Nagaland: Rhütso calls for reforms in reservation policy

The New Reserve Youth Organization (NRYO) on Tuesday commenced its silver jubilee cum sports meet at the Police Drill Shed, New Reserve, Phesama, under the theme “Honouring the past, embracing the society.”
Addressing the programme, MLA of 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso stressed the need for reforms in the existing reservation policy, stating that its benefits were largely being availed by the so-called creamy layer instead of genuinely underprivileged and voiceless sections of society. He questioned whether the policy was truly benefiting the deserving, observing that well-to-do individuals from reserved categories, including children of officers and senior officials residing in urban centres, continued to corner reservation benefits.
Highlighting disparities, Rhütso pointed out that several Angami families and other non-reserved tribes continued to struggle economically despite being excluded from reservation benefits. He suggested that the creamy layer within reserved communities be excluded and genuinely disadvantaged individuals from unreserved categories be included, adding that a properly strategized reservation policy could help achieve social parity within 10 to 20 years.
The MLA also emphasised inclusivity, stating that the 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency belonged to all communities, tribes and religions and not to any one group alone. He expressed hope that if the constituency could set an example of unity and cooperation, it could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
Speaking on the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre (CMMOT), Rhütso highlighted the initiative’s success in reaching remote areas of the state. He informed that in the past 11 months, the CMMOT had visited 21 health centres and conducted over 1,000 surgeries, with plans to cover 25 locations by January 26, marking its first anniversary.
Describing the silver jubilee as a significant milestone, Rhütso called for unity, forgiveness, dedication and consistency, and encouraged youths to believe that their future was not predetermined by their parents’ socio-economic status.
Nagaland Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, IPS, who attended the programme as guest of honour, expressed concern over the deteriorating road conditions in the Police New Reserve Colony. He noted that despite the area housing police personnel and institutions such as the State Cattle Breeding Farm and Police Engineering Unit, road infrastructure had remained in a dilapidated state for several years due to inadequate funding. He assured that efforts would be made to explore alternative funding sources, including CSR initiatives and donors.
Sharma also cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands and urged them to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies in dealing with crime. He further stressed the need to collectively address substance abuse and appealed to the public to support the police by reporting information related to liquor and drug use.
In his presidential address, NRYO president Vikuosalie Zashümo stated that the jubilee theme reflected the philosophy of learning from the past to shape a positive future by preserving heritage and transforming past experiences into practical insights.
Greetings were delivered by New Reserve Panchayat chairman Vikehiekho Kintso, who described the colony as peaceful and encouraged residents to work collectively for its welfare. Greetings were also extended by New Reserve Women Organization chairperson Avuno Vizol Liezietsu and first NRYO president James Liezietsu.
Rev. Tho-o Neihu of Nagamese Union Christian Revival Church pronounced a special prayer for the youths. Earlier, the jubilee monolith was unveiled at the New Reserve Panchayat Hall. Cultural presentations, including a male voice performance and jubilee choir, marked the highlights of the programme.