Shillong: Opposition VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit has pressed for a revision of Meghalaya’s reservation policy, proposing a 7 percent increase in the quota for the Khasi community while retaining the existing 40 percent allocation for the Garos.
His demand drew a cautious response from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who warned that sweeping changes could face judicial scrutiny.
The issue was raised during a short-duration discussion in the Assembly, where Basaiawmoit expressed disappointment over the expert committee’s recommendation to largely retain the 1972 reservation framework. He contended that the High Court had flagged the absence of a proper roster system rather than questioning the core structure of the policy itself.
Citing constitutional provisions, particularly Clause 4 of Article 16, the Voice of the People’s Party leader said the original objective of the policy was to address inadequate representation of the Khasi and Garo communities while safeguarding administrative efficiency.
He argued that earlier policymakers had deliberately avoided rigid formulas to maintain flexibility, but evolving legal interpretations now necessitated the introduction of a roster system.
Pointing to demographic changes, Basaiawmoit maintained that the Khasi population is now nearly twice that of the Garos. Increasing the Khasi quota to 47 percent, he said, would still remain within the 50 percent cap often discussed in matters of reservation. He clarified that his proposal would not reduce the 40 percent share earmarked for the Garo community.
Recalling his 10-day hunger strike in 2023 demanding a review of the policy, Basaiawmoit also cautioned that unresolved implementation gaps could open the door to legal challenges against previous recruitments.
The expert committee report, recently tabled in the Assembly, recommended continuation of the existing reservation structure with key reforms, including a structured roster system, enhanced monitoring mechanisms and periodic assessment of socio-economic data. The panel also underlined that population figures alone should not determine quota percentages.
Responding to the debate, Sangma described the question of proportionality in reservations as complex and multifaceted. He noted that Meghalaya’s socio-political discourse is often framed around Garo and non-Garo regions, making the issue particularly sensitive.
The chief minister said consultations with various stakeholders indicated limited support for altering the existing structure, with many favouring improved implementation instead. He cautioned that major structural revisions could invite judicial intervention.
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Emphasising the need for balance, Sangma said the government had reviewed all aspects of the policy and believed that priority should be given to tackling socio-economic backwardness through effective execution.
He urged legislators to approach the matter with unity and constitutional responsibility while addressing the aspirations of all communities.
