Shillong, Sep 11: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has demanded transparency and corrective measures on Scheduled Tribe representation in Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) recruitment, especially at officer level.
CoMSO Chairman Roy Kupar Synrem said data from recent MRB recruitment cycles shows ST representation in Office Assistant cadre at 41-46 per cent, but falls sharply at officer level with Officer Scale I at only 6-10 per cent and higher officer grades at 0-5 per cent.
“This disparity requires a clear explanation. We are not alleging illegality, but it raises legitimate concerns whether indigenous candidates are getting fair opportunity to enter and progress within an institution serving rural Meghalaya,” CoMSO said.
CoMSO has also sought clarification on implementation and verification of Khasi/Garo language requirement prescribed for MRB recruitment to ensure it is meaningful and effectively implemented.
The issue assumes urgency as IBPS Common Recruitment Process for Regional Rural Banks XV recruitment is underway for Office Assistants and Officers. CoMSO urged MRB and state government to ensure strict and transparent implementation of recruitment, reservation and language-proficiency requirements in the ongoing process.
The demands include strict compliance with ST reservation at every applicable level, transparent disclosure of post-wise recruitment and ST representation, effective verification of Khasi/Garo proficiency, preservation and disclosure of recruitment records, greater outreach for indigenous youth, review of sharp disparity between subordinate and officer cadres, and measures to ensure local-language accessibility for customers.
“This is not a demand to exclude non-tribals or seek favours. It is a demand for transparency, fair opportunity, accountability and meaningful representation,” CoMSO said, adding “We want the records, not excuses.”
CoMSO said the larger question is who gets recruited, who gets promoted, who occupies positions of authority and who participates in decision-making within Meghalaya’s institutions, and sought response within 15 days.
