Shillong: An expert committee constituted to review Meghalaya’s reservation policy has recommended introducing the creamy layer principle to ensure that the benefits of affirmative action reach the most disadvantaged sections within reserved categories across the state.
The report of the panel was formally tabled in the Assembly by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, marking the conclusion of a comprehensive review process initiated through a notification issued by the Governor in September 2023.
According to the report, the committee has advised the state government to examine the application of the creamy layer principle wherever it is constitutionally permissible, with the objective of preventing the concentration of reservation benefits among relatively advanced sections within reserved communities.
The panel also strongly recommended strict and transparent implementation of the reservation roster system to ensure fairness, accountability and compliance in recruitment processes.
At the same time, the committee endorsed the continuation of Meghalaya’s existing 1972 reservation policy, describing it as valid and operative.
It noted that a majority of stakeholders supported retaining the current framework and that there were no compelling grounds at present for a fundamental overhaul of the system.
The expert panel was tasked with studying the existing reservation structure, conducting statewide consultations and proposing reforms if required.
Its review process involved extensive interactions with tribal and community representatives, civil society groups, employee associations, student bodies and academic experts, along with the examination of written submissions from multiple stakeholders.
Reaffirming constitutional principles, the committee observed that reservation policies should not be determined solely on population proportions of any tribe or caste.
Instead, it emphasised that social and educational backwardness, historical disadvantage and adequacy of representation in public services must remain the core criteria.
It also clarified that reservation cannot be based on religion, as constitutional provisions focus on socio-economic disadvantage and under-representation.
On specific policy issues, the panel supported the continuation of the “carry forward” provision under the 1972 resolution and recommended extending the carry forward period from one year to three years to better address backlog vacancies.
It also stated that sub-classification within reserved categories — often referred to as “quota within quota” — may be legally permissible, but only after the collection of detailed, quantifiable data, advising the government to take any such decision through a data-driven process.
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The committee did not support extending Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) benefits to SC, ST and OBC groups, noting that EWS is a distinct constitutional category.
It also did not recommend additional safeguards for persons with disabilities, citing the existing statutory protections already in place.
Highlighting regional imbalances, the report called for targeted interventions to improve educational standards, particularly in the Garo districts, as a long-term strategy for socio-economic development and improved representation in public employment.
While the extension of reservation to educational institutions was outside its formal mandate, the committee said the state government may independently examine the issue in line with constitutional provisions if it considers such a step necessary.
The report is expected to form the basis for future policy decisions on reservation reform in Meghalaya, balancing constitutional principles, social justice objectives and administrative feasibility.
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