Senapati: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) submitted a memorandum to N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, requesting strict adherence to Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservations during the counseling process for the 2024-2025 NEET-qualified candidates, specifically for state government quota seats in medical colleges.
In the memorandum, ANSAM expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Medical Directorate and Health Services of Manipur in conducting NEET counseling for state government nominees, particularly in the challenging situation the state is facing. However, the Association emphasized the need to strictly follow constitutional provisions and ensure that the established rules and regulations regarding reservations are upheld.
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ANSAM stated that it is the government’s duty to ensure justice and fairness by following the already established rules, and not to manipulate or bypass the existing laws. The Association warned that any deviation from these rules could have serious consequences, particularly for tribal communities, who rely on these reservations to ensure equitable access to education and opportunities.
The Association reaffirmed its confidence in the Chief Minister and the counseling members, hoping they would uphold the spirit of peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in the state. They also stressed the importance of protecting the rights and reservations of different categories, particularly for tribal candidates.
ANSAM represents the collective voice of Naga students and tribal NEET-eligible candidates in Manipur. It reminded the government of the following ST reservation allocations for medical courses:
1. MBBS ST Seat Reservation: RIMS – 9, JNIMS – 40, CMC – 26, SAHS – 20; Total – 95
2. BDS ST Seat Reservation: RIMS – 4, JNIMS – 13, RDC – 1; Total – 18
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The Association raised concerns over the misinterpretation of Supreme Court rulings by the selection board, which, they alleged, attempted to convert reserved ST seats into unreserved ones. This misinterpretation could affect the allocation of seats at JNIMS, CMC, and SAHS. ANSAM firmly stated that this action was unjustified and violated the reservation laws.
ANSAM urged the government to ensure that the Supreme Court judgment regarding reservation systems for NEET-qualified candidates is upheld, and to ensure that the rights and reservations of different categories are respected. The Association called for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister and anticipated prompt action to rectify the situation according to the rule of law.
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