Staff Reporter
Shillong, Aug 28: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) today submitted a memorandum to the chief secretary (CS) with regard to the cabinet decision on the appointment of chairman and members of the expert committee to review the state reservation policy.
In the memorandum, the KHNAM stated that there is a difference between the decision taken in the All Party meeting held on 31st May 2023 and the terms of reference proposed by the cabinet.
“It may be reminded that during the all-party meeting held on 31st May 2023 resolution was taken to constitute an EC for the purpose of review/amendment of the Reservation Policy 1972 whereas in the terms of reference proposed is to study the current State Reservation Policy and recommend modification, if necessary” said the memorandum
The KHNAM demands that the term of reference of the EC should be specific and clear and that is to “Verify the recommendation received from the political parties and recommend modification of the State Reservation Policy”.
In the memorandum submitted to the CS, the KHNAM stated that the second term of the reference proposed by the Cabinet was “to undertake wide ranging consultation with all stakeholders and visit various locations of the State to solicit the view of all stakeholders”.
“We see the second terms of reference as an option for delay which is totally unnecessary. We do not see the necessity for the EC to waste time and money by visiting every location in the State. We would suggest that all Stakeholders be allowed to submit their views and suggestions to the EC within a specific time frame for study and verification which would allow the EC to complete its task within three months”.
The KHNAM also suggested that individuals who are locals from the state be also included in the EC, so as to enable the EC to have a brief understanding about the other aspect that relates to the State Reservation Policy and the aspiration of the people at large.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, June 1: GHADC member from Rongrong Rinaldo K Sangma today asserted the need to maintain the status quo on the issue related to the state's job reservation policy.
“Let peace prevail and for now, let us all respect the wisdom and decisions of our founding fathers and maintain the status quo on this matter,” Sangma said in a statement issued here.
He said that it was disheartening to see despite the data and statistics available on which community among the major Meghalayan tribal brethren has been enjoying perks and the lion’s share of the Reservation Policy since the inception of the state, VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit consciously is insistent on creating a sense of discord and widening the chasm between Garos and the Khasi Jaintia communities.
“It is prima facie evident by the numbers, that we, Garos have been the deprived lot in all aspects and the High Court has acknowledged this deprivation hence directing the roster system to be implemented,” Sangma said while adding “Ardent’s adamant and callous attitude hinders the goodwill and harmonious co-existence between the tribals of Meghalaya.”
“A leader of his stature should understand the repercussions of such impetuous actions. His call for review of the Reservation Police is censured and all backlogs belonging to the Garo community must be compensated prior the call for such review,” he also added.
Further, the MDC is also of the view that the best way to solve the current imbroglio is the Apportion of Assets of the State from the clogged capital to other parts of Garo Hills for equal prospective progress in toto i.e the creation of Winter Capital as promised by the founding fathers of our Meghalaya.
“Maybe in the coming years, with social equity and establishment of proper educational and administrative institutions, we shall compete at par and deliberate on reviewing the Reservation Policy,” he said.