Lok Sabha Approves Reservation for STs in Goa Assembly

Quick Summary

• On August 5, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed ‘The Readjustment of Portrayal of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025’ too provide reservation to scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Goa Assembly.
• law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal moved the Bill for consideration and passage amidst ongoing protests by Opposition MPs demanding discussion on Bihar electoral rolls.
• The Bill was passed by voice vote and is the first legislation cleared during this Monsoon session marked by disruptions.
• The legislation had been pending since its introduction a year ago on August 5, 2024.
• Data from the Primary Census Abstract (2011) for Goa indicated that STs comprise a significant portion of Goa’s population-1,49,275 out of a total population of 14,58,545-compared to SCs (25,449).Currently no seats are reserved for STs in Goa’s 40-member Assembly; one seat is reserved for SCs.
• Due to this situation highlighted in the Bill’s notes section: “peculiar situation”, ST groups are unable to access constitutional reservation benefits.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The passage of this Bill reflects an attempt to address long-standing issues regarding representation disparities affecting Scheduled Tribes in Goa. Given their sizeable population share per census data but lack any reserved seats currently within a state having provisions onyl Another democratic inclusivity significant