Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Apr 3: An advocacy group, Mission Political Reservation for Scheduled Tribes of Goa, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding action to operationalise the law reserving Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

At a press briefing, the group warned that failure to act would lead to “democratic and ground-level actions” to safeguard the community’s constitutional rights.

The organisation expressed concern over delays in implementing the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, 2025, which has already received presidential assent and was notified in the official gazette over six months ago. However, the law requires a separate notification by the Centre to come into force, which is still pending.

Group president John Fernandes said that once the appointed date is notified, further procedures such as identifying ST constituencies could take three to four months. He warned that with the next Goa Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027, any further delay could hinder timely implementation.

Fernandes also alleged that there is growing concern within the ST community that influential political figures may be attempting to delay the process.

The group has urged the state government to take up the issue with the Centre at the highest level to ensure timely enforcement of the legislation.