Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon has called for a significant shift in the state’s reservation policy—moving from government job quotas to education-based support for underprivileged communities. Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland at Jubilee Hall, St. Xavier Parish Church, Jalukie, Kikon argued that lasting progress lies in educational empowerment.
As Chairman of the State Development and Planning Board (SDPDB) Bhandari and the Environment and Climate Change Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kikon praised the academic excellence of the Zeliangrong community, particularly lauding Ms. Lungyihangle Nring of St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, who topped the NBSE HSLC exam with 98.67%. Kikon reflected on the legacy of achievers like IFS officer Cherakung Zeliang and nuclear scientist Er. Chireuding Zeliang, urging the community to consider whether continuing under the “Backward Tribe” label aligns with its current accomplishments. “We must question whether such labels still serve our progress,” he said.
Proposing a phased approach, Kikon suggested maintaining job reservations for 2–3 more years, followed by a transition to education-centric support—localized scholarships, extra teachers in rural schools, and tuition aid. He emphasized that socio-economic and infrastructural realities, not tribal identity alone, should guide reservation policies.
