Reason Behind Demand for Scrapping 80:20 Reservation Ratio

Itanagar, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: [ Tadak Nalo ]

The demand to scrap the 80:20 reservation ratio has emerged as a significant issue within the context of local governance and representation in . This movement has gained traction over the past few years, particularly since the events of 2021, when an incident involving a non-APST ( Scheduled Tribe) candidate raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the reservation system in state examinations.

The 80:20 ratio refers to the reservation policy that allocates 80% of positions in state-level examinations to local candidates, primarily those belonging to Scheduled Tribes, while the remaining 20% is open to candidates from outside the state. This policy was designed to ensure that local populations, particularly indigenous tribes, have better access to government jobs and representation in the civil services. However, the implementation of this policy has come under scrutiny, especially in light of recent competitive examination outcomes.

Anmol Singh, a non-APST candidate, topped the Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE) in 2021, which brought the 80:20 ratio into the spotlight. Many local candidates and tribal leaders felt that this outcome highlighted a potential flaw in the reservation system, as it allowed a candidate from a much larger population to succeed in a competitive exam meant primarily for local residents. This event catalyzed a movement questioning the adequacy of the current reservation framework and its implications for local candidates.

Prior to this incident, the issue of the 80:20 ratio had not been widely discussed or challenged. Many individuals were either unaware of the intricacies of the policy or lacked the motivation to voice their concerns. The movement, therefore, represents a significant shift in local sentiment towards the reservation system, driven by a desire for fair representation and opportunities for local candidates.

In 2021, the Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF), a group advocating for tribal rights and representation, attempted to engage with the All Students’ Union (AAPSU) regarding the issue. The leadership of AAPSU, including President Hawa Bagang, General Secretary Tobom Dai, and Vice President Meje Taku, did not respond to the AFTF's concerns. This lack of engagement prompted the AFTF to seek support from the Naga Students’ Union (ANSU), which was more receptive to the issue. Under the leadership of former ANSU President Nabam Dodum, the concerns surrounding the 80:20 ratio reached the state government.

On August 10, 2022, a high-level committee was established by the government, chaired by Taba Tedir, the former education minister. The committee was tasked with examining the issues surrounding the 80:20 ratio and was expected to submit its findings within two months. However, the committee took significantly longer than anticipated, ultimately submitting its report on January 9, 2024, a delay of 17 months. This protracted timeline has contributed to frustration among those advocating for change, as the issue remains unresolved despite the committee's findings.

Following the submission of the committee's report, the tenure of former ANSU President Nabam Dodum came to an end. As a result, the AFTF decided to take a more proactive approach in advocating for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Taba Tedir committee. In September 2024, the AFTF reached out to the Chief Secretary to press for the implementation of the recommendations, specifically the need to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) mandatory for participation in the APPSC and APSSB examinations. However, their requests were met with indifference from the government.

In 2025, the AFTF intensified its efforts, launching a movement aimed at scrapping the 80:20 ratio altogether. They organized multiple visits to the Chief Secretary's office and submitted numerous representations to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking action on the issue. Despite their persistent efforts, the government remained largely unresponsive. This lack of engagement led to the organization of signature campaigns to raise awareness about the issue. On January 28, 2026, during one such campaign, over 25,000 individuals signed a petition calling for the scrapping of the 80:20 criterion.

On May 29, 2026, the AFTF submitted a comprehensive representation to the Chief Minister, urging him to take action by June 30, 2026. When their requests for a meeting with the Chief Minister were ignored, the AFTF decided to organize a peaceful rally to bring attention to their cause. Initially, they received assurances of permission from the Deputy Commissioner, who advised them to obtain necessary clearances from local authorities. However, after the necessary permits were secured, the Deputy Commissioner subsequently denied permission for the rally, citing advice from higher authorities that the issue was under discussion with other organizations.

Despite this setback, the AFTF proceeded with their rally, which prompted the government to establish a new high-level committee chaired by Textile and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam. This committee was formed with a similar mandate to the previous one, with a two-month timeline for submission of its report. However, skepticism remains regarding the efficacy of this new committee, especially given the lengthy delay experienced by the previous committee.

The AFTF has expressed concerns that even after the new committee submits its report, the recommendations will undergo extensive bureaucratic processes, including legal vetting and reviews by various government departments, before reaching the Cabinet and Assembly for approval. This protracted timeline raises doubts about the government's commitment to addressing the issue in a timely manner, particularly as the next round of examinations for the APPSC and APSSB approaches.

As a result, the AFTF views the establishment of the new committee as a superficial response to their demands, asserting that the government should implement the recommendations of the Taba Tedir committee without further delay. They argue that immediate action is necessary to protect the rights of tribal candidates and ensure equitable access to state examinations.

The AFTF has set a deadline of August 10, 2026, for the government to scrap the 80:20 ratio and implement the recommendations of the Taba Tedir High Level Committee Report. The movement represents a broader struggle for representation and equity in , reflecting the aspirations of local communities for fair access to opportunities in governance and public service. The ongoing developments surrounding this issue will continue to shape the discourse on tribal rights and reservation policies in the region.