The Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU) has urged the state government to establish an examination centre of the Meghalaya Public Services Commission (MPSC) in the Jaiñtia Hills region.
The JSU led by general secretary Beikee Mukhim today submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar asking the government to alleviate the difficulties faced by students, particularly those from financially weaker backgrounds, and ensure equal access to examination opportunities.
He highlighted the significant challenges faced by students from the region due to the absence of a local MPSC examination centre. Students from remote areas in both East and West Jaintia Hills districts have to travel to Shillong to sit for any examination conducted by the MPSC exams, which is not only time-consuming but also costly, Mukhim said.
Heavy traffic during peak hours often causes delays, preventing students from reaching the examination centre on time. Those who arrive late are denied entry, leading to unnecessary stress and lost opportunities, he added.
Mukhim emphasized that despite a substantial number of applicants from Jaintia Hills, the lack of a local examination center severely disadvantages these students compared to their peers from other districts who have easier access to exam centres.
He noted that the union has repeatedly raised this issue with the Education Minister and relevant authorities; however, no concrete actions have been taken so far.
He also mentioned that while an MPSC Cell office exists in Jowai, its effectiveness is minimal due to the absence of a corresponding examination centre, leaving students to continue travelling to Shillong.
