SHILLONG: In a move aimed at reviewing Meghalaya’s state reservation policy, the expert committee has announced its intention to conduct public hearings in Shillong and at all district headquarters.
The committee, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Mr. Mool Chand Garg, also plans to issue a Public Notice to seek consultations, suggestions, and comments on the State Reservation Policy.
This decision by the committee aims at gathering comprehensive feedback from all the stakeholders in the state.
Formed in September 2023, the committee’s mandate includes examining the existing policy and recommending changes if necessary.
Comprising esteemed members such as Justice (Retd.) Dr. Satish Chandra, Prof. D.V. Kumar, Prof. Chander Shekhar, and Prof. Subhadip Mukherjee, the committee is poised to convene its next meeting in May 2024.
The establishment of the committee followed demands from the Voice of the People Party (VPP), which called for a review through a hunger strike in May-June 2023.
The VPP had protested against what they deemed an “outdated and unfair” job reservation policy in the state, stressing on the need for proportional representation based on the population structure.
The current reservation policy of the Meghalaya, instituted in 1972, allocates 40% of reserved jobs to Garos, 40% for Khasi-Jaintia tribes, 5% for other tribes, and 15% for general category candidates.
However, the VPP has advocated for a revised ratio that aligns with the demographic composition of the state.
According to the 2011 census, Meghalaya is home to over 14.1 lakh Khasis and slightly over 8.21 lakh Garo individuals.
The Opposition VPP feels that these figures underscore the significance of a comprehensive review of the state’s reservation policy to ensure equitable representation and opportunities for all communities.
