SHILLONG, JUN 30: The state Cabinet on Tuesday approved the deletion of Regulation 3(f) of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (Limitation of Functions) Regulations, 1972, a move Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma termed a “major governance reform” to make recruitment transparent, streamlined and merit-based.  

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Sangma said the provision for temporary appointments under Regulation 3(f) had created problems over the years. 

“This is a major governance reform aimed at making recruitment more transparent, streamlined, and merit-based. The provision for temporary appointments under 3(f), originally meant for exceptional situations, had over the years led to administrative complications and prolonged ad hoc appointments,” he said.  

The Chief Minister said the relevance of the regulation has declined with systems now in place to handle recruitment. 

“With dedicated recruitment boards now in place, streamlined recruitment processes, and ongoing automation to anticipate vacancies well in advance, the need for Regulation 3(f) has significantly reduced,” he said.  

For short-term staffing needs, the government will rely on contractual appointments instead of the earlier temporary route. “Going forward, any genuine short-term requirement can be met through contractual appointments until regular recruitment is completed,” Sangma said. 

He said the amendment would improve the credibility and speed of public hiring. 

“This reform will strengthen the integrity of our recruitment system and ensure greater efficiency and fairness in public service appointments,” he added.