Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Rengma Students’ Union today demanded the iclusion of the Rengmas in the ‘Backward category or Unrepresented Tribe’ and that it should be given certain Reservation in terms of job opportunity.
A press release issued by the President of the Rengma Students’ Union, Zentilo Tep, while reiterating the stand of the RSU on Reservation policy and demand for Job Reservation from the state government, said that the main purpose of ‘Reservation’ is to give a fair representation to every tribe in the government’s Service.
“The Rengma Students community and the Rengmas in general demands that Rengma tribe should be included in the Backward category or Unrepresented Tribe and that it should be given certain Reservation in terms of job opportunity” the release stated and added that it is high time that the government take corrective steps and re-examine the Reservation Policy. So that, no Tribes are bereft of their rights and have equal opportunity in the Government.
“A new Reservation Policy should be formulated immediately so that those tribes which are neglected can get their equal share in the Service under the state” stated the release.
The release mentioned that at present 80 percent of all Gazetted (Group A&B) post under the state government are reserved for Naga indigenous tribe of Nagaland; out of this, 33% is again reserved for the Backward Tribes viz: Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungam, Konyak, Phom, Pochury, Sangtam, Yimchunger and Zeliang.
The release lamented that out of the remaining 47% is open to all other Naga Tribes including Kuki, Kachari, Mikhir and Garos. Particularly, candidates from the tribes of Angami, Lotha, Rengma, Sema and Ao have a chance to compete only in this 47% Reserved for Indigenous Inhabitant categories. Rengma Tribe has been competing in this 47% Reserved Post since the past many years, stated the release.
“But unfortunately non of the Rengmas could come out in any NPSC Exam conducted from 1989 till 2004 (15 years)” the release lamented.
The release further said that in 2004, as per a Government notification, the Pochury tribe was included in the Backward Category, whereas the Rengmas though having similar status with insignificant representation in the services were denied of the benefits. This partial modification has been in existence till today, when it is clearly written in the Notification that it remains only upto 31st December, 1987, the release added.
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