MARGAO: The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) announced on Wednesday that a Bill for political reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Goa Assembly will be introduced during the November session of Parliament.
Prakash Velip, President of UTAA, alongside other leaders, shared that this information was conveyed to them by BJP political leaders.
Additionally, to mark the 20th anniversary of UTAA, the organisation has planned a major outreach programme, beginning on August 25, aimed at connecting with ST-dominated wards in every village across Goa.
“We have been informed that a Bill for political reservation for the ST community will be discussed again in the November Parliament session. This reservation was one of UTAA’s key demands, and so far, the BJP government has fulfilled its promises to the ST community,” said Velip. He also declared UTAA’s support for the Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike organised in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
“This issue has already been brought to the Central government’s attention, and assurances have been given. The apex court’s decision to exclude the ‘creamy layer’ from SC and ST quotas is against the Constitution. We support the agitation but remain hopeful that the Central government will resolve the issue,” Velip added.
Regarding UTAA’s upcoming programme to celebrate their 20-year milestone, Velip stated that the initiative aims to engage with every member of the ST community.
“We will listen to the grievances and issues of the ST people, and also inform them about the government schemes available to them,” he said.