Total of four seats to be reserved for community
PANAJI
The Central government has notified the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Act, 2025 that paves way for political reservation to Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Goa Assembly.
President of India Droupadi Murmu had granted assent to the Bill on August 13, after it was passed in both the Houses of the Parliament.
On the very same day, the Union Ministry for Law and Justice issued notification in the Official Gazette. As per the Act, total of four seats would be reserved for the community, who currently have no political reservation.
The Census Commissioner, on commencement of this Act, will ascertain/ estimate the population as at the last census of the Scheduled Tribes in Goa. The population figures ascertained by the Census Commissioner will be notified in the Gazette of India. This population figures will replace any figures previously published and will be final and will not be called in question in any Court.
On publication of new figures in the official gazette, the Election Commission will make necessary amendments in the Delimitation Order for the purpose of giving proper representation to the Scheduled Tribes of Goa. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 will be deemed to have been amended accordingly.
The Election Commissioner will have to publish its proposals for the amendments in the Gazette of India and the Official Gazette of the State; specify a date on or after which such proposals will be further considered by it; consider all objections and suggestions which may have been received; thereafter make necessary amendments in the Delimitation Order.
Once it is published in the Gazettes, every amendment will be laid before the State Legislative Assembly.
