SHILLONG, March 15: A resolution, moved by KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum in the Assembly on Tuesday to review the state government’s reservation policy, was defeated by voice vote.
Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh had to put the resolution to vote after Nongrum refused to withdraw it.
The KHNAM legislator had suggested that the resolution be referred to the Assembly’s Select Committee to review the outdated reservation policy.
Stating that he did not raise the issue to gain any political mileage, Nongrum said it was the need of the hour since the reservation policy has not been reviewed in the past 50 years.
He asked why the census data are not being used to derive a suitable ratio among Khasis, Jaintias and Garos for reservation of jobs in government sector. Further, he asked why outsiders are allowed reservation in state government jobs in the category specifically earmarked for Garos.
“My other point is why job reservation policy is conveniently linked with academic reservation when the administrative instruction of the Personnel department cannot apply to students,” Nongrum said.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said the state government adopted the present policy after a thorough examination, detailed discussion and due consideration of Article 164 of the Constitution.
He said after Meghalaya was created as a state in 1972, it was felt that it needs to frame a policy for adequate representation of various communities in public administration. He said the existing reservation policy has withstood the test of time.
“With the completion of 50th year of statehood, the reservation policy has worked well for the communities of the state who are serving in different government departments and agencies,” Sangma said.
According to him, the matter as a whole is complex and sensitive in nature and it needs to be tackled judiciously and thoughtfully as a policy matter.
“These issues are far more sensitive than what meets the eye. Given these factors and sensitivity of the issue, I request the member to withdraw the resolution,” the CM said.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma said such a sensitive issue confronting the people of the state can be discussed at parliamentary and legislature party levels.
“We can also discuss such issues within the party, ruling conglomeration and Opposition. This is what we usually do and it is a healthy practice,” he said.