Mara student body's memo on job reservation

AIZAWL, February 28: The Mara Students' Organisation has submitted a memorandum to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on the issues of job reservation for the community and enhancement of the powers of Mara Autonomous District Council, reports PTI. The 12-page memorandum sought job reservation of at least 10 per cent for the Maras, most of them inhabiting Mizoram's southern district of Saiha and the areas under MADC. The student body wanted appointment of one Mara representative in the Mizoram Public Service Commission and opening the commission's branch office at Saiha to ensure job reservation for the community. The MSO also urged the state government to give more powers and funds for the MADC, which has been administered under Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Adoption of Mara dialect as one of the vernacular subjects of the elementary education to higher secondary level was also demanded by the organisation. The MSO warned that if the "step-motherly approach" towards the Mara community went on, it would alienate them from the mainstream Mizo life and sought the Chief Minister's direct intervention on the issue.