Shillong, Sep 30: The West Khasi Hills district administration has condemned the unauthorised entry and disruption of the Staff Nurse recruitment interview by Nongstoin MDC and said any allegations of bribery or malpractice should be substantiated with evidence.
The reaction comes after Nongstoiñ MDC Juristman Iawphniaw of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) forced suspension of interviews for recruitment of contract nurses on Tuesday morning, alleging the process was marred by bribery.
Nurses were being recruited for the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Nongstoiñ, under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The interview was being held for candidates shortlisted after the written examination on September 21, with interviews scheduled for yesterday and today.
While the interview was underway at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Iawphniaw allegedly entered the room without prior intimation, threatened the interview panel and disrupted the process. He was later taken to the DC’s room for a discussion.
Speaking to reporters, the MDC said he intervened following allegations that money was being demanded for Staff Nurse posts. He demanded that the allegation be resolved before proceeding with the recruitment and warned he was prepared to interfere in tomorrow’s interviews if the authorities continued with the process.
In a press release, Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak said the district administration is conducting recruitment of the post on contractual basis as per prescribed procedure. Written exam was held at Nongstoin College on September 21 and 60 candidates were shortlisted for the personal interview.
“On 29th September 2026, while the interview was in progress, the Member of the District Council (MDC), Nongstoin, entered the interview hall without prior intimation or permission and raised his voice at the members of the interview board in the presence of the candidates. The proceedings were interrupted, causing distress to the candidates and the board,” the press release said.
“The District Administration condemns this unauthorised entry and disruption of an official selection process. An interview board discharging official duties must be able to function without interference. No individual, whatever position he or she holds, is permitted to enter a recruitment venue without authorisation or obstruct officials in the discharge of their duties,” Nayak said, adding the administration is examining the incident and will take appropriate action as per law.
On allegations of bribery, the administration said any concern should be submitted in writing with specific details and supporting evidence.
“Any person with information about a demand for money or any other malpractice in this recruitment may submit it to the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills. Every such complaint will be examined, and action will be taken against anyone found involved, in accordance with law,” it said.
The administration clarified that selection is strictly on merit based on written exam and personal interview and no payment is required at any stage.
“Candidates are cautioned not to fall prey to touts or anyone claiming the ability to influence the selection, and to report any such approach immediately to the District Administration,” it added.
