Meghalaya CM to table updated reservation policy report in Assembly during Budget session

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the state’s updated report on its reservation policy will be presented in the Legislative Assembly during the upcoming Budget session, which is expected to start in mid-February.

The report proposes changes to the reservation system, covering quotas for major tribal communities, including the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo groups, along with provisions for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and unreserved categories.

80% of government jobs will be reserved for tribal groups, with Khasis and Garos each allocated 40% of the seats, under the proposed framework.

Other STs, SCs, and unreserved categories are also included in the policy.

The current reservation system, in place since 1972, is under review by an expert panel. The committee has examined demographic shifts and economic factors to ensure that the policy remains fair and equitable.

Its recommendations also cover representation for local candidates in district-level posts while maintaining strong tribal representation in the administration.

Speaking to reporters about the Cabinet discussions, Chief Minister Sangma said the expert committee’s findings will be formally tabled during the Budget session.

“Considering that the Budget session is proposed from mid-February, the Cabinet has decided it is appropriate to present the committee’s report at that time,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the government has suggested holding the Budget session from February 16 to 27, subject to approval from the Governor.

“We have submitted the proposed dates to the Governor and are awaiting his approval. Once the order is issued, the session will be formalised,” he added.

While the government has not shared the full details of the committee’s report, it confirmed that the document will be formally presented in the Assembly once the Budget session begins, following standard legislative procedures.