By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is seeking to disrupt the traditional age-hegemony within Meghalaya’s Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) by demanding a formal youth reservation—a move that would require a significant re-imagining of the state’s Sixth Schedule framework.
NCP national youth president Dheeraj Sharma, during a visit to the state, called for institutionalising representation for young leaders in the three ADCs. He stated that the party intends to take the proposal to its central leadership as part of a broader strategy to increase youth participation in governance.
While the demand aims to provide “structured opportunities” for young people, it raises questions regarding practical implementation within the Sixth Schedule, which governs tribal identity and local administration.
Sharma did not define a specific age bracket for the proposed “youth” category, nor did he address the legal complexities of amending the constitutional framework to accommodate such a quota.
Linking the proposal to Meghalaya’s high unemployment rate, Sharma suggested that greater political inclusion would help channel youth frustration into decision-making processes. However, the proposal faces skepticism over whether creating a few seats for young politicians can effectively address systemic economic challenges or provide a genuine solution for the state’s jobless thousands.
The move comes as the NCP attempts to regain its footing in Meghalaya following the mass exodus of members to the NPP years ago. Sharma confirmed the party is currently conducting a membership drive to strengthen its organisational presence ahead of upcoming local, Assembly, and Parliamentary elections.
