJIM: In the midst of a row where the political forces are mulling over 27 per cent reservation to Other Backward Class (OBC), a new reservation conflict is all set to affect the Schedule Tribe (ST) community in Goa.
The 2011 census of the Union government due to which percentage of reservation for STs could come down from the existing 12 to 10 per cent has come as a major setback for the tribal community who have been struggling for their rights in the field of education and employment for decades.
As per the Reservation Bill 2012, the percentage of reservation for Schedule caste (SCs)/STs is generally fixed in proportion to the population of SCs and STs in the respective states/UTs. The state tribal population, which was 1.62 lakhs (12 per cent of the total state population) as per a survey in 2004, has gone down to 1.49 lakhs (10.23 per cent) thereby necessitating a revision in the reservation percentage.
Though, it’s been four months since the latest survey results were announced, there are no moves from the state government on the reservation quota. On the other hand, UTTA, a tribal association has already made representation to the government raising objection to the figures of 2011 census and demanding the reservation be kept unchanged.
Speaking to Herald, Director Tribal Welfare Arvind Bugde said “The reservations are based on the proportion of the population of the STs. The census has shown decline in ST population from 12 percent to 10 percent.”
“It is for the state government to decide on the reservation….no discussion has taken place so far,” he added.
The tribal community, living in the remotest areas of the state, is currently enjoying 12 percent reservation. The reservation is based on a survey carried out in 2004. The survey was carried out basically after 2001 census showed 566 people as STs. Following a public demand, the government had then carried out a survey which showed 1.62 lakh under ST category.
The 12 percent reservation was approved following a massive protest by the tribal community in 2011. The protest that turned into violence had killed two tribal leaders.
Highly placed sources at the secretariat confirmed that the tribal minister is aware about the decline in population but there is no move to reduce the reservation. “As per the law, government has to come out with a notification reducing the reservation quota. Such a step might have a political impact and hence the government is ignoring the fact,” official said.
Tribal Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, was not available for the comment.
The 2011 census has put ST population at 149275 (males – 72948 and females – 76327), whereas the sex ratio of the ST community is much better at 1000 boys to 1046 girls. The chief tribes of Goa are Kunbis, Gowdas and Velips.
