The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog
Zhekheli Zhimomi: Ever since the Konyak, Chakhesang, Chang, Yimchunger, Phom, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Pochury and Zeliang tribes were placed under backward category, the state Government irresponsibly has slept over it for decades without any review. Backward tribe status/quotas are provided for a specified time frame, keeping in view the advancement of that particular class of people or community and on review from time to time of their progress, the classification has to be done away with. Commendably, Nagas have seen the growth of all the 9 backward tribes, however, of all the tribes, Chakhesangs happens to be the most progressive tribe. Not only has the tribe excelled in all the fields, but even in the state's highest NPSC competitive exams, they always figure on merit list, and by now, clubbing the Chakhesang tribe as backward tribe has become very embarrassing, and frankly, so also giving them backward quota in matters of employment having become unfair amongst equals. Recently, when this subject was brought up in a random discussion with some Chakhesang friends, they too honestly agreed that the state government needs to review the classification of backward tribes by now...! But is the state government even aware if it?
Why...if we look at the yearly NPSC qualifying data, sadly, the so called advance(d) SUMI tribe have become more backward than the so called backward tribes...having bypassed from both sides of the coin: merit plus backward quota, and at the end of the day, though neither here nor there, superficially, still proud to be tagged as meaningless ADVANCE TRIBE!!! No pun intended...
Vikashe Swu: Forget the Chakhesang Tribe, the system of Backward Tribes Quota should be completely scrapped once and for all. All the citizens of Nagaland already fall under the ST category, as recognized by the Govt. of India. For that matter look at any competitive/entrance exams at the National level, there is General/ST/SC/OBC/PH category. It's almost like "Backward quota" within the ST category. Instead the Govt. of Nagaland should focus on improving the infrastructure/education/human resources in all economically backward areas of Nagaland, and slowly phase out this system of 'Backward reservation'. Colo Mero: NAGA MESS: All the tribes have both ADVANCED and BACKWARD people. Perhaps not BT (Backward Tribe) but BF (Backward Family) type of quota may be introduced if found befitting. We find the BT quota in the State demeaning but most of us will hope and fight for the same at the UPSC level.
Given the wrong practices in our society, Nagas can conveniently become 'Backward' or 'Advanced', 'Young or Old', 'Under 14 or above 18', 'Educated or Uneducated', 'Village or Town'.... all on the basis of where the funds or benefits are with total disregard to our actual status. Eg. An 18 year old in Nagaland becomes 14 in order to play 'U-14 Subroto Cup' and a 14 year old becomes 18 or even more to be listed in the Electoral Roll. 40/50 year olds claiming to be 60/70+ to get old age pension, Village becoming Town to receive town funds and Towns listed as Village to get VDB funds, etc.
Ideally, we need no quota thing if the present day Government, both Centre and State, will do their bid in all fairness and justice because there are schemes and programs to benefit every citizen. Sophy Lasuh Kesiezie: The whole BT issue itself is a mess. Guidelines of who is eligible instead of which Tribe gets BT needs to be clearly defined. For example, Miss A is a Chakhesang and has studied in Delhi, done her graduation from US and then returns to Nagaland to sit for NPSC and gets it from BT quota. This is unfair.
The Quota system cannot be done away with too. But perhaps it can go through some changes or modification. For example, candidates can only sit for NPSC or other state exams when they have done their schooling from Nagaland. Equal measure can be given for BT. Only those who have done their schooling from rural areas can qualify for BT quota.
But after all is said and done, why are we all so obsessed with NPSC? As it is, there are over 75,000 excess government employees. Why wait until you are 30 to find out that NPSC is not for you? And if we are to go by demography, our life expectancy is about 67 years only. So in short, you've wasted about half your life trying to crack NPSC! Start early, work, earn, save, make mistakes while you are young so that by 30, you can say you've lived half your life! And if you are smart, you'll probably have had a career too. Kleoz D Tetseo: I'm a Chakhesang. Believe me I'm from economically and educationally very bad background, my parents don't understand a single word of English. They sold our plot, fields and borrowed money for me to acquire literary education. The story goes like that.
The truth is myself getting job through NPSC exam would be great honour but there are thousands who needed the quota more than I do. As obvious by inspection, fortunately both you and I have the ideas and the knowledge to work to survive elsewhere without NPSC. Now let me give my views about your post and BT quota. Pardon my judgement but most I can see from comments and main post is hatred and envious feeling on others; he/she of your similar status quo got job or passed through because of quota but you were left submerge which is very disappointing and unfair. We had been discussing BT status over and over in the past which was inconclusive every time. The existing system cannot just change, as you can see, many egalitarian voices; this BT status need to exist, and it cannot be terminated soon for reasons put up above plus more to add up. You cannot deny the facts that thousands of our brothers & sisters need the quota: the privilege, for the equality of humanity. For your selfish gain or covetousness you cannot argue to cease the system by reading behind your comfort desk that someone of your similar background got job/ passed exam through quota (which is indeed unfair). The government/court won't terminate this system without good reasons.
Many of us here would agree with me on BT quota system, the one who run government: the system are outdated people like an old scorched tree trunk. All they know is they cannot just take away the little piece of ping pong sweet that keep thousands of mouths shut also give tiny hope to thousands of helpless, but the bitter thing is truly deserving helpless fellows are not getting it consequently the goal is not improving to expectation. So, instead of fighting and debating here endlessly, let us fight to bring solution for those who really deserve the quota. Let us bring out statistical analysis of facts and reassess the system for all needing the privilege including every community or tribe, the people who are far lacking economically and educationally behind you and me. Let us fight to give the good fortune opportunity to those who truly deserve, who don't even have the knowledge or can't afford to access what we are discussing here. [Erg :P I started learning English since class A but still struggling to write up properly. I hope readers can speculate out what I'm saying]
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Naga Blog.
