The long-standing job reservation policy in Nagaland is facing intense scrutiny and protest from the Five Tribes Core Committee on Reservation and Reform Policy (CoRRP). On Wednesday, the CoRRP staged a significant sit-in protest outside the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima, demanding a review and eventual scrapping of the state’s nearly five-decade-old policy. Nagaland’s Job Reservation Policy Under Fire, organized demonstration highlights deep-seated concerns about fairness, equality, and the policy’s prolonged, unreviewed implementation.
The CoRRP, representing the Angami, Ao, Sumi, Lotha, and Rengma tribes, argues that the Nagaland Reservation Policy, in place for 48 years, was originally conceived as a temporary measure to uplift “backward tribes.” CoRRP convener Tesinlo Semy emphasized that while the policy initially served its purpose, enabling several tribes to progress, its indefinite extension since a “vague notification” in 1989 has led to significant imbalances. The policy, he stated, was meant to be reviewed every 10 years, a crucial provision that has been consistently ignored.
Over the years, multiple committees were formed by the state government to review the policy, including the Bano Committee, which reportedly concluded that at least two “backward tribes” no longer met the criteria for reservation benefits. However, as Semy highlighted, these reports have remained “shelved and unimplemented,” fuelling frustration among the protesting tribes.
The grievances articulated by the CoRRP are multifaceted and deeply impact the socio-economic fabric of the state. Key concerns include: Indefinite Duration Without Review: The primary contention is the policy’s nearly five-decade-long existence without any meaningful review, despite initial intentions for periodic assessments. Internal Reservation System Leading to Discrimination: The current framework, which classifies tribes into “Backward” and “Advanced,” is seen as inherently discriminatory, especially given that all tribes in Nagaland are listed as Scheduled Tribes. Lack of Creamy Layer Exclusion: The absence of a “creamy layer” exclusion allows individuals from affluent backgrounds within reserved categories to repeatedly benefit, thereby disadvantaging others who may be more in need. Age Relaxations and Cut-Off Mark Discrepancies: These provisions, intended to aid certain groups, are seen as creating an uneven playing field and disadvantaging qualified candidates from the five protesting tribes. Backlog of Reserved Posts: There are reported instances where reserved posts, particularly in the education sector, remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants from the reserved quota, while qualified candidates from the five tribes are denied opportunities.
CoRRP member secretary GK Zhimomi further underscored that the policy has created inequality by enabling “repeated benefits for certain groups.” He passionately argued that reservation should be based on economic and social needs, rather than solely on tribal classification, pointing out that economic hardship exists across all tribes, regardless of their “backward” or “advanced” designation.
The protesting tribes feel a strong sense of betrayal from the state government. Tesinlo Semy recalled a joint meeting on June 3, 2025, where the five tribes were assured of a decision on forming a commission within a fortnight and subsequent action within a month. Yet, “more than a month has passed. There is no notification, no update, and no action.”
Adding to their frustration, the government is reportedly citing the upcoming population census in 2027 as a reason for further delay, an excuse also used in 2022. “Are we expected to sit quietly for another three or four years?” Semy questioned, emphasizing that “48 years is enough. The time to act is now.”
The CoRRP clarified that while a commission was announced by the government, it was never their core demand. Their demands are clear: either scrap the reservation policy entirely or fairly allocate the remaining unreserved quota to the five tribes.
The one-day sit-in protest, while symbolic, was a powerful display of unity and resolve. Tesinlo Semy affirmed that the gathering was driven by “conviction,” not anger, with the intention to “restore fairness,” not create division. He stressed that a decision on their demands could be made by the state cabinet without delay if there was “genuine political will.”
The CoRRP expressed deep gratitude to the participating apex tribal bodies, youth, and student organizations from the Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi tribes for their “unstinted support and presence.” The Angami Students’ Union was particularly acknowledged for its logistical arrangements. The success of the protest, according to a press release from Semy and Zhimomi, “reaffirmed their commitment to pursue the core demands.”
While the protest was peaceful, CoRRP member secretary GK Zhimomi issued a stark warning: if the government fails to take action upon Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s return from abroad, the agitation “could become indefinite.” The message is clear: the time for deliberation is over; the time for decisive action is now. Nagaland’s Job Reservation Policy Under Fire, The five tribes of Nagaland are united in their call for a reservation policy that truly reflects justice, equality, and merit, ensuring a fair future for all.