ACHIK serves 7-day ultimatum to Govt for ‘retrospective’ implementation of roster system

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 27, 2023

The Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Tuesday served a 7-day ultimatum to the state government for immediate ‘retrospective’ implementation of the reservation roster.

In a statement, ACHIK president Thomas M Marak said, “Today, we are issuing an ultimatum to the Meghalaya Government, demanding immediate and decisive action to implement the Roster System retrospectively in all public sector organizations, departments, and educational institutions.”

“We humbly request that you respond to this ultimatum within 7 days from the date of this letter with a clear and actionable plan for the retrospective implementation of the Roster System. This response should outline the specific steps your government will take, along with a timeline for their execution,” he added.

According to him, failure to heed this ultimatum will have serious consequences for the government’s reputation and the trust placed in it by the people.

Stating that the state government has a duty to rectify historical injustices and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, Marak said the retrospective implementation of the Roster System is not a mere suggestion; it is a constitutional mandate that cannot be ignored.

He also stated that the ultimatum serves as a rallying cry for the government to act swiftly and decisively, upholding the principles of justice and equality that form the bedrock of our nation.

“The continued denial of opportunities to marginalized communities will perpetuate social inequality and hinder progress. The citizens of Meghalaya will not stand idle while their rights and aspirations are disregarded,” he added.

Further, Marak said that the retrospective implementation of the Reservation Roster and backlog policy is important for several compelling reasons.

“Let’s explore why this aspect holds significant value: Addressing Historical Injustices: Marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), have long faced discrimination and social exclusion. The retrospective implementation of the Roster System allows for rectifying historical injustices by providing these communities with equitable opportunities that were denied to them in the past,” he added.