From Our Correspondent
TURA , Feb 16: With Chief Minister Conrad Sangma earlier announcing that the state’s updated reservation policy report would be presented in the Assembly during the budget session proposed for February 16-27, the AHAM from Garo Hills on Monday, expressed strong opposition to any potential review or dilution of the existing job quota policy.
“We categorically demand the maintenance of status quo on the current reservation framework. Any attempt to reopen, revise, or weaken the policy is unacceptable and will be viewed as a direct attack on the constitutional safeguards, rights, and future of marginalized and indigenous communities. Rolling back or reconsidering this policy would betray the trust of tribal communities, undermine decades of progress, and intensify social and economic disparities,” it said, in its memorandum to the chief minister.
The organisation also warned that any move to review or alter the reservation policy could trigger widespread public outrage, protests, and social unrest, as well as irreparably damage public confidence in the government’s commitment to equity and indigenous rights.
Meanwhile, in a separate memorandum submitted on the same day, the organization also renewed its strong demand for declaration of Tura as the Winter Capital of the state. “This demand is no longer aspirational. It represents a constitutional principle, a political necessity, a historical obligation, and a democratic mandate rooted in justice, regional equity, and balanced governance,” it said.
The organisation pointed out that despite numerous memorandums served to the government on the issue from 2020 till date and the same being debated in the floor of the house during the budget session last year, a final executive decision remains pending.
It urged the government to immediately declare Tura as the Winter Capital / Second Capital of Meghalaya, issue a Cabinet Resolution formalising the Winter Secretariat, announce a clear timeline and phased roadmap for implementation, allocate dedicated budgetary provisions for infrastructure and departmental operations and engage it as well as other civil societies and regional stakeholders in execution and monitoring the issue.
