Naga tribes to resume protest against Nagaland’s job reservation policy

The Committee on Review Reservation Policy (CRRP), comprising five major Naga tribes — Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi — has announced a renewed protest against the existing job reservation policy in Nagaland from July 9, 2025. The protest demands a review of the reservation framework, in place since 1977, which currently benefits 11 “backward” Naga tribes, including those in Eastern Nagaland.

Background: Nagaland’s Reservation Policy

• In 1977, Nagaland introduced a reservation policy providing job quotas in government services for 11 Naga tribes deemed “backward.”

• In 1989, the State government issued an order continuing the reservation indefinitely, without periodic review.

• Despite calls for reassessment, the policy has remained unchanged for nearly five decades.

Demands of the Protesting Tribes

• Review the policy to reflect current socio-economic and educational conditions.

• Emphasize equity and fairness among tribes, especially those who believe their development status has been underrepresented or misrepresented.

• The Committee clarifies that it is not against reservation itself, but demands rationalisation based on updated data.

Government Response

• Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton initially assured a review commission would be constituted by June 17, 2025.

• However, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio later stated on July 2 that:

• The issue is “very detailed” and requires time.

• Any administrative change, including reservation reform or delimitation, should ideally follow the 2027 Census.

Why This Matters: Key Issues at Stake

1. Equity Among Tribes:

• Some tribes feel left out of benefits despite similar or worse socio-economic conditions.

• Others argue that those categorized as “backward” have advanced significantly, making the current classification outdated.

2. Lack of Periodic Review:

• Reservation systems are generally meant to be dynamic, with regular reviews to assess their continuing relevance.

• Failure to reassess creates inequities and perceptions of permanent entitlements.

3. Political Sensitivity in Tribal Regions:

• Any reclassification can trigger inter-tribal tensions and identity-based grievances, especially in ethnically diverse states like Nagaland.

Wider Implications

A. For Reservation Policy Nationally:

• Highlights the need for periodic data-based review of reservation policies across India.

• Raises a broader question: Should caste/tribal-based reservations expire or evolve as socio-economic conditions improve?

B. For Governance in the Northeast:

• Shows how tribal autonomy, ethnic politics, and affirmative action intersect in complex ways.

• Delays in administrative action can risk social unrest and loss of trust in democratic processes.

Challenges Ahead

• Balancing tribal sensitivities while ensuring fair distribution of state resources.

• Collecting reliable data in a region with logistical and infrastructural challenges.

• Managing political fallout if the review leads to withdrawal or reallocation of quotas.

Way Forward

1. Constitute a Statutory Commission:An independent body with tribal representation should be formed to assess socio-economic indicators and make recommendations.

2. Conduct a Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC):A state-specific SECC could inform policy better than the decadal Census.

3. Ensure Transparent Deliberation:Make the commission’s findings public and involve all stakeholders in decision-making to avoid unrest.

4. Short-Term Confidence-Building Measures:Continue dialogue, and possibly freeze new quota decisions until 2027, but start the review process now.

Conclusion

The agitation by the major Naga tribes reflects a long-standing demand for rationalisation of affirmative action policies in Nagaland. It illustrates the broader challenges India faces in balancing social justice with dynamic realities. A timely, data-driven, and consultative approach is the only viable path forward to maintain both equity and harmony in a complex tribal society.

UPSC Mains Practice Question 

Ques: The prolonged application of the reservation policy in Nagaland without periodic review has led to inter-tribal discontent and calls for reform. Critically examine the challenges and implications of maintaining static affirmative action policies in dynamic socio-economic contexts. Suggest a way forward for inclusive and equitable governance in tribal-dominated states.(250 Words)