Shillong, March 15: BJP legislator AL Hek said 40 per cent reservation should be given to the marginalised section from among the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities besides the 40 per cent normal reservation.
Taking part in the discussion on resolution regarding the review of reservation policy, Hek said the BPL families, job card holders, Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, single parents and domestic workers deserve 40 per cent reservation.
Currently, 40 per cent is reserved for Khasi-Jaintia, 40 per cent for Garos, 15 per cent for general category and the remaining 5 for other STs and SCs .
The resolution to review the state reservation policy tabled by Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum was defeated by voice vote on Tuesday.
Nongrum wanted the government to review the policy as it is unequal.
The resolution was put to vote after Nongrum announced his decision not to withdraw the resolution.
Earlier while requesting the MLA to withdraw the resolution, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that these issues are far more sensitive than what meets the eye.
“Keeping the sensitivity of the issue in mind…I request the member to withdraw this resolution,” he said.
Sangma said Meghalaya was created as a separate state in 1972 and it was found there was a need for framing a policy for adequate representation of various communities in the public administration of the state.
He added that the state government adopted the present policy after thorough examination, discussion and due consideration of the Article 164 of the Constitution which states “Nothing in this Article shall prevent the state from making any provision for reservation of appointment or posts in favour of any backward class citizens which in the opinion of the state is not adequately represented in the services under the state”
Highlighting that the existing reservation policy has withstood the test of time since 1972, Sangma said with the completion of 50th year of statehood, the reservation policy has worked well to the benefit of the communities of the state who are serving in the different departments and agencies of the government.
“The matter as a whole is complex and sensitive in nature which needs to be tackled judiciously and thoughtfully being a policy matter,” he said.
Earlier while participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma said the issues confronting the people of the state can always be discussed within the ruling conglomeration and opposition. “This is the usual and healthy practice,” he said.
