Mizoram Yet To Decide On OBC Status For Gorkhas

AIZAWL: The Mizoram government remains indecisive over whether to accord Other Backward Classes (OBC) status to the Gorkha community residing in the state. Although it leans towards supporting their inclusion under central reservation policies, the final decision has been deferred, as noted in the minutes of the council of ministers' December 20 meeting, which was released on Monday.

The delay in releasing the minutes was attributed to Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s participation in the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session in Agartala, according to an official statement. 

The council stated that the Gorkhas in Mizoram could not be considered for OBC status under the Mandal Commission's criteria, arguing that they are not significantly more disadvantaged than other communities in the state in terms of social, educational, or economic metrics.

However, the state government expressed willingness to grant OBC status under central reservation laws, provided an in-depth assessment confirms that it will not disrupt existing state-level job quotas. 

A permanent body constituted by the Mizoram government has long recommended giving OBC status to Gorkhas who have been residing in the state since 1950, along with their descendants. However, the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA) is resisting those recommendations.

According to the 2021 Mizoram census, as many as 7,686 Gorkhas have been living in the state prior to January 26, 1950. Still, they are left out of the benefits of central job reservation. A Gauhati High Court directive last February made it mandatory for the government to justify any rejection of the recommendation. The council deferred its decision in its latest meeting.

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