Context
A long-standing job reservation policy in Nagaland, introduced in 1977 to uplift educationally and economically backward tribes, has come under renewed scrutiny. An alliance of five relatively advanced tribes has sought a review or abolition of the 48-year-old system, triggering political tension and social division across the State.
Key Highlights
- Current Framework:
Nagaland reserves 80% of all State government posts for indigenous Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Within this, 37% of non-technical and non-gazetted posts are earmarked for Backward Tribes (BTs).
Quota Split: 25% for seven BTs from eastern Nagaland, and 12% for four others. - Demand for Review:
The Five Tribes Committee (CoRRP)—representing advanced tribes—argues that the BT quota no longer mirrors current socio-economic realities, as educational and income disparities have narrowed. - Government Action:
The State constituted a seven-member Job Reservation Commission (JRC) on September 22, 2025 to study the policy. However, disputes over the name, composition, and mandate of the body have stalled progress.
Significance
- Background and Rationale (1977 Policy):
The quota was originally designed to correct regional imbalances and provide fair opportunities to tribes historically left behind in education and public employment. It introduced a “reservation within reservation” model among Scheduled Tribes—unique to Nagaland’s context. - The Review Demands:
CoRRP insists that the 1977 classification is outdated and seeks:
- A redistribution of the unreserved 20% posts among “advanced” tribes, or
- A complete phase-out of the BT quota after a socio-economic re-assessment.
- Government’s Cautious Response:
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton announced that a comprehensive review would only follow the 2027 Census, allowing time for fresh socio-economic data. The government has attempted to balance reform with political sensitivity, mindful of potential protests from eastern Nagaland’s BT communities. - Stalemate and Allegations:
The CoRRP criticised the inclusion of members linked to BT organisations, questioning the neutrality of the JRC. It also opposed the renaming of the proposed “Reservation Review Commission” to “Job Reservation Commission,” viewing it as a dilution of mandate aimed at avoiding a full-scale review. - Political and Social Implications:
Reservation in Nagaland intersects with tribal identity, regional autonomy, and equitable representation, making any reform politically volatile. The dispute reflects broader questions of intra-tribal equity and changing definitions of backwardness in a post-colonial tribal society.
Key Concepts
- Affirmative Action:
Policy instruments designed to promote equality of opportunity for historically disadvantaged groups through quotas or preferential treatment. - Reservation Within Reservation:
The sub-classification of reserved benefits among different groups within a larger reserved category to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities. - Socio-Economic Indicators:
Metrics like literacy rate, per-capita income, access to education, and job representation used to evaluate the level of development or backwardness of a community.