M’laya Job Reservation Policy Row: VPP chief A Basaiawmoit calls off hunger strike
First Published: 1st June, 2023 19:32 IST
VPP chief Ardent Bassaiawmoit who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since May 23, broke his fast today
The president of Meghalaya’s opposition party Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit called off his hunger strike today after the Conrad Sangma-led Meghalaya government announced the formation of an expert committee to review the State Job Reservation Policy.
Basaiawmoit began his fast on May 23.
Talking to the media, Bassaiawmoit said, “Since the state government has announced the formation of an expert committee to review the State Job Reservation Policy, we feel that we have achieved what we asked for and I feel that it is right on my path to call off the hunger strike.”
The development has come after the 12-member committee on the Reservation policy headed by Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh wrote to the Conrad Sangma-led Meghalaya government requesting the formation of an expert committee of legal and constitutional experts to review the Roster System and the Reservation Policy.
VPP on May 23 began its indefinite hunger strike as part of the party’s agitation against the Meghalaya government for its alleged “indifferent” and “adamant” attitude towards its demand to review the Reservation Policy.
The regional party has been firm on its stand on the Reservation Policy for government jobs in Meghalaya. The party feels the policy is not proportionate to the population. The party had reiterated that the base year of implementation must be 2021 or 2022 and not 1972.
Implementation of the Roster System in the State Reservation Policy retrospectively has turned into a political hot potato with many groups as well as political parties such as–Voice of the People Party (VVP), KHNAM, Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), the Khasi Students Union claiming that the roster system is flawed since it is detrimental to job seekers from the Khasi and Jaintia communities.
The roster system determines the reservation of posts for different categories. Since 1972, a total of 40% of state government positions have been set aside for the Garo and Khasi groups, 5% for other in-state tribes, and 15% for the general population.
Also Read: Meghalaya: All pol parties asked to justify their verbal suggestions on roster system within 15 days
Also Watch:
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Earthquake of Magnitude 4.8 Strikes Nepal
21st December 2024
Live Mizoram: Secondhand Serenade to Rock Aizawl’s Winter Festival with Emo Hits
20th December 2024
Live Shocker: Woman Receives Partially Decomposed Body in Parcel With Rs 1.3 Cr Demand Note
20th December 2024
Live Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal Urges Responsible Electricity Use Ahead of Festive Season
20th December 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Meghalaya Govt Has Made Significant Progress on Relocating Harijan Colony in Shillong: Dy CM Dhar
Dhar stated, "As it is a big issue, we are working on it and we will surely resolve it soon. We are very close to the final call."
20th December 2024
Meghalaya Dy CM Criticizes Congress for Withdrawing Support from NPP-Led KHADC Executive Committee
Sniawbhalang Dhar stated, “From the NPP we welcome all the parties to work together."
20th December 2024
Meghalaya: HSPDP announces first list of 8 candidates for KHADC, JHADC polls
Earlier last week, the United Democratic Party (UDP) announced its first list of 26 candidates for the upcoming elections.
20th December 2024
Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal Urges Responsible Electricity Use Ahead of Festive Season
The Minister cautioned that overloading the electrical system could result in transformer failures, leading to possible power supply disruptions.
20th December 2024
Indigenous Identity at Risk, NEIPF Urges NE MPs to Take Action to Stop Influx of Myanmar and Bangladesh Refugees into Northeast
The NEIPF is planning to meet all the CMs of the Northeastern states for meaningful discussions
19th December 2024