Tuesday’s passage of the 'Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha marks a significant milestone in the journey for tribal empowerment in Goa. Coming amidst a heated debate during the Question Hour in the Goa Legislative Assembly, this move symbolises a positive step towards tribal rights and representation. On the national stage, the Lok Sabha’s passage of the bill signals a recognition of Goa’s unique demographic realities. The legislation’s passage, though still pending Rajya Sabha approval, has been hailed by various leaders as a historic step towards inclusive governance.
Historically, the tribal communities in Goa have felt neglected and marginalised, with their presence often overlooked in the political landscape. As per the 2011 census, the ST population in Goa had increased substantially, but has found no reservations in the 40-member Assembly. The legislation aims to rectify this imbalance by empowering the Election Commission to readjust constituencies based on updated census data, thus ensuring that STs acquire the political representation they have long deserved.
The downside is that quotas may not be effective at the 2027 Assembly elections in Goa, because the next census in India is scheduled to begin in March 2027. This will be the first digital census in India and will include an enumeration of castes. The Election Commission had earlier stated that the next delimitation exercise and readjustment of seats to be reserved under SCs and STs would only take place through a delimitation commission after the relevant figures of the next census are published. Nonetheless, the reservation, seen from the electoral numbers, may pose a dilemma for parties, with Priol, Quepem, Sanguem, and Nuvem tipped to be reserved.
While reservation still appears to be a distant dream, it is the tribal issues that are hogging attention. The anguish and concern were well amplified in the Assembly session led by an impassioned speech by Govind Gaude. During the Question Hour and the subsequent calling attention motion, opposition MLAs and community leaders have voiced their frustrations, accusing the government of playing divisive politics and neglecting the community’s core issues. Gaude lambasted the government for allegedly targeting institutions like the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA), which have historically mobilised support for tribal welfare. His accusations that the government’s ban on UTAA and the appointment of an administrator for the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj were politically motivated reveal the deep fissures within tribal politics.
Gaude’s critique raises a key question: Will the reservation move heal the wounds of the tribal community, and will it bring about unity within? Secondly, has the BJP used this as a "strategic timeout" against the resentment brewing in the background? The move to reserve seats is seen as a necessary corrective, but questions remain whether it will translate into a meaningful change soon, since there are deeper socio-economic issues that are left wide open.
Given the political landscape, where tribal votes can influence power dynamics, the government will have to tread carefully. It must prioritise engagement and address the concerns, or risk losing their support altogether. The passage of this bill in the Lok Sabha is a positive, a recognition of the need for fair representation. Yet, it is only one part of a broader process in winning their confidence. The government’s challenge is to turn this legislative decision into a platform for unity, ensuring that tribal communities feel recognised, heard, and valued.
