Shillong, Oct 5: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has written to new Chief Secretary Shakil Ahamed to seek clarification on the state education quotas.
HITO has written to Meghalaya’s top civil servant after consternation arose from the list of those who have received places under the state quota for MBBS courses. Two non-tribals were in the general list even though there were those in the Khasi-Jaintia category who had higher exam scores. As a result of complaints, the state government has put the allocation of MBBS seats on hold.
Meghalaya uses its state employment quotas for education purposes as well. HITO said that this has sown confusion for decades due to a lack of a clear policy.
“The issue has been repeatedly brought to the government’s notice, including through court proceedings. However, the government’s response has only deepened the confusion, relying on “conventional practice” without any formal policy or notification,” the pressure group said.
HITO has requested clarification on the specific legal or policy framework under which the present MBBS state quota reservation has been implemented, as well as whether any official notification or regulation exists to authorise reservation in higher and professional studies.
It also urged the state government to issue a formal and codified reservation policy to prevent recurring confusion in future admission cycles.
“A clear and timely clarification from your office will uphold transparency and protect the interests of hundreds of students whose educational prospects now hang in the balance,” HITO said in the letter to Ahamed.
