In a landmark development for Goa's Scheduled Tribes (STs), the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025, paving the way for reservation of seats for the ST community in the State Assembly for the first time.
The Bill was passed by voice vote amid noisy protests by the Opposition over the issue of electoral roll revisions in Bihar.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the Bill for consideration and passage, with the legislation becoming the first to be passed in the ongoing Monsoon Session — a session marked by frequent disruptions.
Interestingly, the Bill was originally introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2024, and had remained pending since.
The Bill states that the ST population in Goa has seen a significant increase, as per the 2001 census data. It notes a “peculiar situation” where the ST population is substantially higher than that of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), yet no Assembly seats are reserved for STs.
According to the 2011 Primary Census Abstract, Goa’s total population stood at 14,58,545, of which SCs accounted for 25,449 and STs for 1,49,275. Currently, one seat in the 40-member Assembly is reserved for SCs, but none for STs. The new legislation is expected to result in four Assembly constituencies being reserved for the ST community.
Soon after the Bill’s passage, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant posted on X: “Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Union Government led by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodiji for the historic passage of the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa Assembly Constituencies Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha.
This is a success of the BJP Government’s persistent efforts and reflects the Modi Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and tribal empowerment.”
Adv John Fernandes, president of the Mission Political Reservation for Scheduled Tribes of Goa, welcomed the development: “We are happy that finally the Bill is passed. But it has to be passed by Rajya Sabha. After that, we hope that the concerned machinery, ie, the Chief Election Commission, will ensure that STs get reservation of seats in the 2027 Assembly polls.
The Election Commission has to reserve seats based on population statistics from the 2001 Census. Minimum four Assembly seats will have to be reserved for STs.”
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, who had raised the demand in Parliament on August 2, 2024, hailed the moment: “Our ST brothers and sisters have waited far too long for this day. This is not just about politics, it’s about dignity, inclusion, and justice.”
He noted that public pressure pushed the Centre into action: “Yielding to sudden pressure, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Bill on August 5, 2024.”
Capt Fernandes also questioned the delay in the Bill's passage: “It was surprising that the BJP government stalled the Bill’s passage in the December 2024 winter session, and again during the Budget session from January 31 to April 4, 2025. But I’m glad it has finally passed today.”
Calling the passage of the Bill only a first step, the Congress MP urged the Centre to not delay its implementation.“The ST community in Goa will now receive 10 per cent reservation in the upcoming Assembly elections. But this is just the beginning. We now need to focus on education, opportunities, and real development for our tribal communities.”
Former minister and United Tribals Association Alliance (UTAA) president Prakash Velip said the day marked the culmination of a 22-year struggle:“Today is a historic day for Goa as the Bill was passed after our struggle for the last 22 years. We formed UTAA and also launched an agitation at Balli where two ST youths lost their lives.”
He added that the Election Commission would soon determine which seats to reserve based on ST population: “This entire process can be completed within six months.”