By Ankush Kurkalang
The purpose of writing this piece is to offer constructive measures for resolving Reservation and Roster System Issues in Meghalaya
As a young and concerned citizen deeply committed to the welfare and prosperity of our beloved state of Meghalaya, I am writing this open letter to draw your kind attention to the pressing issues surrounding the reservation policy and roster system, and to submit a few humble suggestions for your kind consideration.
During the challenging times of the Covid pandemic, I established the “Kurkalang Skilling and Learning Center,” ( https://tinyurl.com/kslcs ) a humble initiative aimed at providing valuable mentoring and skill development opportunities to fellow tribals, utilizing whatever little I learned from my teachers here in Meghalaya or during my studies in New Delhi or at George Washington University, USA. Despite greener opportunity in richer environments, I decided to set up my center in a remote village here as I felt more connected and more concerned for my fellow tribals here. My center has been dedicated to preparing our youth for securing better jobs and services, thereby enhancing their socio-economic prospects.
In addition to my work with the Kurkalang Skilling and Learning Center, I have been actively associated with Rotary International, a renowned organization known for its humanitarian efforts worldwide. Through this association, I have been able to extend my services and support to various social causes, working alongside like-minded individuals to create a positive impact in our community.
I strongly believe that unity and collaboration are the key ingredients for progress, especially in our diverse and culturally rich state. As a concerned citizen, I have been closely observing the reservation policy and roster system issues that have been a cause of discord among our people. I am committed to contributing constructively to the dialogue and finding equitable solutions that address the concerns of all communities and promote harmony within our society.
Having been engaged in mentoring and skilling activities, I understand the importance of inclusive policies and support systems that uplift every individual, ensuring that no one is left behind. It is my earnest desire to be a part of the positive change and contribute towards creating a stronger, more harmonious Meghalaya.
We all acknowledge the historical context and significance of the reservation policy, which was enacted with the intention of empowering our tribal communities and fostering socio-economic upliftment. However, recent controversies and the judgment by the honorable High Court have brought to light the need for constructive action to address the discord and inequalities stemming from the policy.
In the words of a learned Khasi NRI professors at George Washington University (at their Foggy Bottom Campus, where I was fortunate to learn some valuable lessons), most prevalent reservation policies in various Indian states are akin to “BANDAR BAANT,” a Hindi proverb that loosely translates to the division of spoils by a cunning cat, who ultimately takes the lion’s share, leaving the unsuspecting monkeys to believe the cat acted as a fair elderly umpire.
The efforts of the current state government in working towards forming a panel to investigate reservation policy reforms and issues related to employment are commendable. We are heartened to see that prominent leaders and experts from different domains, several church leaders, social elders, and political leaders like VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit and senior ministers, Kong Ampareen Lyngdoh, Bah Paul Lyngdoh, who have already shared their valuable insights and views. It reflects a collective determination to address these challenges.
In my humble opinion, it is imperative that we approach these issues with a positive, inclusive, and empathetic mindset. Our state’s progress lies in unity, and we must work together to find equitable solutions that cater to the aspirations of all communities.
Hence I propose a positive and inclusive approach to resolve the reservation and roster system issues, focusing on the principles of unity, empathy, and merit-based opportunities. My humble suggestions encompass both short-term and long-term measures to ensure sustainable development and social harmony in Meghalaya.
Short-Term Measures:
Comprehensive Stakeholder Dialogue: Initiate an inclusive and respectful dialogue involving representatives from all tribes, experts, youth representatives, social leaders, and government officials. Such engagements can help identify concerns and aspirations and guide the formulation of more inclusive policies.
Equitable Distribution Based on Need: Revise the reservation distribution to address the needs of each community, moving away from rigid percentages. Ensuring equitable opportunities will foster unity and mutual respect among the tribes.
Transparent Policy Framework: Establish a transparent policy framework that clearly outlines the rationale behind reservation distribution and roster implementation. This will enhance understanding and accountability among the citizens.
Emphasis on Skill Development: Prioritize skill development and vocational training programs to equip the youth with the necessary skills for better employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Long-Term Measures:
Economic Development and Job Creation: Focus on economic development by promoting investments and job creation in various sectors. A diversified economy will reduce the reliance on government jobs and lead to a more balanced job market.
Strengthen Career Counseling: Establish career counseling centers in different regions to provide guidance and support to students and jobseekers. Empowering individuals with information will lead to more informed career choices.
Promote Inter-Tribal Cultural Exchanges: Encourage inter-tribal cultural exchanges, events, and festivals to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect among the different communities.
Inclusive Leadership and Representation: Promote inclusive leadership by encouraging representation from all tribes in political and administrative positions. A diverse leadership team can better address the needs of different communities.
I further take the liberty to suggest two additional considerations while deciding upon the members of this panel to review the 1972 reservation policy:
- a)First and foremost, the participants in the panel, whose views might have a lasting impact on the future of our youth, must have lived and breathed in our land of Meghalaya, preferably among the rural masses. Their understanding of our society should be grounded in real-life experiences, not just theoretical or bookish knowledge. It is crucial that the panel members have a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances and challenges faced by different tribes and communities within our state.
- b)Secondly, the composition of the panel must include representatives from all age groupsto ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. While knowledge and expertise can be sought from anywhere in the world, it is equally vital to include individuals from different generations. The wisdom and experience of elders from diverse domains will be invaluable in guiding the policy-making process. Additionally, representation from the younger generation will reflect the genuine thinking and aspirations of our society’s future leaders.
We believe that these considerations will enrich the panel’s deliberations and contribute to the formulation of well-informed and holistic policies that will benefit all citizens of Meghalaya.
We also wish to bring to your attention the pressing issues of unequal opportunities, widespread unemployment, and the plight of single mothers in our state. As responsible leaders, we urge you to focus on these critical concerns and implement targeted socio-economic development programs to uplift landless families and provide support to vulnerable youth.
Furthermore, I express my earnest desire to hear the views and valuable feedback not only from those wise elders and seniors mentioned earlier, who have already shared their views publicly on this topic in the recent past, but also to invite and welcome comments from all readers, especially the youth of the state. After all, it is their future that is at stake, and their voices and perspectives are of utmost importance in shaping policies that will chart the course of our state’s progress.
In conclusion, I believe that by adopting a constructive and empathetic approach, we can build a stronger and more harmonious Meghalaya that uplifts all its citizens. I hope that my humble suggestions will be given due consideration, and I extend my willingness to collaborate and support the government in these endeavours in a harmonious and constructive manner. Meghalaya’s progress lies in unity and collaborative efforts, and I am hopeful that with an inclusive and empathetic approach, we can build a stronger and more equitable Meghalaya for generations to come.
Most importantly, I would eagerly look forward to your favorable response and action, respected sirs & madam.
(The writer is Founder & Chief Mentor, Kurkalang Skilling & Learning Center (https://tinyurl.com/kslcs )