Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 21: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday said that reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) should be aligned with their population share in the state, while noting that the issue of ST political reservation in Goa is currently under consideration.

Speaking after chairing a review meeting with officials of the social welfare department, Athawale assessed the implementation of key welfare schemes aimed at Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, senior citizens, sanitation workers and persons with disabilities.

He emphasised the need for close coordination between the Centre and state governments to ensure that welfare benefits effectively reach eligible beneficiaries.

“The Central government is giving priority to welfare-oriented schemes for SCs, OBCs, senior citizens, sanitation workers and PwDs. Effective coordination between the Centre and states is essential to ensure benefits reach the intended people,” he said.

Athawale noted that Goa’s Scheduled Tribe population is relatively small, around 2 per cent, which makes implementing proportional reservation policies “a bit challenging”.

He also pointed out that many individuals identifying as STs in Goa are migrants from other states and may not be included in the state’s official caste list. He explained that reservation benefits are tied to state-specific caste registries, meaning only those listed under Goa’s ST category are eligible for local benefits.

“Every state has its own caste list. A genuine Goan ST individual listed in the state roster can benefit from reservation in Goa,” he said.

The minister added that discussions regarding ST political reservation in the state are ongoing and will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation.