Baptist College Kohima hosts dialogue on reservation policy

DIMAPUR — The Department of Sociology, Baptist College, Kohima, and Sechü Campus organised its 2nd Sociological Dialogue on the topic “Rethinking reservation policy of government employment in Nagaland: Balancing equity and rights” on August 2 at the college premises.

According to a press release, it featured Renthungo C Humtsoe, Assistant Professor and Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama, Kohima, and Vingosale Chüzho, educator, as the speakers.

While acknowledging the fact that the reservation policy in Nagaland has opened many doors and created pathways to education, employment, and representation for marginalised tribes, Humtsoe questioned the audience whether the reservation policy, which has been in practice for the last 48 years in the state, has truly yielded the fruits desired.

He cautioned that Nagas should shed the mindset of defining advancement by the number of government servants and, rather than emphasising quotas through job reservation, empower marginalised communities through scholarships, better infrastructure and educational facilities, coaching centres, and meeting the basic needs of the people.

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Humtsoe asserted that what was relevant in the past may not be the same in the present. He commented that reservations should not be tribe-based but need-based, which should uplift disadvantaged communities without compromising fairness for everyone else.

Vingosale Chüzho presented her speech with an introduction to the reservation policy, personal reflections, and suggestions/solutions to review the policy. She opined that reservation is much needed for some sections of society; however, the prolonged existing policy should be reviewed by taking into account statistical data, the socio-economic condition of the people, and introducing tribe-wise sub-quotas. Chüzho lamented that the delay in reforming the policy may breed resentment and is denying justice to the citizens.

Vincent Kent, Head of Department, delivered the welcome address. A song was presented by T Yemchühenla from BA 3rd Semester, and the session was moderated by Dr. Videkhono Yhokha, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology.

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Dr. Yhokha deliberated on the background of the reservation policy and the sequence of events that followed since its inception, stressing the reform movement initiated particularly by the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP).

The dialogue concluded with an interaction and Q&A session with the resource persons. Sociology major students of the 3rd and 5th semesters and teaching faculty from both campuses attended the programme and participated in the interaction.