North Garo Hills SDSEO in-charge, Welfare Marak today clarified on the allegations made against him of illegally appointing two teachers in two different schools in the district stating that the appointments were not made by him but were recommended by the SMC’s of the two schools.
Earlier, MLA from Mendipathar, Marthon Sangma had expressed anger over what he alleged was illegal appointment of two teachers in two Assamese based schools in Salpara Bakenang and Hatibasha Non Government LP Schools.
In the case of the Salapara Bakenang school, Marak said that an advertisement for assistant teacher’s post had been made by the SMC and it was decided to recruit as per the merit list.
“The interview board comprised of the school’s president and secretary, who also conducted the personal interview in February 2021 after which the board suggested the SMC to appoint on merit list basis, leading to the appointment of the teacher in the school,” said Marak.
The MLA had pointed out that the appointed teacher had only secured 41 per cent in Assamese, the language which would be used to teach the students, despite English being the overall school’s medium. He felt this was unpalpable and there had been pressure put on the secretary to comply.
The SDSEO however stated that the recruitment was made as per RTE norms which mandated 45 per cent as overall marks for recruitment.
On the issue of the former secretary’s ouster, Marak maintained that action had been taken as the secretary had not complied with a departmental order. Further the reason for the delay in the salary of the secretary then was the fact that the billing assistant had been quarantined, leading to her salary not being disbursed.
“Eventually the secretary-in-charge of the said school has recommended the candidate as per the merit list whose overall pass percentage in 10+2 (MBOSE) is 49 per cent. This was done after verification of relevant documents including the pass certificate of Assamese MIL. The recommendation is provisional with the undertaking of the candidate to improve his percentage in Assamese,” said Marak.
On the matter of the appointment of the Hatibasha Assamese School, the appointment, he said, was made through a resolution for approval by the SMC themselves.
“The candidate selected has secured 56 per cent in Assamese in his 12th and is eligible for the post. Further he has been teaching in an Assamese medium school and was approved provisionally with undertaking from the candidate,” clarified Marak.
