Urges Nagaland CM to strengthen BT reservation framework
DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (MExN): Three student organisations representing the Government-designated Backward Tribes (BTs) of Nagaland-namely the Chakhesang Students’ Union, Zeliang Students’ Union and Pochury Students’ Union-have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, registering their strong opposition to the memorandum submitted by the 5 Tribes Committee on September 20, 2024, which had called for a review of the State’s Reservation Policy.
In their representation, the BT student bodies expressed deep concern that any attempt to review or dilute the existing Reservation Policy would severely undermine the foundational goal of addressing socio-economic inequalities historically faced by the Backward Tribes. They emphasized that while the policy has been in place for many years, its implementation has lacked the required seriousness and commitment. As a result, many eligible individuals from the BT communities continue to face systemic barriers in accessing government employment, educational opportunities, and welfare schemes specifically meant for their upliftment.
The student bodies highlighted what they termed as the glaring under-representation of BT members in government jobs, particularly in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat and various directorates. They alleged that despite the existence of reservation provisions, a large number of posts, especially in the lowest category of Grade-IV, remain vacant or are filled without adhering to reservation norms. They said this is not simply an administrative lapse, but reflects structural exclusion and neglect.
The unions further pointed out that many backdoor appointments have taken place in several government departments over the years. These appointments, they alleged, were often made without public notification or open recruitment processes, thereby bypassing qualified BT candidates who should have benefited under the Reservation Policy.
The BT student bodies also demanded that any discussion around reviewing the Reservation Policy should be preceded by a comprehensive statistical analysis of the current level of BT representation across all government departments and services, from Grade-IV to higher administrative positions. They urged the government to commission such a study and also take concrete measures to ensure strict enforcement of all existing orders and circulars related to reservation benefits.
The unions also strongly rejected the idea of introducing a ‘creamy layer’ classification within the Backward Tribes, calling such a concept both absurd and irrelevant in the context of Nagaland. They argued that the socio-cultural and educational disadvantages faced by the BT communities cannot be simply equated with economic status, and that such subclassifications would further fragment and destabilize an already complex tribal structure.
The student bodies also condemned the demand made by the 5 Tribes Committee to do away with the Reservation Policy altogether. They stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Backward Tribes have reached any level of parity with the so-called Advanced Tribes in terms of education, employment or socio-economic status. Rather, they argued that empirical observations on the ground show that BTs continue to lag significantly behind in all indicators of human development.
Equally, they opposed the proposal to reserve the remaining percentage exclusively for the 5 Tribes, stating that such a move is without statistical or logical basis. They warned that implementing such a proposal would deepen social divisions and generate widespread resentment among communities. They reiterated that the principle of reservation is founded on the idea of uplifting historically disadvantaged groups, not on shifting benefits arbitrarily among communities.
The memorandum appealed to the Chief Minister to uphold and reinforce the Reservation Policy, not weaken it. The unions said that a more robust and effectively enforced policy is essential for ensuring equitable development and social justice in Nagaland.
