Adequate representation must for ST (P) candidates, demands Tribal Sangha

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Concerned over the reservation of posts in every cadre in each government department, the AATS (All Assam Tribal Sangha) has demanded that adequate representation must be provided for the ST-P (Scheduled Caste-Plains) candidates.

Talking to The Sentinel here on Wednesday, AATS general secretary Aditya Khakhlari said, "On September 25, the Education Department had issued an advertisement for the appointment of regular teachers for six regional mediums -- Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Manipuri, Garo, and Bodo -- for the LP and UP Schools. But, that advertisement did not have any adequate job-reservation provision."

Describing the scenario as "horrible", Khaklari added, "Further, from the above advertisement, it is seen that 95% per cent tribal population of Assam will seek 0.59% jobs related to the Assamese medium, whereas 0.30% tribal population will have the opportunities to apply for 18.25% jobs related to the Bengali medium.

"This is quite senseless and we consider this is to be a mala fide intention. This will lead to huge unemployment among the ST(P) category candidates in Assam. It will also make tribal life 'HORRIBLE' in the State."

Khaklari added, "Pointing out the anomalies in the advertisement, we had submitted a memorandum to State Education Minister Ranoj Pegu with its copies to also the Director of Elementary Education. We are grateful that the department has reissued another corrected advertisement on September 28.

"According to this latest advertisement, a total of 554 posts have been reserved for ST(P) candidates, against the vacant 5,415 posts in the Assamese-medium LP schools.

"The earlier advertisement had mentioned only 12 posts as reserved for the ST(P) candidates for the 1,211 vacant posts in the Assamese-medium UP schools. Now, it has been increased to 137."

AATS general secretary Khaklari added, "We appeal to all the government departments to follow this principle of maintaining adequate reservation policy for the ST(P) candidates in various vacant posts.

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