Shillong, Oct 14: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) today met with the Commissioner and Secretary of the Health Department, Joram Beda, to seek answers as to why only four out of 21 posts of Medical and Health Officer (MHO) have been reserved for members of the Khasi-Pnar community.
Out of 21 MHO posts advertised, the distribution was four for Khasi-Pnar (19 per cent), 11 for Garo (53 per cent), two unreserved (9.5 per cent) and four for Other Scheduled Tribes/Other Scheduled Castes (OST/OSC) (19 per cent).
Roy Kupar Synrem, HYC president, stated that this allocation is inconsistent with the State Reservation Policy of 1971, which stipulates a distribution of 40 per cent for Khasi-Pnar, 40 per cent for Garo and 20 per cent for others. According to this policy, the expected number of posts for Khasi-Pnar should have been approximately eight.
The pressure group has requested clarification on whether any carry-forward or backlog rules were utilised in the process. Synrem highlighted that many qualified Khasi-Pnar candidates, who are currently serving as under 3F employees of the state government, are eager to be regularised. However, due to the roster system, only four posts have been filled.
“We want all those who are willing to serve in various hospitals and institutions in the state to be given the opportunity to serve,” Synrem said. “We urge the government to bring out a system that will simplify the process and make people aware of the number of posts available for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo candidates.”
Beda assured the delegation that the matter would be looked into and resolved.
