Mayralborn Syiem recommends raising the reservation slab for the marginalised tribes from 5 pc to 10 pc
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Oct 14: Leaders from the ‘Other Tribes’ and Marmain Area Youth Upliftment (MAYU) of the Ri-Bhoi district comprising communities such as Karbi, Rabha, and Hajong have welcomed UDP’s Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem’s recommendations to the Expert Committee on the Reservation Policy to increase the job quota for the ‘Other Tribes’ from 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
In a statement issued on Monday, Karbi leaders Diren Klein and Komin Terang acknowledged Syiem for advocating for the marginalised tribes of Meghalaya.
“We are deeply grateful to Shri Mayralborn Syiem for raising this crucial issue on October 5, 2024. His recommendations reflect his understanding of the need to uplift backward communities, in line with the core purpose of the Reservation Policy,” the leaders stated.
The leaders emphasised the need for a review of the reservation framework, citing data from the NITI Aayog that highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by these tribes.
“A revised quota of 10% to 15% is essential, as the lack of reserved government jobs is hampering the progress of educated youth from our communities,” they said, urging the government to ensure equitable development.
In addition to supporting the enhanced reservation quota, the leaders endorsed Syiem’s proposal to restrict District Selection Committee (DSC) posts to local candidates.
“We support his recommendation that jobs at the district level should be reserved for the youth of the respective districts, as outsiders’ recruitment is depriving local candidates of employment opportunities,” the statement read.
They argued that prioritising local talent would empower the districts and strengthen the economy as a whole. “If even one community is left behind, the entire state and country will suffer setbacks,” the Karbi leaders asserted, expressing hope that the Expert Committee will seriously consider Syiem’s proposals.