Editor
The CBI findings on the alleged irregularities in the appointment of assistant teachers in the government lower primary schools in 2009-2010 has demoralised all job aspirants who deserve to be appointed for the different posts conducted by various state government agencies like the MPSC, District Selection Committees, Meghalaya Police, State Rural Development Society etc . We as job aspirants, after hearing of these irregularities are shocked and feet that our hard work is finding no space to be utilised. For any posts we have applied, we are unhappy as during the interview process, only those candidates recommended by the legislators are selected. The Shillong Times, (dated 4 Nov, 2012), Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai, whose name also figured in the CBI report, has clarified that as a legislator and a member of the district council he had only recommended a few names of eligible candidates. He further added, “Since 1994 when I became MDC, job aspirants used to come to me and I used to forward their names with a request to consider for appointments after checking whether they fulfil the criteria”. Interestingly, Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope, also recommended three candidates even though all of them had requisite qualifications. Ampareen Lyngdoh played a crucial role in manipulation of score sheets of the candidates to fulfil recommendations of several politicians. If all the 60 MLAs recommend names of their own people, then for sure there is no vacancy left, even when many vacancies come up like the recent posts of LDA in Meghalaya Secretariat (No. Of Posts = 60). These sorts of practices encourage only those applicants who are close to the legislator to apply for any advertised post. Candidates fulfilling all the eligibility criteria normally do not apply for posts with vacancies less than 60, because they feel it is a waste of time and money since the posts are reserved for the recommended candidates only. I appeal to the government to take stringent punishment against all those legislators involved in this irregularity. The recruitment process in our state needs to be changed by looking at some of the examples of the UPSC. There should be rules and regulations that recommendation against appointment by any persons be illegal and punishment be given if anyone violates such acts.
Yours etc.,
Fullmoon Lyngdoh Kynshi
Langtor Village (via) Mairang
West Khasi Hills District.
II
Editor,
Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh’s indictment by the CBI in the case of illegal govt teacher appointments in 2009-10 just goes to prove what the people already know – that 99% of ministers in Congress led Govts have been making their fortunes by selling out the country and the people. That a person who was herself a member of the teaching community can betray her past profession in such a bizarre manner is beyond imagination! The ST report (Nov 2, 2o12) states – “The CBI found that the work of tampering of score sheet was partially carried out at the residence of minister and also at (JD) Sangma’s official residence.” Along with the infamous Ms Lyngdoh, names of other stalwarts such as Charles Pyngrope, Sanbor Shullai,Al Hek, Prestone Tynsong, Ronnie Lyngdoh, Limison Sangma, Donkupar Massar, F. War, Moonlight Pariat, J.A. Lyngdoh and L Malngiang have surfaced in the CBI report for “recommending” candidates all of whom have secured teaching jobs. The questions that arise out of this shocking scandal are – Is this the real reason why the standard of education in the state has been steadily going down over the last few decades? What is the level of competence which can be expected from students who are being taught by such educators? More importantly, isn’t this a indicator of what happens in govt appointments in all state departments?
Our politicians now stand accused of corrupting future generations who will never be encouraged to study and work hard in this debased environment. A govt job can be had by paying the right amount to the concerned politician who will then ‘recommend’ their candidature. Even transfers in govt departments have a price attached to them depending on the ‘importance’ of the location. There is simply no end to the corruption that every politician and bureaucrat is engaged in! The Court needs to hand out exemplary punishment to these politicians and bureaucrats if we are to have any hope left. The Govt itself will not act beyond a token gesture. What a pity and what a shame! It will be interesting to see how the Mukul Sangma Govt tries to douse this latest scam coming shortly on the heels of the Mining and Forest scandals!
Yours etc.,
Daisy Kharkongor
Shillong