Goa State Election Commission Notifies Zilla Panchayat Constituency Reservations

The State Election Commission, Goa, on November 6, 2025, issued two significant Notifications, No. 4/64/Reservation-Z.P./2025-26/SEC/197 and No. 4/64/Reservation-Z.P./2025-26/SEC/198, detailing the reservation of constituencies for the upcoming General Elections to the North Goa and South Goa Zilla Panchayats (district councils). These notifications, published in the Official Gazette, came into force immediately upon their issuance, setting the stage for the electoral process. The primary objective behind these instruments is to facilitate the conduct of the general elections by ensuring appropriate representation for various demographic groups within the local self-governance bodies.

The notifications were issued in exercise of the powers conferred upon the State Election Commission under Section 118 of The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No. 14 of 1994). This statutory provision empowers the Commission to reserve constituencies based on demographic considerations. For the North Goa Zilla Panchayat, specific constituencies such as Arambol, Colvale, Calangute, Reis-Magos, Chimbel, and Maem were reserved for Women, while Morjim, St. Cruz, and St. Lawerence were reserved for Women belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC). Dhargal, Anjuna, Pale, and Honda were designated for OBC candidates, Taleigao for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Querim for Scheduled Castes (SC). Similarly, for the South Goa Zilla Panchayat, constituencies like Usgao-Ganje, Veling-Priol, Borim, Siroda, Barcem, and Cortalim were reserved for Women, with Navelim and Cola reserved for Women from OBC, and Rivona for Women from ST. Curti, Raia, Guirdolim, and Sanvordem were reserved for ST candidates, while Queula, Nuvem, Davorlim, and Curtorim were reserved for OBC. The legislation provided: “...the State Election Commission Goa taking into account the population of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the North Goa Zilla Panchayat and the data provided by the Goa State Commission for Backward Classes with regards to backwardness of Other Backward Classes (OBC), hereby reserves the North Goa Zilla Panchayat Constituencies for the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Women.” A similar provision was made for the South Goa Zilla Panchayat.

The legislative intent behind these notifications is rooted in the policy rationale of ensuring inclusive representation in local governance, a cornerstone of democratic principles. The earlier statutory framework, specifically The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, provides the legal basis for such reservations, aiming to address historical disparities and promote social equity. By reserving seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Women, the State Election Commission seeks to overcome potential statutory gaps or limitations that might otherwise lead to underrepresentation of these groups. The reservations are determined based on the population data of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and on data concerning the backwardness of Other Backward Classes provided by the Goa State Commission for Backward Classes. This mechanism ensures that the composition of the Zilla Panchayats reflects the diverse demographic fabric of the region, thereby strengthening participatory democracy at the district level. These notifications do not introduce new rights but rather operationalize existing constitutional and statutory mandates for affirmative action in electoral processes, ensuring that the electoral machinery is equipped to conduct elections that are fair and representative.

Keywords: Goa, Zilla Panchayat, Election, Reservation, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Women, State Election Commission, Local Governance

Geo Tags: India, Goa District: Not Applicable