Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, on Thursday announced that the State Cabinet has approved the formation of a five-member independent commission to examine the reservation policy in its current context.
Briefing the press following the cabinet meeting, Imna Along said that the commission will be headed by two IAS officers, with one representative each from the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), and Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO). The commission is tasked with studying the reservation system as it exists and making recommendations for any necessary upgradation or reform.
“The Cabinet decided today to constitute this commission. It will be independent in nature and inclusive in its composition,” the Minister said, adding that the commission will take time to complete its work as the process involves consultation and careful evaluation. Importantly, he clarified that the intent of the commission is not to take away or increase reservation quotas, but to review a system that has not been re-examined for a long time.
“The idea is to ensure no one feels deprived. The Chief Minister was very clear that the members to be nominated will be done in consultation with the respective groups,” he said.
The move comes amid rising public debate over the fairness and adequacy of the existing job reservation structure in Nagaland, especially with calls from various tribal and student organizations for a reassessment of how benefits are distributed.
While no timeline has been specified for the commission to submit its report, Imna Along assured that the process will be carried out with seriousness and broad consensus.
