Why Are Five Prominent Naga Tribes Challenging the Nagaland Government's Job Quota Policy?
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Synopsis
The ongoing debate about job quotas in Nagaland intensifies as the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy rejects the government's decision to form a Job Reservation Commission. This article delves into the core issues and the implications for the Naga communities.
Key Takeaways
- 5 Tribes Committee demands a review of outdated reservation policy.
- Nagaland government forms a Job Reservation Commission, criticized by the committee.
- Job reservation policy has been in place for 48 years.
- Protests held to highlight the need for change.
- Calls for inclusivity and fairness in job quotas.
Kohima, Aug 7 (NationPress) The 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP), which has been advocating for a reassessment of the state's job reservation policy for several months, on Thursday dismissed the state cabinet's move to form a 7-member Job Reservation Commission (JRC).
An official statement revealed that during a meeting led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the state cabinet agreed to establish a 7-member JRC, to be chaired by an individual possessing integrity and administrative experience, selected from retired senior IAS officers of the Nagaland cadre.
The Commission is set to include one representative each from the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), alongside three official members: the administrative head of the Political and Administrative Reforms Department, the Home Commissioner, and the administrative leader of the Law and Justice Department.
In response to the Nagaland cabinet's decision, the CoRRP criticized it as a “repetition” of the June 12 resolution that inadequately addressed their fundamental concerns about the Backward Tribe (BT) reservation issue.
The committee expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s choice regarding the composition of the Reservation Review Commission, which now incorporates civil society organizations like the CNTC, the ENPO, and the TUN.
According to the CoRRP, the inclusion of these CSOs indicates a partisan approach, failing to genuinely engage with the issues raised by the 5 Tribes CoRRP, which is advocating for a review of the state’s 48-year-old reservation policy.
The CoRRP announced that they will soon convene a joint meeting with the apex bodies of the five involved tribes to determine their next steps.
According to the Naga organizations, the job reservation policy, established 48 years ago (since 1977), no longer accurately reflects the contemporary socio-economic and educational conditions of the diverse communities in Nagaland.
To bolster their demands, the Naga organizations executed two phases of protests: the first on May 29 through rallies across various district headquarters, followed by a second phase on July 9, where thousands from the five Naga tribes, donned in traditional attire, protested outside the Civil Secretariat.
Originally, a 25 percent reservation was designated for seven tribes in non-technical and non-gazetted positions for a decade. These tribes were classified as ‘backward’ based on educational and economic disadvantages, along with their limited representation in state services.
Over time, the reservation has escalated to 37 percent, consisting of 25 percent for the seven Eastern Nagaland backward tribes and 12 percent for four other backward tribes in the state.
The CoRRP comprises five Naga tribal organizations—the Angami Public Organisation, the Ao Senden, the Lotha Hoha, the Rengma Hoho, and the Sumi Hoho—representing the major tribes: Ao, Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, and Angami. They are calling for a reassessment of the state's reservation policy, which they characterize as imbalanced and outdated.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of the CoRRP's demands. Their call for a review reflects a broader concern about representation and equity among diverse tribal communities. The government must engage in constructive dialogue to address these longstanding issues to ensure a fair and inclusive reservation policy.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue raised by the 5 Tribes Committee?
The 5 Tribes Committee is demanding a comprehensive review of the state's job reservation policy, which they believe is outdated and does not reflect current socio-economic realities.
What was the government's response to the committee's demands?
The Nagaland government decided to form a Job Reservation Commission, which the committee has criticized as failing to address their core concerns.
How long has the job reservation policy been in place?
The job reservation policy has been in effect for 48 years, since 1977.
What are the key tribes involved in this issue?
The key tribes involved include the Ao, Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, and Angami tribes, represented by the CoRRP.
What are the outcomes the committee is seeking?
The committee is seeking a reassessment of the reservation policy to ensure it is balanced and adequately addresses the needs of all communities.
