SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Assembly on Tuesday rejected a bill proposing reservations for the non-creamy layer of Scheduled Tribes.
The bill, introduced by VPP MLA Adelbert Nongrum, was rejected after a voice vote.
Notably, none of the opposition members supported the legislation.
As per the statement of object and reasons of the bill, the data available with the Meghalaya Government clearly shows that the economic condition of a greater percentage of the Scheduled Tribe population of the state is weak and disadvantaged.
It states that Articles 16(4) and 15(5) of the Constitution of India allows for the state to make provisions so as to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged class of citizens.
A recent Supreme Court decision has authorized states to create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories.
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To address the economic disparities among different groups within the Scheduled Tribe category in Meghalaya and ensure that opportunities in public employment and higher education are allocated more equitably, appropriate legislation is necessary. This would benefit the state’s disadvantaged population.
