PANAJI
BJP Goa submitted a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjay Goel seeking the urgent implementation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation in the Goa Legislative Assembly and calling for the delimitation process to be expedited ahead of upcoming elections.
The delegation marched to the CEO’s office at Altinho, Panaji on Monday, and highlighted that the legislation providing for ST reservation in the Assembly has already been cleared by Parliament but is yet to be brought into force in the memorandum submitted to CEO.
“We urge the ECI and the Centre to fast-track the delimitation process to ensure political representation for the tribal community before the upcoming polls,” members of the delegation said.
Responding to the memorandum, CEO Goel clarified that the implementation process is awaiting a formal notification from the Central Government and subsequent directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
“The Parliament has passed the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, and it has also received Presidential assent. However, the date of notification will be decided by the Centre,” Goel said.
He explained that the Election Commission can proceed only after receiving the notification and formal instructions.
“Once we receive the date of notification and directions from the ECI, only then can we determine the further course of action regarding reservation of seats. All decisions in this regard have to be taken by the Election Commission in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice,” he added.
