TYCM memo to Guv urges clarity on quota rules
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 05 2025: Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has urged the Governor to rectify a decade-old reservation policy, arguing that ambiguous wording undermines tribal representation in government employment.

In a representation submitted on March 3, the TYCM demanded the replacement of the term "may" with "shall" in a 2014 state notification related to reservation rules, stressing that the current language perpetuates systemic inequities for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The appeal targets a November 14, 2014, notification (No 9/6/2007-SC/ST/OBC/DP (Pt)) issued by the deputy secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

The notification stipulates that in services with only three sanctioned posts, the third post "may" be automatically reserved for ST candidates if the 200-point Reservation Roster is not applied.

However, the TYCM contends that the non-binding term "may" renders the provision discretionary, allowing authorities to bypass mandatory reservations and depriving ST candidates of guaranteed opportunities.

"The word 'may' weakens enforcement and suppresses tribal rights, violating constitutional principles of equality," the TYCM reasoned, and emphasised that reservation policies must be "clear, precise, and binding" to ensure equitable representation.

The council highlighted longstanding grievances over denial of reserved seats in government recruitments, citing the ambiguity as a key factor in the underrepresentation of Manipur's tribal communities.

The 2014 notification amended the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Rules, 2011, which aim to secure ST quotas.

However, the TYCM contended that the vague phrasing has led to inconsistentimplementation, exacerbating unemployment among tribal youths.

"This terminology demolishes the rightful seat reservation of Manipur's tribal communities," the representation added.

The council then urged the Governor to expedite corrections to the policy, and expressed hope for a swift resolution to uphold tribal rights.

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