Muster rolls in Meghalaya seeks 5% job, academic reservation for their children

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 15, 2024

The All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers & Labour Union (AJMRWLU) has sought a reservation of 5% for children of daily minimum wage workers in academic and job opportunities in government and private sector.

In its submission to the Expert Committee on Reservation Policy, AJMRWLU president Daioowanphi Iakai said, “It is widely acknowledge that our children from daily minimum wage (muster roll) workers engaged in various government departments or the other economically weaker sections be it construction, domestic workers, and farmers are facing significant challenges in accessing higher education and securing stable employment opportunities in our state. Majority of us often have limited financial resources to support our children’s education and career aspirations.”

“In light of this, we from the AJMRWLU strongly appeal to your kindness to reserve 5% of the reservation quota specifically earmarked for our children of daily minimum wage workers in academic and job opportunities in the government/public and private sector across Meghalaya. This initiative aims to mitigate the barriers our students and youths face by providing them with equitable access to quality education and career advancement opportunities,” she added.

Iakai also stated that such a reservation policy would not only promote social justice but also contribute to the overall development of the state by empowering marginalised community and fostering inclusive growth adding that it will also align with the principles of equality and fairness, ensuring that every capable student has a fair chance to pursue their educational and professional goal.

“We urge the expert committee members to kindly consider this proposal earnestly and take necessary steps to incorporate this reservation quota into the reviewed Meghalaya State Reservation Policy,” she said in the letter while asserting that “by doing so, we can collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and progressive society where every marginalized economically weaker workers will have the opportunity to thrive for a complete human being.”