By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 21: The search panel headed by Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang has shortlisted the names of the chairperson and members of the expert committee to review the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy, 1972.
“The names shortlisted will be placed before the Cabinet, which will finalise or approve the names for constituting the expert committee,” an official said here on Monday.
Reports said some people from outside the state are among those shortlisted.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) had recently petitioned Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to expedite the constitution of the expert committee to review the state job reservation policy.
VPP general secretary, Ricky AJ Syngkon said in the petition that they were informed on July 13 that the state government was almost ready with the notification for constituting the expert panel.
Sangma had earlier said that the search committee constituted by the government would give priority to the quality and qualifications of the experts than their home states.
“I think quality and capacity of the individual will be the top criteria for us,” he said, insisting that the government prefers a neutral, independent, and effective panel for ensuring a balanced report.
The Cabinet constituted a three-member search committee on June 6 to select the persons to be inducted into the expert committee for reviewing the job quota policy.
It is noteworthy that the NPP-led MDA 2.0 Government had notified the constitution of an expert committee after succumbing to mounting pressure, especially following the outpour of public support in favour of VPP president Ardent M Basaiawmoit who had staged a hunger strike for 10 days demanding a review of the job quota policy.
According to the government, the panel will consist of experts in constitutional law, economics, sociology, demographic studies and related fields.
The panel will undertake a review of the reservation policy by obtaining views from all stakeholders and conducting field visits to all parts of the state.