Shillong, Sept 8: The state government has decided to soon come up with a definite decision on the various recommendations of the Expert Committee on the State Reservation Policy.
“The cabinet this morning took cognizance of the report and the various recommendations and has decided to immediately study the report. It is a voluminous report running into several thousands of pages. We will take time to study the various recommendations and we should be able to after due diligence then come up with definite decision on the various recommendations of this committee,” Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh told reporters after the cabinet meeting held on Monday.
He said the report contains various recommendations, some of which are new and include economic considerations
“Now we are at a stage where the report has just been received. We have taken cognizance of the report and we will formulate a stand as a cabinet on the various recommendations,” Lyngdoh said while revealing that there are points which are for status quo and there are points which are fresh.
“The chief secretary had briefed us today through his report and since as members of the cabinet, we also have our own questions and concerns and points where more clarity, therefore, we will take sometime before we come up with a definite decision on the report,” he added.
The minister said that the government has the option to accept or reject the recommendations, and the decision will be made after thorough consideration and consultation.
He also emphasized that the government will strive for a balanced outcome, taking into account the views of all stakeholders.
“We have always been balance and we will continue to be so. Yes, government has the option to accept or reject the recommendations. But finally, recommendations are just suggestions but the decision is finally that of the state government,” Lyngdoh stated.
Asked, the minister said, “The report had only reached us in June so now the session is meeting in September but the overall, we will need some time because it is a voluminous report with wide ranging ramification. We will not commit a mistake of rushing into any decision because each of the recommendations carry a lot of weight and need to be perused.”
In regards to the legal implication, Lyngdoh said, “Obviously the report indicated that if you take this course of action, these will be the legal ramifications, so we will need to therefore perused and go in depth into the each of the recommendations.”
