The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) has criticised Gambegre MLA Saleng Sangma’s suggestion to merge the job reservation quotas for the Garo and Khasi-Jaiñtia communities.
Yesterday, Sangma said he welcomed discussions on the divisive subject of the job reservation policy and roster system but said that there should be no division between the Garo and Khasi-Jaiñtia tribes.
Currently, each community has 40 per cent reservation in government jobs. Saleng suggested that these two quotas be merged and that the best among the Garos and Khasi-Jaintias should compete for the 80 per cent.
Today, ACHIK disagreed with the idea of a merger, questioning the basis and the reasoning for the suggestion. It added that it stands by the status quo as any amendment could open a Pandora’s Box.
The organisation also mockingly thanked Voice of the People Party (VPP) leader and Nongkrem MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit for taking up the cause of reviewing the reservation policy, saying that it has united the Garo community in pushing for the status quo. It also suggested that such a review will only hurt the tribals of the state as the courts are likely to find fault with any reservation above 50 per cent.
