Reservation policy to be reviewed after census, says Nagaland Chief Minister

KOHIMA — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that a review of the almost 50-year-old reservation policy for ‘Backward Tribes’ in the state will be undertaken only after the completion of the census.

The statement was made on the first day of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Monsoon session on Tuesday, in response to a question raised by Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Achumbemo Kikon regarding job reservation in the state.

Rio, who also holds the portfolio for Personnel and Administrative Reforms, said the cabinet had discussed the need to revisit the reservation policy and acknowledged that the review can be done only after proper census is carried out.

Currently, the census is delayed due to unsettled court cases by some tribes, he informed.

The reservation policy for Backward Tribes (BT) in Nagaland was implemented in 1977, initially allocating a 25% quota for seven tribes in non-technical and non-gazetted posts for a period of 10 years. These tribes were designated as ‘Backward’ based on their educational and economic disadvantage and limited representation in state services.

This reservation has since increased to 37%, with 25% for the seven eastern Naga BT tribes and 12% for four other BT tribes.

Reservation for BT is made on the basis of the respective tribe and not on the basis of population or geographical area of the tribe, with the exception of the Sumis of Kiphire, where both factors are considered.

There is no specific duration for reservation for the backward tribes, he added.

Meanwhile, MLA Kikon argued against prolonged backwardness and emphasised the need for progress. He also questioned the current quota distribution among backward tribes, stating that there are disparities within the reserved categories.

He suggested that the state government identify economically disadvantaged areas and ‘creamy layer’ groups within the reserved categories to ensure opportunities reach the most deserving individuals.

Unless the state government brings a practical solution and proper rationalisation on the matter, there is going to be a huge problem, Kikon maintained.

In a clarification, Rio also stated that a general 80% job reservation for all indigenous Scheduled Tribes in Nagaland has been in place since July 26, 1967, with no specified end date.

This was revised in 1973, earmarking 100% reservation for non-technical Grade III and IV posts and 80% for all other posts for recognised indigenous Scheduled Tribes, including Naga tribes, Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikhir.

The chief minister reiterated that job reservations are generally allocated based on tribal affiliation rather than geographical districts, except for the Sumis of Kiphire.

Additionally, the state upholds job reservations for Persons with Disabilities as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and provides reservations for accomplished sportspersons.