SHILLONG, FEB 25: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has made it clear that it will not accept the expert committee’s recommendation to maintain the status quo on Meghalaya’s job reservation policy.
VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party is “not satisfied and not happy” with the recommendation and intends to push for changes during discussions with the government.
“We are not at all satisfied and we are not going to accept the recommendation in its original form,” Basaiawmoit told reporters after raising the issue in the Assembly.
He questioned whether the government would consider the party’s views before formally adopting the recommendation.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma earlier informed the House that he is open to discussions with legislators — an assurance Basaiawmoit welcomed.
“I am sure you must have heard that the chief minister is willing to discuss with us one on one… we will go by that first,” he said, adding that the party will explore further options to ensure its concerns are addressed seriously.
Delay Raises Suspicion
Basaiawmoit criticised the eight-month delay between the committee’s submission and the government’s response, stating that the gap made the party “suspicious,” though he clarified that VPP does not want to “criticise too much.”
Tribal Identity & Regional Comparison
Framing the issue around Meghalaya’s tribal identity, Basaiawmoit noted that most tribal states in the Northeast have reservation levels exceeding 80 percent.
“The chief minister has admitted Meghalaya is a tribal state… even the Supreme Court has said tribal states cannot be placed on the same footing as others,” he said, adding he remains hopeful the government will take a bold step.
Public Consultation Planned
The VPP said it will consult the public while continuing discussions with the government.
“The people of the state have been the main stakeholders in this agitation… we shall go to the people, explain, and seek their opinion,” Basaiawmoit stated.
47% Reservation Demand
Defending the party’s demand for 47% reservation for Khasi-Jaintia communities, he said the proposal reflects pressure faced by educated and qualified youth and is a “reasonable ratio.”
The party has indicated it will not rush to set deadlines but will pursue dialogue and explore further options to achieve its objective.