Opposition MPs Raise Concerns Over BJP Government's Scheduled Tribe Reservation Bill in Goa Assembly

In the Lok Sabha, opposition members, including Congress MP Viriato Fernandes and Trinamool Congress's Pratima Mondal, criticised the government for not taking effective measures for Scheduled Tribes (STs). They debated a bill aimed at reserving seats for STs in the Goa Legislative Assembly. Fernandes expressed doubts about the BJP-led government's intentions with this bill. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the bill for consideration.

The bill, titled "Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024," aims to empower the census commissioner to notify ST populations in Goa. Meghwal stated that this would ensure representation for STs in the state assembly. Currently, no seats are reserved for STs in Goa's assembly.

Opposition Criticism and Concerns

Fernandes, representing South Goa, highlighted that the UPA government had previously implemented various measures for tribal welfare. He criticised the current government's delay in introducing this bill and hoped it wouldn't face further postponements. Samajwadi Party leader Chhotelal echoed these concerns, pointing out the long delay and suggesting a caste census should be prioritised.

Chhotelal also proposed that instead of focusing on "one nation, one election," the government should prioritise unified education and healthcare systems to benefit tribal communities. He called for more communities to be included under the ST category in states like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Additionally, he suggested incorporating all ST reservation laws into the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to avoid judicial scrutiny.

Data Concerns and Suggestions

Mondal criticised the reliance on outdated 2001 census data for the bill, arguing it undermines fair representation objectives. She questioned why it took until 2024 to introduce this bill and alleged that if enacted, STs would have to wait until the next election for its effects. DMK member D M Kathir Anand emphasised using updated census data and urged timely census completion.

Anand stressed that adequate funds should be allocated by the prime minister and finance minister for conducting a timely census. Meanwhile, BJP's D Patel defended the Modi government's efforts for ST welfare, citing over 1,000 Eklavya Model Residential Schools opened for tribals as evidence.

Support and Further Questions

G Lakshminarayana Valmiki from TDP supported the bill, describing it as necessary legislation. Supriya Sule from NCP-SP also backed it but raised questions about reservations in Maharashtra for communities like Maratha and Lingayat. She queried about steps taken towards conducting a census if delimitation is crucial.

BJP MP Raju Bista from Darjeeling urged no further delays in granting reservations to sub-tribes like Gurung and Magar. The bill notes a significant increase in Goa's ST population per the 2011 census compared to 2001 figures.

Bill Provisions and Implications

The Primary Census Abstract 2011 for Goa shows a peculiar situation where ST population is significantly higher than SCs. With no power vested in the Election Commission to determine seat numbers before a new census, this bill provides enabling provisions.

The bill empowers the census commissioner to notify Goa's ST population. Based on this data, the Election Commission will amend constituency orders to facilitate ST reservation in Goa's 40-member assembly. Currently, no seats are reserved for STs while one is reserved for SCs.