Tura, June 15: Former Tura Legislator John Leslee K Sangma has written to the Expert committee reviewing the Job Reservation Policy suggesting that the quota for the Garo community, which stands at 40 percent reservation, ought to be raised to 50 percent since the tribe has never enjoyed the full benefits of the policy when it came to employment in government jobs.

“The employment data shows that the Khasi and Jaintia community presently holds 66.5% employment in government services against the Garos who are just at 33.5% even though both communities were given 40 percent reservation,” points out John Leslee in his letter to the Expert committee.

He also objected to the demand for a review of the reservation policy based on the population census.

“Politicians representing the other 40 percent in the Job Reservation Policy felt that 40 percent for the Garos is too much and needs to be reviewed. As a Garo, I oppose that stand on the grounds it is illogical and unconstitutional,” said John Leslee, adding he cannot comment if their demand is moving in the direction of the remaining 20 percent reserved for other tribes and the open general category.

The former Tura legislator and ex GHADC MDC also cautioned the Expert Committee against falling prey to the demand for a review at the behest of a political agenda by a political group.

“It is painful for us as Garos to see and learn about the formation of the Expert Committee on the Reservation Policy, which is published in the Media as constituted to review the Reservation Policy of 1972 in line with the demands made by Opposition Voice of People’s Party ( VPP ) whose leader was on indefinite hunger strike. The press release which is made by Chief Secy. D P Wahlang on behalf of the Government of Meghalaya stated that the Expert Committee is ‘MANDATED’ to review the Job Reservation Policy. The press statement gives an indication that the Committee was formed to Review the Job Reservation Policy not because the Government or the people of Meghalaya has a desire to review the 52 years old Job Reservation policy but was formed because of political pressure only,” claimed John Leslee K Sangma.

Citing “Backward class of citizens” and “inadequate representation in state services” as two important criteria enshrined in the constitution for any state government to make reservation for its citizens, John Leslee Sangma said that the Garos, who have not been able to come up at par with the Khasis and the Jaintias, need the protection of the Reservation of opportunities in government service, more than ever.

Advertisement

“It will be justified and fair to enhance the 40% reserved for the Garos to not less than 50%,” suggested Sangma, and in the same breath also mentioned that the Meghalaya Job Reservation Policy was framed by the founding leaders of the state keeping in mind the welfare and development of all the communities that fought for the creation of the state of Meghalaya.

“It is in line with this belief that my community has always maintained that Reservation Policy must be left alone and Status Quo must be maintained,” he said.

Instead of touching the contentious issue of job reservation, John Leslee has “advised” the Expert Committee to lay greater emphasis on the Roster System- making it more transparent and open for public viewing for the benefit of all communities of the state.

“All interviews , written tests etc for the 40 % reserved for the Garos should be conducted in Garo Hills only no matter how big or small the number of posts are . The need to always travel to Shillong for such interviews and exams has been one of the main causes responsible for the Garos not being able to move forward progressively,” mentioned the former Tura legislator.

Read: Top four winners of 47th Meghalaya State Chess Championship to represent state at the national level

WATCH:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub