Konyak Students' Union calls for review of job reservation policy

• DIMAPUR — Asserting that job reservation is a fundamental right, not a privilege, the Konyak Students' Union (KSU) has appealed to the chief minister to urgently review and revise Nagaland's Backward Tribes Job Reservation Policy to ensure it aligns with population distribution, promoting genuine equity.
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• In a representation to the chief minister on Friday, the KSU called upon the former to demonstrate strong political will by introducing a special provision through a fast-tracked cabinet decision.
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• “This is an urgent and pressing appeal that cannot afford to wait for the release of the 2021 census data. The aspirations of an entire community hinge on your prompt and courageous action,” it stated.
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• The union stated that since Nagaland's formation in 1963, the Konyak tribe had languished as one of the state's most socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

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• The KSU stressed that a population-based reservation system is essential for true fairness, as it ensures proportional representation of backward tribes in state employment, aligning with their demographic share.
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• Additionally, the union highlighted that Nagaland employed approximately 1.23 lakh government servants, with an employment ratio of 1:15.
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• Yet, despite constituting 12.65% of the state's tribal population, the Konyak people hold a mere 6% of government jobs, the ratio of which is 1:33
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• This glaring disparity is a stark reminder of systemic neglect for many years despite of the reservation policy in place since 1977, the union maintained.
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• It stated that the Konyak tribe faces significant educational disadvantages, citing the 2011 Census, which recorded Mon district's literacy rate at 56.99%, the lowest in Nagaland.
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• The KSU also pointed out that the Konyak community is grappling with a severe crisis of educated unemployment, with limited job opportunities leaving many graduates idle and disillusioned.
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• Furthermore, the union cited that lack of government job opportunities and livelihood avenues have driven many educated Konyak youths toward anti-social activities, insurgent groups, and negative migration, posing a threat not only to the community but also to Nagaland's stability.
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• “A population-based job reservation policy is not merely a reform, it is a moral and social necessity that will uplift the Konyak and strengthen Nagaland as a whole,” the KSU added.