PANAJI
Members of the Gouly-Dhangar community on Saturday renewed their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and set a November 26 deadline for the BJP-led State government to act on the long-pending issue.
Community members from across Goa gathered under the leadership of former Deputy Chief Minister Babu Kavalekar and other leaders to press for the inclusion of the Gouly-Dhangar community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
Addressing the media, community leaders urged the government to complete the process of granting ST status before November 26. They said the demand had remained unresolved for decades despite repeated assurances.
The leaders warned that the community would be compelled to adopt an anti-government stand if the demand was not met within the stipulated timeframe.
Kavalekar and other speakers called on the state and Central governments to expedite the necessary procedures and ensure justice for the community.
The ultimatum comes at a time when issues concerning tribal representation and reservation of seats in the Goa assembly have gained prominence ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Now, the members of the Gouly-Dhangar community are threatening an agitation to seek ST status.
