Mon, September 28 (MExN): The Tapi Area Students’ Union (TASU) has extended full support to the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) in its demand for equitable reforms in Nagaland’s state job reservation policy through a population-based quota system.
In a press release, TASU stated that for decades the reservation system in Nagaland has remained stagnant and failed to address systematic disparities that continue to marginalize several backward communities, particularly the Konyaks. “Despite constituting a significant share of Nagaland’s population, the Konyaks and other Eastern Nagaland tribes remain grossly underrepresented in public sector employment and decision-making positions,” the Union said.
Citing data, TASU pointed out that the 2011 Census highlighted Mon District as having the lowest literacy rate at 56.60%, underlining the acute educational and employment deprivation in the region. This situation, it said, has only been compounded by poor representation in state jobs despite repeated representations and appeals from concerned student bodies.
TASU asserted that the reservation system must reflect the demographic realities of the state to ensure a fair and just distribution of opportunities. “We echo the concerns of KSU that entire ranges and constituencies remain without adequate representation, with not even a single NPSC Class I Gazetted officer from several backward areas till date. Such systemic neglect is unacceptable and requires urgent redressal,” it stated.
The Union also cautioned that the delay in addressing this issue has intensified frustration and disillusionment among the educated youth of Eastern Nagaland. “If left unattended, this could lead to undesirable social consequences,” TASU warned.
Accordingly, TASU called upon the State Government to undertake an immediate review and restructuring of the job reservation policy. It urged the adoption of a population-based reservation system through a special cabinet decision without waiting for the next census.
While reaffirming faith in the leadership of the State Government, TASU urged visible and timely action to ensure equitable opportunities for all marginalized sections of Naga society. It said it stands united with the Konyak Students’ Union and other like-minded organizations in advocating for justice, equity, and fair representation.
“We firmly believe that rationalizing the reservation policy on the basis of demographic strength is the only way to uplift the backward and disadvantaged sections of our society,” the Union declared.
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