Jaiñtia Coordination Committee for Reservation Policy submits recommendations to expert panel
JOWAI, Dec 6: The Jaiñtia Coordination Committee for Reservation Policy (JCCRP) on Friday submitted a slew of recommendations for the State Reservation Policy to the Expert Committee, advocating for significant policy changes.
The JCCRP, comprising the Jaiñtia Students Union (JSU), Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Jaiñtia Youth Federation (JYF), Jaiñtia Students Movement (JSM) and the Synjuk of Waheh Shnong Ri Jaintia, had called on the Expert Committee at the Soil and Conservation Office in Jowai.
During the meeting, the JCCRP proposed that 80 per cent of positions within the State Reservation Policy be made open for competition among the three major indigenous tribes of Meghalaya—the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo.
JCCRP chairman, Jershom Shylla, argued that this shift would promote inclusivity while fostering a competitive and merit-based system.
Shylla noted that such a policy would lead to the selection of the most qualified candidates, enhancing administrative efficiency and public service delivery in Meghalaya.
By championing meritocracy, the JCCRP said it believes that the same aims to ensure equitable employment opportunities among the indigenous communities, creating a fairer system that serves the state’s broader interests.
The committee also urged the government to periodically review the State Reservation Policy to prevent any tribe from being marginalised over time.
Further, the JCCRP also called for a review of the Scheduled Tribes Order of 1950 concerning Meghalaya.
Referring to the inclusion of tribes such as the Kuki and their 37 sub-tribes, the JCCRP asserted that these groups no longer reside in the state.
The committee recommended their removal from the Scheduled Tribes list of Meghalaya to ensure the policy benefits the rightful beneficiaries.
The JCCRP also made a clarion call to the Khasi and Garo communities to unite in support of these recommendations, maintaining that such changes are essential for the betterment of the state.
It may be mentioned that earlier this week, stakeholders from Garo Hills, including local organisations, NGOs and civil societies, had asked the Expert Committee on the State Reservation Policy to maintain status quo on the job reservation policy.