The Meghalaya government has issued a notification for setting up an all-party committee, headed by Law Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, to discuss the implementation of the job reservation roster system in the state.
Governor Phagu Chauhan issued the order in this regard yesterday.
Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) President Ardent M Basaiawmoit, who is on an indefinite fast since May 23 seeking review of the reservation policy, was included in the committee.
However, the VPP rejected its inclusion in the committee.
“Bah Ardent has refused to be part of the committee. There is no point talking about the roster system because the party and the people wants a review of the reservation policy,” VPP leader Ricky Syngkon said.
Since 1972, 40 per cent of the state government jobs are reserved for the Garo and Khasi communities each. Another five per cent is reserved for other tribes residing in the state while the remaining 15 per cent are for the general category.
The constituted committee comprises of members from all the political parties of the state. These included — Zenith Sangma from AITC, HM Shangpliang from BJP, Augustine Marak of GNC, Methodius Dkhar of HSPDP, Ronnie V Lyngdoh of INC, Pyndapborthiaw Saibon of KHNAM, Dr WR Kharlukhi of NPP, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar of UDP and Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit of VPP.
Meghalaya Chief Secretary, the Commissioner and Secretary of Personnel & AR (B) Department are selected as member secretaries.
The committee is tasked to finalise the implementation of the Reservation Roster and to submit its recommendation to the state government within 15 days of the constitution of the committee.
“The Committee may co-opt any member to take part in the proceedings of the Committee if felt necessary,” the notification said.
