SHILLONG, MAY 18: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has sought an immediate enquiry into recruitments at Women’s College, Shillong, alleging violation of the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy in appointments against government-sanctioned posts.
In a representation to the Director of Higher & Technical Education on Monday, the HYC said it obtained information through the Right to Information Act, 2005, that “reveals alarming disparities in the appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff in the said college, despite the institution being an aided institution receiving government support and functioning against sanctioned posts approved by the government.”
According to the HYC, RTI data shows that “out of a total of 22 sanctioned teaching and non-teaching posts, only 3 persons belonging to the Khasi-Jaintia community have been appointed, while the remaining posts have allegedly been filled by persons belonging to other communities.”
The organisation said the matter “appears to defeat the very objectives and spirit of the Reservation Policy of Meghalaya, which was specifically framed to safeguard the educational and employment interests of the indigenous tribal communities of the State.”
“It is deeply concerning that an aided educational institution functioning with Government sanctioned posts have allegedly ignored or bypassed the applicable reservation norms while making appointments over the years,” the representation stated.
The HYC argued that government-aided institutions are bound by state policy. “Government aided institutions cannot function in disregard of the Reservation Policy framed by the State Government,” it said, adding that “appointments made against sanctioned posts funded or aided by the Government must strictly comply with the applicable reservation roster and policy guidelines of Meghalaya.”
It further noted that “any deviation from the Reservation Policy adversely affects the constitutional safeguards, legitimate opportunities and employment rights of the indigenous tribal communities of the State.”
“The matter has generated serious concern amongst educated unemployed youths belonging to Khasi-Jaintia communities who continue to face difficulties in securing employment opportunities within their own State,” the HYC said.
The council has demanded an immediate enquiry into the recruitment process at the college and verification of whether the Reservation Policy and roster system were properly followed in all appointments. It also sought the submission of complete appointment records, roster registers and category-wise details of sanctioned posts before the competent authority.
Further, the HYC called for corrective measures if violations are found and asked that strict directions be issued to all aided educational institutions to ensure compliance with the Reservation Policy in future recruitments.
“The HYC firmly believes that reservation safeguards meant for indigenous communities cannot be diluted or ignored in institutions functioning under Government aided structures,” the letter said.
