SHILLONG/TURA, June 27: Claiming that the roster system comes in conflict with the state’s reservation policy, the Voice of the People Party has asked the state government to either correct the roster or revamp the resolution of January 12, 1972.
“In guideline ‘A. Quantum of Reservation’, the office memorandum provides for reservation of ‘posts’ whereas the resolution of January 12, 1972, decided on the reservation of ‘vacancies’. So, the roster system is in conflict with the reservation policy,” VPP legislator, Adelbert Nongrum said on Tuesday.
He suggested that the clause “…no gap shall be left in completing the roster…” should be re-inserted into the guidelines.
The VPP legislator said valuable efforts were made by various government departments and offices to compile the data of recruitment from past years and the details of backlog reserved vacancies were surely accounted.
“What happens now to this information?” he asked.
Nongrum further suggested that if deletion of the clause “details of backlog reserved vacancies” is to be made, then in accordance with para 2 of the resolution dated 12.01.1972, provision should be made to indicate in the remarks column of the reservation roster wherever a reserved vacancy has been filled by a candidate from another category because a suitable candidate was not available in that particular year. He stressed that such filling of vacancy should be separately accounted for in the reservation roster register.
“At the district-level or sub-divisional level, the combined reservation of 80% to Khasi-Jaintia category should not be restricted to just Jowai and Shillong but, likewise, be made available in the whole of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts,” Nongrum said.
He said after every recruitment cycle, an account shall be noted in the reservation roster indicating representation of…another vital clause – “details of backlog reserved vacancies” has been deleted.
“Similarly, in guideline ‘D. Initial Preparation of Reservation Roster’ at para D.2 the important clause – ‘details about the number of ST and OSTs/OSCs candidates appointed by reservation, backlog reserved vacancies, if any, may be indicated’ has been deleted,” the VPP leader pointed out.
He further observed that in guideline ‘F’ at the district-level or sub-divisional level, it states “in Garo Hills the whole combined reservation of 80% will be available to Garos …” but in comparison, “combined reservation of 80% will be available to Khasi-Jaintias…” is indicated only “in Jowai or Shillong”.
ACHIK gives 7 days to govt to implement roster with backlog policy
Even as deliberations are underway on the implementation of the roster system, the A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Tuesday demanded that the government implement the same retrospectively with a backlog policy and gave it seven days’ time to respond.
In a statement, the organisation said despite the constitutional mandate and numerous judicial decisions, the retrospective implementation of the roster system, which guarantees fair representation of marginalised communities in public employment, has been neglected.
“The reservation roster system is a cornerstone of our democratic framework, aimed at addressing historical imbalances and providing opportunities to marginalised sections of society. By allocating reserved positions in a cyclic manner, the roster system ensures fair representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and other eligible categories. Its retrospective implementation is crucial to rectify past injustices and create a level playing field for all citizens,” it said.
The organisation felt that retrospective implementation of the roster system is not a mere suggestion but a constitutional mandate that cannot be ignored and added, inaction not only contravenes constitutional principles but also denies deserving individuals the opportunities.
“Implementing the roster system retrospectively may pose administrative challenges, but they should not serve as excuses for inaction. The government must engage in meaningful consultation with legal experts, representatives of marginalised communities, and concerned stakeholders to develop an effective roadmap for implementation. Collaboration and dialogue will pave the way for a just and equitable system that benefits all,” it said.
The organisation also said that the government has a duty to rectify the historical injustices and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. It requested the government to respond within seven days with a clear and actionable plan for retrospective implementation of the roster system.
