Latest news with #ReadjustmentofRepresentationofScheduledTribes
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Goa won't benefit from ST reservation in assembly until 2032, say legal experts
Margao: The passage of the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Assembly Constituencies Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, has been hailed as historic by BJP govt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, legal experts are of the view that Goa's tribal community may have to wait until at least 2032—and possibly 2037—before they can contest from reserved seats. 'Definitely not before 2032. Certain in 2037,' says lawyer and political commentator, Prabhakar Timble, pointing to the procedural maze that needs to be manoeuvred before reserved ST constituencies become a reality. While the bill's passage through the Rajya Sabha and presidential assent may be swift, the real challenges lie ahead. Govt is expected to conduct the national census in 2027, which will provide updated population figures essential for constituency delimitation. Four assembly constituencies are likely to be reserved for the ST community based on the data from the population census. 'The delimitation commission will likely be formed in 2027, after the conclusion of the census exercise,' says Timble. By his assessment, delimitation work takes a minimum of four years, which means the reservation benefits will kick in, at the earliest, by 2032. Lawyer and political observer Cleofato Coutinho echoes these concerns. He, however, points to various factors that will prove decisive in altering the fate of Goa's political landscape. 'If you look at the wording of the bill, it is reservation and readjustment of constituencies. We do not know whether under the guise of readjustment they may have a limited delimitation,' he points out. However, govt could theoretically fast-track the process by constituting a Goa-specific delimitation commission or using 2011 census data. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Such moves would be unprecedented, legal experts say. The euphoria over the bill's passage, however, doesn't resonate with all tribal leaders. Namdev Fatarpekar, founder member of the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA), remains sceptical about the legislation's real impact. 'I don't find any reason to be optimistic that the passage of the reservation legislation will bring about fulfilment of the demands or development of the community,' says Fatarpekar, who was among those instrumental in bringing together several tribal organisations under the singular UTAA banner in 2004. 'In the current assembly, we have four MLAs from the ST community. But has their presence translated into meaningful performance? Also, the tribal welfare portfolio was headed by several tribal leaders over the years, what has been the outcome? The functioning of the tribal department leaves much to be desired. ' Fatarpekar's criticism becomes sharper as he questions the 22-year delay since Goa's tribals received ST status in 2003. 'It took 22 years for the bill to be passed in the Lok Sabha. Why this delay? Despite govt's grandstanding over the issue, they have no answers to justify this.' While Timble views the legislation as one that will lead to 'extension and deepening of democracy,' he also warns of potential unintended consequences. 'What can also happen is political parties may not field ST candidates in constituencies other than reserved ones,' he says. 'Political parties may be reluctant to field ST candidates in other constituencies because there are other interests to protect, like, for instance, political aspirations of OBCs, and balancing caste equations. ' Fatarpekar believes that the development of tribals hinges on the notification of scheduled areas—a key demand that remains unfulfilled. The tribal leader fears that reservation might simply perpetuate the existing cycle. 'What will likely happen after this legislation is that the same persons will keep getting re-elected from the reserved constituencies, or some new faces may get elected, but if the will is missing, it is unlikely to make any difference.' Political observers also warn that the creation of reserved constituencies could trigger unintended consequences. 'The concentration of tribal political power in designated seats might lead to the emergence of regional satraps,' a political observer, wishing anonymity, says.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Lok Sabha passes Bill enabling reservation of seats for tribal communities in Goa Assembly
The Lok Sabha Tuesday passed a Bill enabling reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Goa Legislative Assembly amid protests by the Opposition demanding discussion on various issues, including the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Law and Justice, introduced the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, on August 5 last year. It aims to provide provisions empowering the ECI to make amendments to the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, and to readjust the seats in the Goa Legislative Assembly for the STs of the state. The Bill addresses the long-standing issue of lack of reserved seats for STs in the 40-member Goa Assembly. On Tuesday in Lok Sabha, Meghwal urged the House to pass the Bill, and it was passed through a voice vote. This was the first and only legislative business transaction in Lok Sabha thus far during the Monsoon Session, which commenced on July 21. Lok Sabha was initially adjourned until 2 pm amid protests by the Opposition. As soon as the House reassembled in the afternoon, the Opposition members again started raising slogans. BJP member Sandhya Ray, who was in the chair, asked the Opposition members to allow the House to function. However, as they continued their protest, she adjourned the House for the day after the Goa Bill was passed. The other three Bills listed in the revised list of business in Lok Sabha, were the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024; the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025; and the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025. However, these could not be taken up. In the Monsoon Session of Parliament, both the Houses have not been able to transact any business except a discussion on Operation Sindoor, India's military action on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terro attack. The Opposition has been protesting in both Houses of Parliament against the SIR, alleging the EC's exercise was aimed at 'disenfranchising voters' in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections. Opposition leaders have been demanding a discussion on the issue in both Houses. Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Opposition MPs demand debate on Bihar SIR in Rajya Sabha, move suspension of business notice
Several opposition parliamentarians in the Rajya Sabha moved Suspension of Business notices on Thursday, urging a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh submitted a notice demanding a detailed discussion on the SIR process in Bihar, highlighting concerns over the voter list revision. Similarly, Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan also gave a notice under Rule 267, pressing for an immediate dialogue on the same issue. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance healthcare Leadership MBA Technology Project Management Design Thinking MCA Artificial Intelligence Degree Product Management Others Digital Marketing CXO others Management Public Policy Healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Data Analytics PGDM Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Another Congress MP, Ashok Singh, moved a separate notice, seeking clarity and discussion on the Bihar SIR exercise. Additionally, Congress Rajya Sabha MPs Neeraj Dangi and RajPatil also submitted Suspension of Business Notices under Rule 267, reinforcing the call for a thorough discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in Bihar. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will again reconvene at 11:00 AM today. Live Events On the fifth day of the monsoon session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha is set to discuss key legislations, including the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill and the Merchant Shipping Bill 2024, on Friday. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will move the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in the Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, for its passage along with amendments. "That the Bill for enabling reservation of seats in accordance with article 332 of the Constitution for effective democratic participation of members of Scheduled Tribes and to provide for the readjustment of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa, in so far as such readjustment is necessitated by inclusion of certain communities in the list of the Scheduled Tribes in the State of Goa and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the list of business notice issued by Lok Sabha read. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will move the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, for its passage in the Lower House. The Bill aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration.
Hans India
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Oppn ruckus halts Lok Sabha till Friday, Goa ST representation bill left undiscussed
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed yet another stormy session on Thursday as opposition members (MPs) disrupted proceedings with slogans and placards, forcing multiple adjournments and ultimately halting legislative business for the day. As TDP leader Krishna Prasad Tenneti took the Chair, opposition members immediately began shouting slogans, demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and other pressing issues. The uproar drowned out scheduled business, including the presentation of party committee reports by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and matters under Rule 377 raised by Janardan Mishra concerning rural development and Panchayati Raj. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal attempted to introduce the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring ST representation in Goa's Legislative Assembly for the first time. However, the opposition refused to engage, prompting Meghwal to express frustration: 'This is a historic opportunity for Scheduled Tribes in Goa. You are denying them a voice in the House.' Meghwal accused the opposition of deliberately stalling debate on tribal issues, stating, 'You don't want this House to discuss the rights of the Scheduled Tribes. This is not the behaviour expected in the world's largest democracy.' Despite repeated appeals from the Chair to maintain decorum, opposition MPs continued to wave placards and chant slogans. Acting Speaker Tenneti warned that placard-waving violated Parliamentary norms and urged members to return to their seats. With no cooperation forthcoming, he adjourned the House for Friday. The disruption marks the fourth consecutive day of protests in Parliament's monsoon session, with opposition parties demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response on the Bihar voter roll revision, Operation Sindoor, and the Pahalgam terror attack. As legislative paralysis deepens, questions loom over whether crucial Bills, including those affecting tribal representation and maritime law, will receive due consideration before the session ends on August 21.
Times of Oman
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
India: Last day of Parliament's Budget Session: Centre to push key legislations
New Delhi: Friday marks the final day of the Parliament's Budget Session, and the Centre is pushing to pass several key legislations. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to introduce the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, which aims to reserve seats for Scheduled Tribes in Goa and rescind seats in the Legislative Assembly. "The Bill for enabling reservation of seats in accordance with article 332 of the Constitution for effective democratic participation of members of Scheduled Tribes and to provide for the readjustment of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa, in so far as such readjustment is necessitated by inclusion of certain communities in the list of the Scheduled Tribes in the State of Goa and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the legislative business reads. Additionally, Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy will introduce a Bill to amend the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the Mental Healthcare (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Other key presentations include the Committee on Estimates' Sixth Report on promoting climate-resilient agriculture and the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs' Fifth Report on regional rapid transit systems. According to the list of businesses, Dr Bhola Singh and Dr Sanjay Jaiswal will present the Sixth Report of Committee on Estimates (2024-25) on the subject "Promotion of Climate Resilient Agriculture, Natural and Organic Farming through KVKs" pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy and Alok Sharma will present the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs (2024-25) on the subject, "Regional Rapid Transit System and Role of NCRTC" of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the LoB reads. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Prataprao Jadhav, Jayant Chaudhary, Pankaj Chaudhary, Anupriya Patel, SP Singh Baghel, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Shantanu Thakur, Kamlesh Paswan, Sukanta Majumdar, Savitri Thakur and Pabitra Margherita will lay the papers on the table for their respective ministries. Meanwhile, the Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed." The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been passed in Parliament. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition parties of trying to mislead people on the Waqf Amendment Bill and said it will benefit crores of people from the Muslim community. Replying to the over 12-hour debate on the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said several suggestions made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee had been incorporated into the revised bill. Rijiju said that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be renamed as the UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development) Bill. The Lok Sabha, which discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate. The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. The Budget Session of the Parliament was convened in two parts; it commenced on January 31 and went till February 13. The second part of the budget session of Parliament began on March 10 and will continue till Friday.
