3 student unions oppose reservation policy review in Nagaland

• DIMAPUR — Three student bodies in Nagaland—Chakhesang Students’ Union, Pochury Students’ Union, and Zeliang Students’ Union—have expressed opposition to the 5 Tribes Committee's call for a review of the state's Job Reservation Policy.
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• In September last year, the 5 Tribes Committee—representing Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho and Sumi Hoho—had called for a review and restructuring of the reservation policy for backward tribes in the state. This was followed by a 30-day ultimatum on April 26 this year.
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• However, in a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the three student groups maintained that any attempt to dilute the provisions of reservation policy will be detrimental to the backward tribes.

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• They contended that although the reservation policy has been in place for several years, “it has not been implemented with the rigour and commitment it requires.” The policy’s “desired outcomes” have not been achieved, they added.
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• “A glaring indicator of the ineffective implementation is the gross under-representation of BT (backward tribe) members in government employment, particularly in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat and various directorates.
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• “Despite the policy's provision for reservation, a significant number of posts, especially in the Grade-IV category, remain unfilled by individuals from BTs. This situation is not merely an administrative oversight but a reflection of systemic exclusion,” the memorandum read.
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• The student unions objected to the suggestion of introducing a 'creamy layer' concept to exclude economically better-off individuals within the BT category. “The societal structure in Nagaland is distinct, and introducing sub-classification within the tribes would only complicate the matter, creating further disunity and fragmentation within the Naga society,” they stated.
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• Calling for evidence-based policy decisions, the unions urged the government to commission a comprehensive statistical analysis of BT representation across all government departments before considering any changes.
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• They argued that only data-driven reforms can ensure fairness and uphold the principles of equity and justice.
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• Also, the three student bodies condemned the 5 Tribes Committee's demand to reserve the remaining unallocated percentage of jobs exclusively for their own communities.
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• “Such a move would not only be discriminatory but also create unnecessary division and resentment among the various communities in Nagaland,” they claimed.
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• Accordingly, the student unions appealed to the chief minister to strengthen, rather than weaken, the reservation policy.
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• “We trust in your leadership to uphold the principles of social and natural justice and to ensure that the backward tribes of Nagaland are not left behind in the pursuit of progress and development,” they stated.