Nagaland Cabinet: Job Reservation issue to be discussed today

Kohima: The Core Committee on Rationalisation of Reservation Policy (CCoRoRP) had informed on Thursday that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had 'fundamentally agreed' to discuss the committee's demands.

The demands are in connection with job reservation with his Cabinet on December 18.

Earlier, the committee had served a 72-hour ultimatum to the chief minister by seeking a written assurance. It said that upon expiry of 72-hours, "lightening strike and protest shall be activated at any point of time."

The committee had written to Nagaland Chief Minister Rio on December 14, reiterating its demand for rationalisation of reservation policy and its implementation with "reasonable and logical perspective which would ensure the progression of our people holistically."

The CCoRoRP includes the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK), Angami Students' Union (ASU), Ao Students' Conference (AKM), Lotha Students' Union (LSU) and Rengma Students Union (RSU).

The committee had called for implementation of 'creamy layer' policy on reservation, pocket-wise reservation, equal criteria on educational qualification for all jobs, category options for all competitive exams, cut off mark on reservation quota with no backlog vacancy on roaster system, and time-frame review of the reservation policy.

It also said that the committee will not be accountable and responsible for any unforeseen development or consequences in any fallout or complacency.

This representation was signed by the CCoRoRP Convener, N Ejanthang Ngullie, Secretary Zakie Khate, ASU President Vizokho Zashumol, SKK President Hutoshe Kits, AKM President Nungdokyanger Ao and LSU President Ashanthung Humtsoe.

The Committee had stressed why the job reservation was an important implementation for the Nagas.

"Modern Naga society is in the process of a developing civilization ever since the British expedition into the Naga hills followed with evangelization and the advent of modern education," said a committee member.

While stating that job reservation is the requirement in certain areas, the committee had noted that "excelling meritocracy cannot be denied in any way." It also called the present reservation policy as "redundant, rugged and unjust in this proportion."

However, the committee had informed its five units and volunteers "to stand down until the outcome of the cabinet meeting." It said that the outcome of the cabinet meeting will decide the committee's future course of action.

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