Senior Anthropologist Supports 5% Assembly Seat Reservation for Goa's Scheduled Tribes

A senior anthropologist has voiced support for a government proposal that would reserve five percent of seats in the Goa Legislative Assembly for members of Scheduled Tribes. The endorsement was made in a recent interview, where the expert highlighted the need for greater political representation of tribal communities in the state.

The reservation proposal aims to address the historical marginalisation of Goa's tribal groups, who constitute a small but distinct segment of the state's population. By allocating a dedicated share of assembly seats, policymakers hope to ensure that tribal voices are heard in legislative debates and development planning.

While the anthropologist praised the initiative as a step toward inclusive governance, the proposal must still pass through the state assembly and receive approval from the central government. Stakeholders, including tribal leaders and political parties, are expected to weigh in during the upcoming legislative sessions.

If enacted, the 5% quota would join existing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes, further shaping Goa's affirmative‑action framework. Observers note that the move could set a precedent for other states with comparable tribal demographics.