High Court of Bombay at Goa’s interim stay on the issuance of the notification estimating Goa’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) population has dealt another setback to the long-pending demand for political reservation. The HC order has restrained the Census Commissioner from notifying Goa’s estimated Scheduled Tribe population. The order could delay political reservation for the community before the 2027 Assembly elections. Bungling by the government has once again betrayed the original inhabitants of the State.
The Chief Minister’s and BJP ministers’ statements supporting reservation ring hollow when the State government’s representations in the HC have resulted in a stalemate. The ST community’s demand for reservation deserves clarity, accountability and speedy action, not political posturing and empty assurances. The future of Goa’s original inhabitants cannot be held hostage to political convenience. Their legitimate demand for political representation must not be reduced to another unfulfilled promise, of which there is a long list.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
