PANAJI
Stating that Goa OBC Commission has exhaustive 2013 census data on distribution of OBCs in the State, Goa OBC Commission Chairperson Manohar Adpaikar has said the State Election Commission can hold panchayat elections based on this data.
“In 2013, a survey with respect to SC, ST and OBC was done. This is an exhaustive survey. Reservations during the last panchayat election in 2017 were done based on this data,” said Adpaikar, while speaking to media persons.
“This data can be used subject to error by 2 per cent, as data may have changed a bit in the last nine years. The SEC can consider this data for reservation of OBCs,” said Adpaikar.
When asked, Adpaikar said no official request had come to him regarding data of the OBC census till date.
“However, there were some informal discussions in the matter. The Directorate of Panchayat already has the copy of this census.”
UP TO SEC TO TAKE A CALL: Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said it is up to the State Election Commission to take a call whether to hold the election in time or postpone it, provided the supreme court order and all criteria are fulfilled in letter and spirit.
"The OBC Commission data has to be considered by the SEC. Let the SEC take a decision. It is not that the government is shying away from elections. We want the elections to be conducted early,” he said.
