ST quota in 2027 if election panel considers 2011 Census: Tawadkar

Special Correspondent

Panaji: Reacting to the recent passing of the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, 2025 in the Parliament and the granting of the Presidential assent to it,  Speaker of Goa legislative assembly Ramesh Tawadkar said if the Election Commission of India considers Census 2011 to effect delimitation and readjust constituencies to give proper representation to STs in the assembly, then the ST community may receive reservation in the assembly during its 2027 polls.

“Or else it would be pushed to 2032 Goa assembly election,” he said in an informal chat when he visited Navhind Bhavan on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Navprabha on Friday.

Tawadkar also stated that the number of electoral constituencies may be increased to 50, from the existing 40, after the delimitation.

He further informed that besides his flagship initiative, ‘Shram-Dham’ which provides newly-built houses to the needy people, he has also started workers’ empowerment programme in Canacona, which will provide support to activities ranging from dairy business to turmeric preservation, so that the income of these workers is substantially increased.

Several other dignitaries including Union Minister Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade,  MLAs Vijai Sardesai and Govind Gaude, ex-MP Narendra Sawaikar,  ex-Goa RSS chief Subhash Velingkar, ex-MLAs Dharma Chodankar, Shambu Bandekar, Prasad Gaonkar, and ex-Panaji mayor Ashok Naik attended the anniversary celebration.