The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) and a job aspirant has filed a writ petition before the Meghalaya High Court seeking clarity and necessary directions on the implementation of the 44 per cent reservation for the scheduled tribes of the State for direct recruitment to Group C and D posts within the State Bank of India, Shillong.
While hearing the petition today, a single bench of Justice Hamarsan S Thangkhiew said the point raised is of some importance and directed the Deputy Solicitor General of India, Dr N. Mozika to seek instructions from the Union of India within four weeks time.
The petition also seeks direction from the high court to issue necessary order to the SBI to implement the Office Memorandums (OM) and compendium of instructions issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training on the percentage of reservation for Meghalaya for direct recruitment to the posts that would attract local candidates.
Moving the petition, counsel for the petitioner Philemon Nongbri impressed upon the court that the issue is of public importance and clarity is needed on the implementations of the OMs and instructions with regard to the method and manner in which these vacancies are being filled up by SBI.
It may be mentioned that the HYC had earlier urged the SBI Office in Shillong to implement the OMs and instructions in letter and spirit for the welfare and benefit of the local indigenous youths and job aspirants in the State. However, according to the SBI, STs from other states are also eligible to be recruited and get the benefits of the 44 per cent reservation in Meghalaya.
According to HYC, this action on the part of SBI has greatly affected the indigenous candidates of the State to get the benefits of the reservations and violation of Article 14, 16(4) and 21 of the Constitution.