The political landscape in Meghalaya is currently focused on a document of unprecedented scale. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently confirmed that the state government is meticulously examining the 200 kg report on job reservation policy. This voluminous submission, prepared by an Expert Committee, spans nearly 5,000 pages. Because of its sheer size and sensitive nature, the government is taking extra care before making the contents public.
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A Logistical and Administrative Challenge
The sheer physical weight of the document has become a major talking point in Shillong. During a recent press interaction, the Chief Minister revealed that the government needed a special vehicle to transport the files. “We could not even bring it on a flight because it is so big,” Sangma explained. This 200 kg report on job reservation policy represents years of research, public hearings, and legal analysis.
Currently, senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, are reviewing the document line by line. The government insists on this level of detail because the reservation policy is a highly sensitive subject. According to the Chief Minister, even a single misplaced comma or a minor wording change could significantly alter the legal interpretation of the findings. Consequently, the administration refuses to rush the review process.
Why the 1972 Policy is Under Review
The Expert Committee, led by retired Justice Mool Chand Garg, began its work in 2023. The primary goal was to re-evaluate the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy of 1972. For decades, this policy has allocated 40 percent of jobs to the Khasi-Jaintia community and 40 percent to the Garo community.
However, various groups, including the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), have called for a “relook.” They argue that the policy should better reflect current demographic realities and economic needs. As a result, the 200 kg report on job reservation policy contains a diverse range of suggestions. These include:
- Status Quo: Arguments for maintaining the existing 40-40 split.
- Population-Based Changes: Proposals to adjust quotas based on the latest census data.
- Economic Criteria: Suggestions to introduce sub-categories for families below the poverty line (BPL).
- Merit-Based Systems: Requests for a combined quota for all major tribes based on merit.
Pressure from Political and Student Groups
Despite the government’s explanation for the delay, opposition groups are growing restless. VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has issued several warnings to the administration. He pointed out that several months have passed since the committee submitted its findings in mid-2025. He believes the government is using the “weight of the report” as an excuse to delay transparency.
Similarly, the KSU recently demanded the immediate release of the 200 kg report on job reservation policy. KSU President Lambokstar Marngar stated that a policy matter does not need to be as long as the Constitution of India. However, the Chief Minister maintains that the complexity of the issue justifies the length. He assured the public that once the Cabinet reviews the final summary, the state will release the report without delay.
Ensuring a Balanced and Legal Outcome
The state government is treading carefully to avoid future legal battles. In the past, reservation policies across India have faced challenges in the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Therefore, the 200 kg report on job reservation policy includes a detailed study of legal ramifications for every proposed change.
Minister Paul Lyngdoh also mentioned that the report is not uniform. It contains points that favor the status quo as well as fresh perspectives. The government holds the discretion to accept or reject these recommendations. However, they aim for a balanced outcome that satisfies all ethnic stakeholders in Meghalaya.
A Milestone in Meghalaya’s Governance
In summary, the 200 kg report on job reservation policy is a landmark document that could redefine the future of employment in the state. While the physical scale of the report is surprising, its content is far more significant. It represents a collective effort to address long-standing grievances and update a policy that is over half a century old.
Ultimately, the people of Meghalaya are waiting for a decision that promotes both equity and social harmony. Once the Chief Secretary and the Cabinet finish their scrutiny, the findings will finally see the light of day. For now, the “heavyweight” task of reform remains in the hands of the state’s top administrators.
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