Shillong: The Jaintia Students’ Movement has urged two senior ministers from the Jaintia community to push for a separate reservation quota for the Pnar people under the state’s existing reservation policy.
In a statement, the organisation appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and cabinet minister Wailadmiki Shylla to raise the matter jointly in the state cabinet. Both leaders are among the most prominent legislators representing the Jaintia or Pnar community in the government.
The demand comes amid ongoing discussions on Meghalaya’s reservation policy governing government employment and admissions in educational institutions.
An expert committee set up to review the policy recently submitted its report but did not recommend any major changes to the existing quota structure that has been in place for more than five decades.
Under the current system, both the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities receive 40 percent reservation each.
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However, the student body argued that the Pnar community deserves a distinct share within the existing framework, claiming that its members remain underrepresented in government services.
Calling on the two ministers to take up the issue seriously, the JSM said the moment offers them an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Ri Jaiñtia.
The organisation maintained that if the matter is placed before the cabinet led by the National People’s Party government, the community could secure what it described as its “rightful share” in the reservation system.
It further said that if the demand fails to gain support from other cabinet members, the two leaders should take a principled stand, even suggesting resignation as an option.
Despite the clarification, the JSM reiterated its position that the Pnar community requires a separate quota to ensure better representation in government employment.
