Shillong, May 27: The Hajong Students Youth Voice Federation Council has expressed concerns regarding the recent D.El.Ed admission advertisement issued by the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), stating that the categorisation has led to significant confusion among Hajong students.
The DERT in its advertisement dated May 20, 2026 mentions reservation and relaxation for “SC/ST/OST of Meghalaya.”
This, according to the organisation, is troubling the Hajong community, which has long been recognised as a Scheduled Tribe. The certificates issued to Hajong students explicitly state “Scheduled Tribe,” and not “Other Scheduled Tribe (OST)”, leaving many to question their eligibility and rights in the education sector, it said.
Stating that the wording not only creates confusion but also imposes mental stress on tribal students who are seeking equal opportunities in education, the organisation said official advertisements and government policies should promote unity and clarity instead of creating misunderstanding among tribal communities.
The organisation has urged the DERT to clarify the status and eligibility of Hajong students as related to the advertisement.
