Shillong, Sep 8: The Meghalaya government has said it will thoroughly examine the voluminous report submitted by the Expert Committee on the State Reservation Policy.
MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stressed that the report is voluminous, far-reaching, and cannot be rushed. He said the cabinet has received the committee’s report, which runs into “several thousands of pages”.
Lyngdoh told reporters that the government had taken cognizance of its contents and would now subject it to detailed examination before reaching any conclusion.
The committee on the state reservation policy headed by Justice (Retd) M.C. Garg was notified on September 12, 2023 to review the existing reservation policy as existing in the State of Meghalaya. The current framework provides for 40 per cent reservation each for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities, 5 per cent for other Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, and 15 per cent for the unreserved category.
“Now we are at a stage where the report has just been received. We have taken cognizance of the report and we will formulate a stand as a cabinet on the various recommendations,” Lyngdoh said.
The chief secretary had briefed the cabinet on the document, but ministers, Lyngdoh added, still had questions, concerns, and areas needing clarity.
He said legal implications will also be carefully examined and reiterated that the government’s ultimate goal is a “balanced outcome” that reflects the interests of all stakeholders.
