Issues of Reservation Policy Implementation in Manipur: An Analysis of Scheduled Tribes Issues in Secondary, Higher Education, and Medical Institutions

Abstract

This study comprehensively analyses reservation issues pertinent to faculty appointments in higher secondary institutions, Manipur University, and the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS). At Manipur University, the study focused on the admission issues of Scheduled Tribes in 2016. RIMS received a specific focus, where the research examines the composition of the teaching staff, the overall teaching staff strength, and the underrepresentation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) teaching staff, which is not by the reservation policy. In the context of higher secondary schools, the study investigates the appointment of lecturers on a contract basis from 2014 to 2018, encompassing all categories and the shortfall in ST appointments relative to the reservation policy. Furthermore, the research explores the social class dynamics prevalent in Manipur, analyzing the distribution of higher education teachers among the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The study also delves into the appointment issues surrounding assistant professors, enrollment patterns, and admission trends related to the reservation policy. Notably, the research provides valuable insights into the trends and patterns of ST representation in higher educational institutions in Manipur, focusing on ST enrollment trends from 2011 to 2019 and the ST gross enrollment ratio during the same period. Lastly, the study critically examines the shortage of ST faculty members, attributing this shortfall to the Government of Manipur's failure to adhere to reservation rules and provisions, which mandate a 31% reservation for tribal people. This finding highlights the need to effectively implement reservation policies to promote inclusive education and representation in Manipur's higher education landscape.