Dimapur, September 27 (MExN): The state government categorizing entire citizens of a linguistic division or tribes as backward or advanced while ignoring grassroots’ realities is unfair. This was the point of contention highlighted by the Chakhesang Students Union in reference to the government agreeing in principle the 25% job reservation demand of the so-asserted “eastern” Naga tribes.
In his speech at the Kohima rally demanding total review of the 33% reservation, CSU president Vevoyi D Vadeo reminded all concern that existing policy has clearly place the Nagas into two “categories” i.e., “backward” and “advanced.” The CSU reminded that neither are the other backward tribes outside the so-called “eastern” tribes’ quota are in conflict with the demand of the “eastern” people nor opposed to the decision of the government. “Our supplication is clear that we are not opposed to anyone but are pleading for proportionate reservation and equality from the state government and to direct the policy to its target” the CSU president stated.
The ideals of the reservation policy, the CSU reminded, is to help the sections of the people that are educationally and economically very backward and insignificant representation in government services. This way, they too can be at par with the ‘advance tribes.” However, the latest decision on the reservation by the government is just the reverse, the CSU lamented.
The CSU gave this word of caution: “Such temporary solution will only cause serious imbalance and discrepancy of the deserving population and is a violation of all norms of recruitment policy…” The recruitment policy attempts to select the best possible candidates to the government services to discharge public administration. “If categorization is a necessity to maintain parity, there must be merit criteria at all stages of categorization as in the case of the UPSC” the CSU reminded.
Taking these points in consideration, the CSU urged for total review of the policy for the fact that it has been “running” for the last more than three decades without any major review. The CSU reminded all concern that the society’s grassroots’ situations and empirical realities have changed today.
