Meghalaya Assembly Resolutely Rejects Non-Creamy Layer Reservation Bill, Sparking Outcry

On August 27, the Meghalaya Assembly rejected the Meghalaya Reservation for Non-Creamy Layer of Scheduled Tribes (in State Reservation Policy) Bill, 2024, through a voice vote. The Bill was proposed by Adelbert Nongrum, a legislator from the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) representing North Shillong.

Following the vote, Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira declared the Bill rejected by the House, announcing, “The No’s have it, the motion is not carried and leave to introduce the Bill is not granted.”

Adelbert Nongrum had presented the Bill’s objectives, emphasizing the need for reservations specifically for the non-creamy layer of Scheduled Tribes in the state’s reservation policies. He highlighted that a significant portion of the Scheduled Tribe population in Meghalaya remains economically weak and disadvantaged.

Nongrum pointed out Articles 16 (4) and 15 (5) of the Indian Constitution, which permit state provisions to extend reservation benefits to the most disadvantaged citizens. He underscored the importance of inclusive legislation by referencing a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the sub-classification within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Despite these arguments, the Assembly opted against introducing the Bill. The rejection marks a significant decision reflecting the Assembly’s stance on the proposed changes to the state reservation policy concerning the non-creamy layer within the Scheduled Tribes.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-assembly-rejects-demand-for-non-creamy-layer-reservation-bill-1080550-2024-08-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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