Dr Ato proposes 50:50 quota split to check misuse

NPP legislator Dr. Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso, speaking on the final day of the seventh session of the Assembly, raised concerns over the State’s reservation policy.
Citing a DIPR report, he said despite 48 years of implementation, underprivileged sections within both Advanced and Backward Tribes continue to face limited access to opportunities. He argued that benefits are largely cornered by the “creamy layer” of urban elites and urged the government to ensure equitable distribution.
In this regard, he suggested the following:

1. Introduction of two categories—General Category (GC) for the well-off sections of ATs and the creamy layer of BTs, and Reserved Category (RC) for underprivileged sections of both ATs and BTs, with government-framed criteria for classification.
2. A 50:50 allocation between GC and RC.
3. Applicants to be allowed to choose between GC or RC, where GC applicants would require minimal scrutiny, while RC applicants may sign a declaration bond.
4. Provision for ATs and BTs to create sub-reservation within their respective categories.
5. Results of NSSB and NPSC to be declared strictly on merit, but distributed on a 50/50 basis between GC and RC.
6. In case of backlog vacancies, if a reserved seat remained unfilled by a particular tribe, it should be passed on to the next tribe in line to ensure timely opportunities and avoid cases of overage.
7. Reservation quota to be availed only once in a lifetime by an individual.
8. No reservation for professional services through NPSC/NSSB if the candidate had already availed RC quota earlier, such as during JEE, NEET or higher technical studies.