Guwahati, February 18, 2026: The Expert Committee on Meghalaya’s Reservation Policy has recommended that the existing 1972 Reservation Policy remain unchanged, following months of consultations across the state. The committee’s report was tabled in the State Assembly on Wednesday by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
The panel concluded that there were no compelling grounds for a fundamental alteration of the current framework. It recorded that a majority of stakeholders — including tribal bodies, civil society organisations, employee associations, student groups, and individual citizens — favoured continuation of the existing policy.
Constitutional Basis Reaffirmed
At the core of the report is the principle that reservation in government employment cannot be based solely on population proportion. The committee reaffirmed that affirmative action must be guided by constitutional criteria such as social and educational backwardness, historical disadvantage, and adequacy of representation in public services.
The report also clarified that reservation cannot be granted on the basis of religion, stating that the Constitution permits affirmative action only on socio-economic grounds and under-representation, not religious identity.
Creamy Layer and Sub-Classification
The committee recommended that the state examine the possible introduction of the “creamy layer” principle within reserved categories, wherever constitutionally applicable. The aim, it noted, would be to ensure that benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections and are not disproportionately accessed by relatively advanced groups within reserved communities.
Referring to recent judicial developments, including the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Punjab vs. Davinder Singh case, the panel observed that sub-classification within reserved categories may be legally permissible. However, it stressed that any such move must be preceded by the collection of detailed and quantifiable data and be based on evidence rather than sentiment.
EWS and Carry Forward Rule
On the question of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the committee stated that EWS is a distinct constitutional category and should not be extended to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes, as these groups already benefit from existing reservations.
The panel recommended extending the “carry forward” rule for unfilled reserved vacancies from one year to three years. It noted that longer carry-forward periods have judicial backing and could help address backlog vacancies more effectively without disturbing the overall structure.
Other Recommendations
The committee did not favour granting district-level preference for Class C and D posts, citing migration patterns and demographic mobility that would make such a system administratively difficult to implement fairly.
Regarding persons with disabilities, the report stated that adequate safeguards already exist under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, along with relevant state government orders, and therefore no additional measures were recommended.
Although extending reservation to educational institutions fell outside the committee’s terms of reference, it observed that the government may independently examine the issue within constitutional limits if necessary.
Highlighting regional disparities, particularly in the Garo Hills, the panel recommended targeted educational interventions to improve quality and competitiveness, thereby strengthening long-term socio-economic development and reducing reliance on reservation.
Political Response
Reacting to the tabling of the report, VPP president Ardent M. Basaiawmoit stated that the party would study the findings before deciding its next course of action. “If the report is acceptable, we will celebrate and if the report is unacceptable, we are going to agitate,” he told reporters.
The report follows a comprehensive review process initiated by a Governor’s notification on September 12, 2023. The committee conducted extensive consultations and examined submissions from multiple stakeholders before finalizing its recommendations.