JOWAI, April 19: In the midst of clamour for review of the reservation policy, VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit has asserted that the policy formulated in 1972 is outdated and needs to be reviewed.
“There is disparity in the reservation of government jobs among the two major tribes due to discrepancies in the present reservation policy. We need to be united as a Khasi community (Khasi, Pnar, Bhoi and War) on this issue,” Basaiawmoit, who is the MLA from Nongkrem, said while speaking at a public rally which was held at Iawmusiang, Jowai.
According to him, the state government needs to put off the implementation of the roster system till the reservation policy is reviewed.
“Our youths will be badly affected if the roster system is implemented without review of the reservation policy. We will continue to pressurise the state government till it agrees to our demand,” Ardent stated.He further mentioned that the party has also brought this issue in the Assembly.
“We will be holding our final meeting in the first phase at Jaiaw (Shillong) on Thursday. We will continue to hold such meeting in other district headquarters if the state government remains adamant,” VPP president said.
Meanwhile, one of the eminent personalities of Jowai, OR Challam, has urged upon the 36 MLAs of Khasi-Jaintia Hills region to push for the review of the reservation policy since the issue concerns the future of the youths of the indigenous communities.
“All the 36 MLAs need to join in this demand to review the reservation policy,” Challam said.
Others who spoke in the public rally include two MLAs of the VPP —Brighstarwell Marbaniang (Mawlai) and Havingstone Kharpran (Mawkyrkneng) — besides noted activist from Jowai, HH Mohrmen, among others.
