Shillong, Feb 18: The Government of Meghalaya formally placed the Report of the Expert Committee on the State Reservation Policy on the Table of the House on 18th February 2026.
The Expert Committee was constituted pursuant to a notification issued by the Governor of Meghalaya on 12th September 2023 with a clearly defined mandate to:
- Study the existing Reservation Policy of 1972 and recommend modifications, if necessary;
- Undertake wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders across the State; and
- Submit its report and recommendations to the State Government within 12 months from the date of notification.
The constitution of the Committee reflected the Government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based policy review. The Committee engaged in extensive consultations with representatives of various tribes, communities, civil society organisations, employee associations, academic experts, student bodies, and other stakeholders. Written submissions were also invited and examined in detail before the finalisation of the Report.
Context and Scope of Review
The Reservation Policy of 1972 has been in operation in the State for over five decades and has played a significant role in shaping public employment and representation. In view of evolving socio-economic realities, judicial pronouncements, and representations received from different sections of society, the Government deemed it appropriate to undertake a structured review through an independent Expert Committee.
During the course of its deliberations, the Committee identified several key constitutional, administrative, and social questions requiring careful consideration. These included the principles governing the basis of reservation, the feasibility of sub-classification, the applicability of the creamy layer concept, the operation of the carry forward rule, the status of the 1972 Resolution, and the question of extending reservation to additional domains.
Major Findings and Recommendations
After exhaustive consultations and detailed analysis, the Committee has made the following key observations and recommendations:
- Basis of Reservation
The Committee has reaffirmed that reservation should not be determined solely on the basis of population proportions of any tribe or caste. It has emphasized that the primary constitutional considerations remain:
- Social and educational backwardness,
- Historical disadvantage or injustice, and
- Adequacy of representation in public services.
This position aligns with established constitutional principles and judicial precedents.
- Religion as a Criterion
The Committee has categorically clarified that reservation cannot be based on religion. The Constitution provides for affirmative action based on socio-economic backwardness and under-representation, and not on religious affiliation.
- Extension to Educational Institutions
While noting that extension of reservation to educational institutions was outside its formal mandate, the Committee has observed that the State Government may independently examine the issue, if deemed necessary, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
- Improvement of Educational Standards
With particular reference to Garo districts, the Committee has recommended that the State Government consider targeted interventions to enhance educational standards in these areas to promote long-term socio-economic development and improve competitiveness in public employment.
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
The Committee has not recommended extending EWS benefits to SC, ST, and OBC categories, observing that EWS constitutes a separate constitutional category distinct from the existing reserved groups.
- Carry Forward System
The Committee has supported the continuation of the “carry forward” provision under the 1972 Resolution. It has further recommended extending the carry forward period from one year to three years, noting that such extension has received judicial recognition and may help address backlog vacancies more effectively.
- Quota within Quota (Sub-Classification)
In light of the judgment of the Supreme Court in State of Punjab vs. Davinder Singh, the Committee has observed that sub-classification within reserved categories is legally permissible subject to collection of detailed, quantifiable data. It has recommended that the State Government take a considered decision on this matter after undertaking a comprehensive data-driven exercise.
- Creamy Layer Concept
The Committee has recommended that the State Government examine the introduction of the “creamy layer” principle, where constitutionally applicable, to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged sections within reserved categories.
- Reservation for Persons with Disabilities
The Committee has observed that adequate statutory provisions already exist under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the relevant Office Memorandums issued by the Government of Meghalaya. Accordingly, it has not proposed additional measures in this regard.
- Preference for Local Tribes in District Jobs
With respect to providing preference to residents of local districts in district-level Class C and D posts, the Committee has opined that such a measure is not administratively feasible in view of rural-urban migration patterns and demographic mobility. It has noted that the existing framework sufficiently addresses representation concerns.
- Status of the 1972 Resolution
The Committee has recognized the Resolution dated 12.01.1972 as a valid and operative reservation policy that has been consistently implemented for more than 50 years.
- Strict Implementation of Reservation Roster
The Committee has strongly emphasized the need for strict and transparent implementation of the reservation roster system to ensure fairness, compliance, and accountability in recruitment processes.
- Retention of the 1972 Policy
After examining all representations and stakeholder views, the Committee has recommended retaining the 1972 Reservation Policy in its present form. It has recorded that a majority of stakeholders supported continuation of the existing framework and that no compelling grounds presently exist for fundamental alteration.
Conclusion
The tabling of the Report marks an important step in reinforcing the principles of fairness, accountability, and inclusive development that guide public policy in the State, and the culmination of a comprehensive review process undertaken through structured consultations and detailed deliberations.
The findings and recommendations of the Expert Committee provide a documented reference point on the various constitutional, administrative, and social dimensions of the State’s reservation framework, as examined during the course of its mandate.
