Rift widens over reservation policy in Nagaland

5 Tribes committee to launch phase-wise protest, BT student unions slam proposal

A major rift is emerging over the reservation policy in Nagaland, as five tribal bodies — Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi — under the banner of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy, announced their decision to launch a phase-wise peaceful protest against the State Government’s inaction in reviewing the decades-old policy.

The decision was taken during a meeting convened on Saturday at the CPO Hall, Chümoukedima, following the impending expiration of a 30-day ultimatum submitted to the Government on April 26, 2024, set to lapse on May 26. The committee had earlier submitted a detailed representation on September 20, 2023, demanding a comprehensive review of the policy, which they argue has remained unchanged for nearly five decades.

“The reservation policy in Nagaland was first implemented in 1977 with a validity of ten years. However, no review was carried out in 1987. Instead, the Government issued an order in 1989 stating that the resolution would continue until further notice — and it has remained in effect for the last 48 years without revision,” said GK Zhimomi, Secretary of the Committee.

Zhimomi added that Sumi body have submitted numerous memorandums over the years, raising key concerns regarding internal reservation, the duration of the policy, multiple beneficiaries, and the question of creamy layers. “Despite repeated submissions, the Government has chosen to remain silent,” he stated.

In response to the prolonged inaction, the Committee resolved to initiate phase-wise peaceful agitations aimed at compelling the Government to address their demands. “We have decided to carry out peaceful protests to ensure our demands are met,” Zhimomi affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Students’ Union, Zeliang Students’ Union, and Pochury Students’ Union jointly condemned the memorandum submitted by the 5 Tribes Committee. In a joint statement, they called the demand “unjustified and lacking evidence,” asserting that the reservation policy has been a “cornerstone for addressing socio-economic inequalities faced by the BTs.”

They acknowledged implementation lapses but argued that the policy’s purpose remains relevant. “While the Reservation Policy has been in existence for many years, it has not been implemented with the rigor and commitment it requires. Many individuals from BTs continue to face barriers in accessing Government jobs, educational opportunities, and other benefits meant for them,” the statement said.

The unions pointed to “gross under-representation” of BTs in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat and various Directorates, particularly in Grade-IV positions, attributing this to “systemic exclusion.” They also flagged “numerous backdoor appointments” in Government departments that allegedly bypass reservation mandates.

Calling for data-driven policy decisions, the student bodies demanded a comprehensive statistical analysis of BT representation across Government services before any reform is considered. “Before any decisions are made, the Government should commission a thorough analysis to provide a factual basis for any proposed reforms,” they urged.

The unions further rejected the introduction of a ‘creamy layer’ system, calling it “absurd and irrelevant” in the context of Nagaland. “The BT community continues to suffer from social and educational backwardness, not merely economic disadvantage,” they stated, warning that sub-classification within tribes would create “further disunity and fragmentation.”

They also expressed “strong resentment” against the alleged demand by the 5 Tribes Committee to reserve the remaining quota exclusively for the five tribes, calling such a proposal “discriminatory and devoid of statistical or logical rationale.”

The BT student unions urged the Government to strengthen rather than weaken the reservation framework, emphasizing that a robust and effectively implemented policy is essential to bridge the socio-economic gap between BTs and other communities. “The principle of reservation is grounded in the idea of uplifting those who are historically disadvantaged,” they affirmed.

MT