- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- “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.
- “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.
- 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.
