Calls current system ‘unjust’; demands population-based quota structure
The Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) has submitted a formal representation to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, demanding a comprehensive review of the state’s job reservation policy, which the Union says perpetuates systemic inequity against the Konyak community despite its significant population.
In a memorandum routed through the Deputy Commissioner of Mon, the KSU asserted that reservation is “a right, not a concession,” and urged the state government to initiate immediate reforms. “We earnestly urge your esteemed office to undertake a comprehensive and urgent review of Nagaland’s Backward Tribes Job Reservation Policy,” the Union stated.
Citing their population of over 2.5 lakh — which accounts for nearly 12.65% of Nagaland’s tribal demography — the KSU argued that the current policy fails to reflect population-based equity. “While the Konyaks constitute over 12% of the state’s population, we hold only 6% of government jobs,” the Union said, calling the imbalance a denial of proportional representation.
Tracing the evolution of the reservation system in Nagaland since 1977, the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) highlighted a series of policy changes which, they argue, have gradually diluted the benefits for larger backward tribes such as the Konyaks. The Union pointed out that in 1977, a 25% job reservation was introduced for seven backward tribes.
This quota was later revised in 1979, 2008, and 2011, eventually increasing the overall reservation to 37%. However, the KSU maintained that these revisions failed to ensure fair distribution based on demographic proportions. They also contended that the 2015 notification continues to fall short in addressing the issue of proportional representation.
In light of these concerns, the KSU has put forward two core demands: first, an immediate review and overhaul of the existing job reservation framework; and second, the adoption of a population-based reservation system to guarantee equitable access to government jobs.
The memorandum paints a stark picture of socio-economic disparity in Mon district, the Konyak heartland. It noted that Mon has the lowest literacy rate in the state at 56.99%, and ranks lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI) according to the Nagaland Human Development Report 2016. The district is also described as the most rural in the state, with 86.4% of its population living in villages, according to the 2011 Census.
“The lack of job avenues is pushing our youth toward anti-social activities and insurgent groups,” the KSU warned, calling the situation a “social time bomb.”
The Union also appealed to the state government not to wait for the release of the 2021 Census to take corrective action. “A special provision through Cabinet decision must be considered,” the KSU urged, describing the current policy as a “long-standing injustice.”
“The Konyak people, and indeed all of Nagaland, await your bold and justifiable decision,” the Union concluded, expressing hope that the government would act with fairness and urgency.
(With inputs from India Today NE)
Χαίρετε παρέα! Κατά τη διάρκεια οδικού ταξιδιού στην Ήπειρο, σε ένα άρθρο που διάβαζα στο μέσο υπήρχε το plinko game απατη. Έλεγξα τα στατιστικά και είδα ότι οι αποδόσεις ήταν ξεκάθαρες. Με λίγα πονταρίσματα, ένα έξυπνο drop με έβγαλε κερδισμένο, δίνοντάς μου αρκετά χρήματα για να απολαύσω τοπικά τυριά σε ταβέρνα δίπλα στον Άραχθο.