Dr Asangba Tzudir
The idea of job reservation in Nagaland, like in other parts of the country, is a subject that evokes strong opinions and emotions especially in the wake of the emerging contestations. In such a situation, and because of the very tribal fabric and its associated complexities, within an affirmative action, a nuanced approach becomes imperative.
Job reservation policy has not been reviewed for a very long time now. However, the inter and intra tribes disparity needs to be broadly addressed first starting from the social and economic dominance keeping in mind the more marginalized and remoteness and which have created a lack of access to quality education and opportunities. This in a way could help in addressing these internal disparities, so also the larger contesting oppositions on the issue of reservation.
Beyond emotional appeals, the contest should be grounded on data beginning with the employment patterns among different tribes in the state, and which will give a fair idea of representation. However, on the issue of representation and equity, there is a need to understand the process, that equal representation cannot happen overnight and which is a time taking process otherwise overemphasizing on micro issues will outweigh the importance of the larger macro issues. There has to be a balance.
This is where the question of merit and quality arises and critics have rightly argued on the compromise because of reservation. However, while the goal is not to undermine merit, yet, a field that has historically been uneven needs leveling, but slowly and gradually. In Nagaland, where access to quality education varies dramatically, reservation becomes the only means to bridge the gaps toward equity. There are also compelling circumstances in the larger interest of well-being, progress and development of any establishment. To cite couple of instances in the higher education department, currently there are 47 reserved backlog vacancies in Higher Education which includes a physics post that was first advertised in 2016 and till date it is waiting for an applicant. A reserved philosophy post could not be filled because of lack of applicant, and whereas there are only two teachers in the department of philosophy in Peren Govt. College. Such instances and many more make it pertinent to revisit the reservation policy because ultimately it is the institution, the employees and students that suffer.
Beyond reservation, Nagaland is currently facing a significant crisis of unemployment, and this cannot be tackled by reservation alone. Looking at the larger perspective of growth and development of the State, job reservation might offer short-term relief or even political appeasement, the real issue that needs to be addressed from the lens of growth and development lies in skill development, infrastructure and connectivity building including roads and the larger economic development.
For now the talk of reservation becomes necessary but it should run in parallel with economic reforms, otherwise it only creates dependency risks without empowerment. Reservation should not be seen as a panacea, but as a policy tool that is prices and one that embraces values of empathy and vision.
The path to equity, of social and economic development, lies not just in allocating jobs, but through equitable development ensure that every young Naga is equipped to earn a dignified living. The state must now decide, and the confronting question is whether it will settle for symbolic fixes, or commit to systemic change so that everyone can be empowered in the creation of a level playing ground.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
