Shillong, Feb 17: Meghalaya’s Cabinet has approved the tabling of the State Reservation Policy Report in the Assembly on February 18 during the ongoing Budget Session, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on February 17.
The report, which carries significant implications for tribal communities across the state, proposes changes in the allocation of government jobs and educational seats among the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities, as well as Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and unreserved categories.
At the core of the recommendations is a proposal to reserve 80 per cent of government job posts for Scheduled Tribes, with 40 per cent each earmarked for the Khasi and Garo communities. The framework also makes provisions for other ST/SC groups and the open category.
The existing reservation policy, in place since 1972, has faced criticism for not adequately reflecting Meghalaya’s evolving demographic and economic landscape. An expert committee reviewing the framework examined population data and financial considerations to assess whether the current structure remains equitable.
The committee’s recommendations also address representation for local candidates in district-level posts while seeking to preserve strong safeguards for tribal communities.
Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla confirmed the development on February 16 but refrained from disclosing details ahead of the Assembly presentation.
The report’s tabling is expected to trigger extensive debate, as reservation policy remains a politically sensitive issue in Meghalaya, where questions of tribal identity and equitable representation continue to shape public discourse.
