Department of Sociology, Baptist College Kohima and Sechü Campus organized its 2nd Sociological Dialogue on the topic “Rethinking Reservation Policy of Government Employment in Nagaland: Balancing Equity and Rights” on August 2 at the College premises with Renthungo C Humtsoe, Assistant Professor & Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, St. Joseph College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Kohima and Vingosale Chüzho, Educator as the speaker.
While acknowledging the fact that reservation policy in Nagaland has opened many doors, created pathways to education, employment and representation for the marginalized tribes, Humtsoe questioned the audience whether the reservation policy which has been in practice for the last 48 years in our state has truly yielded the fruits we desire.
He cautioned that Nagas should shed the mindset of defining advancement with the number of Government servants and rather than emphasizing on quotas through job reservation. “We can empower the marginalized communities through scholarship, better infrastructure and educational facilities, coaching centres and meeting the basic needs of the people,” he said.
Humtsoe asserted that what was relevant in the past may not be the same in the present. He commented that reservation should not be tribe based but need based which should uplift the disadvantaged communities without compromising fairness for everyone else.
Vengosale Chüzho presented her speech with an introduction to reservation policy, personal reflection and suggestions/solutions to review the policy. She opined that reservation is much needed for some sections of the society however the prolonged existing policy should be reviewed by taking into account statistical data, socio-economic condition of the people and introducing tribe wise sub quota.
Chüzho lamented that the delay in reforming the policy may breed resentment and is denying justice to the citizens.
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Vincent Kent, HoD of the department delivered the welcome address, a special song was presented by T Yemchühenla from BA 3rd Semester and the session was moderated by Dr Videkhono Yhokha, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology. Dr. Yhokha deliberated on the background of the reservation policy and the sequences of events that followed since its inception stressing on the reform movement initiated particularly by the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP).
The dialogue concluded with an interaction and Q & A session with the resource persons. Sociology major students of 3rd and 5th semester and teaching faculty from both the campuses attended the program and actively participated in the interaction.
