The Chakhesang Students’ Union, Zeliang Students’ Union, and Pochury Students’ Union — representing the Government-designated Backward Tribes (BTs) of Nagaland — have jointly expressed strong concerns and opposition to the Memorandum submitted by the 5 Tribes Committee on September 20, 2024, which calls for a review of the Reservation Policy in Nagaland. In a detailed statement, the three student unions emphasized that the Reservation Policy “has been a cornerstone for addressing socio-economic inequalities faced by the BTs,” warning that “any attempts to dilute its provisions would be detrimental to our communities.”
Highlighting implementation gaps, the unions noted that “while the Reservation Policy has been in existence for many years, it has not been implemented with the rigor and commitment it requires.” They pointed out that the policy’s “primary objective… was to uplift and empower BTs, providing them with opportunities to participate meaningfully in the socio-economic and administrative framework of the State.”
However, they lamented that “many individuals from BTs continue to face barriers in accessing Government jobs, educational opportunities, and other benefits meant for them,” and that “the lack of effective implementation has perpetuated the marginalization of these communities rather than alleviating it.”
The unions further cited “the gross under-representation of BT members in Government employment, particularly in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat and various Directorates,” noting that “a significant number of posts, especially in the Grade-IV category, remain unfilled by individuals from BTs.” They described this not as mere oversight but “a reflection of systemic exclusion.”
Condemning irregularities, the statement said, “Over the years, there have been numerous backdoor appointments in various Government departments, bypassing the standard recruitment procedures of open advertisements.” They argued that such appointments “have often been made without adhering to the Reservation Policy, thereby depriving eligible BT candidates of their rightful opportunities.”
Regarding the proposed review of the policy, the unions insisted that it “should be based on concrete data and a thorough analysis of the current state of employment across all Government departments.” They urged that “before any decisions are made, the Government should commission a comprehensive statistical analysis of the representation of BTs in various levels of Government employment, from Grade-IV positions to higher administrative posts.” They stressed that such an approach would “provide a factual basis for any proposed reforms, ensuring that they are aligned with the principle of equity.” Moreover, they called for the Government to “take necessary steps to ensure the strict enforcement of all existing orders and notifications related to the Reservation Policy.”
The student unions also strongly opposed the introduction of a ‘creamy layer’ system in Nagaland, labeling it as “outrightly absurd and irrelevant,” given that the BT community “even today suffers from social and educational backwardness and not merely economic disadvantage.” They warned that “introducing subclassification within the Tribes would only complicate the matter creating further disunity and fragmentation within the Naga society.”
They condemned the demand by the 5 Tribes Committee to abolish the Reservation Policy, calling it “unjustified and lacks any evidence to support the claim that BTs have attained parity with the Advanced Tribes of Nagaland.” On the contrary, they pointed out, “empirical observations reveal that BTs continue to lag behind in terms of educational attainment, employment, and socio-economic development.”
The unions also expressed “strong resentment and opposition to the demand for reserving the remaining percentage exclusively for the 5 Tribes,” describing the proposal as “devoid of any statistical or logical rationale.” They cautioned that “such a move would not only be discriminatory but also create unnecessary division and resentment among the various communities in Nagaland.” “The principle of reservation,” they emphasized, “is grounded in the idea of uplifting those who are historically disadvantaged.”
Concluding their statement, the student unions “humbly urge[d] you to consider our arguments and take the necessary steps to reinforce the Reservation Policy.” They stressed that “it is crucial that the policy be strengthened, not weakened, to ensure that it serves its original purpose of delivering justice and promoting the socio-economic advancement of Backward Tribes.” They affirmed that “a more robust and effectively implemented Reservation Policy will help bridge the gap between the BTs and other communities, ensuring that all citizens of Nagaland have an equal opportunity to thrive.”
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