GH panel alleges deviation by MPSC in selection process
TURA, Aug 6: The Garo Reservation Policy Coordination Committee (GRPCC) on Tuesday wrote to the MPSC Chairman in Shillong, pointing out irregularities in the recent selection of candidates for the personal interview to the recruitment of MPS Officers under the Home (Police) Department. In its letter, the committee observed that the number of candidates selected for the personal interview was not according to the instructions in the advertisement (notification) of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission. “The instruction, as per the advertisement, says that the cut-off ratio of candidates to be called for the Personal Interview would be with variation from 1:10 to 1:2.5 depending on the number of posts advertised. So, even if the minimum ratio of 1:2.5 is taken for consideration, the number of candidates for the personal interview should have been 42.5 or 43 candidates for 17 posts. However, the actual number of candidates selected for the interview was only 27 according to the abovementioned notified result,” the committee said. It also questioned the decision taken by the MPSC during its meeting held on April 13, 2023, where it was decided that ‘if there were 16 and above vacancies, a ratio of 1:1.5 candidates would be called, and the decision taken with a view to select the best candidates by having a lesser pool of candidates’. “What was the rationale behind the Commission’s decision to reduce the number of candidates to be called for the interview unusually in the middle of the selection process? If the decision is taken for unavoidable circumstances, then after the decision was taken why was it not made public in time nor made known to the candidates well before the mains examinations?” the committee asked, while also questioning the long process of selection of candidates, which started from 2019. The committee, while expressing disappointment over the whole process of selection of candidates, strongly demanded that the results be declared null and void and a fresh result be declared. The committee also demanded that the decision of the MPSC, taken during the meeting on April 13 to reduce the number of candidates, be rescinded.
EGH group moves CM for better education initiatives
TURA, Aug 6: The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), Eastern Zone, Williamnagar, on Tuesday sought the implementation of various educational initiatives in Williamnagar town. In its memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, which was submitted through the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, the organisation sought the consideration of various steps to be taken to improve the education scenario in the town and the district as a whole. Pointing out that Williamnagar and its surrounding areas have a rich agricultural heritage, particularly in horticulture, the AHAM demanded the establishment of a Horticulture University in the town, while maintaining that the same could provide specialised education and training opportunities for local youths to equip them with knowledge and skills necessary for modern agricultural practices. Another demand made by the organisation was the speedy completion of the Polytechnic College in Williamnagar. According to the organisation, timely completion of the college would enhance educational facilities, providing a conducive learning environment for the students from the area. The introduction of B.Com and B.Sc Degree courses at Williamnagar Government College was another demand made by the organisation in the memorandum. Pointing out that there was a growing demand for higher education options in the town, the organisation said that introducing the two courses would meet the same. Besides, the organization also sought the establishment of the Eklavya Residential School at Songsak and Nengkhra in East Garo Hills. The organisation felt that with the establishment of the school, the students would receive quality education and accommodation as well, without any financial burden on their families. Reminding that there was also a shortage of qualified teachers in the region, the organisation also sought the introduction of the DIET programme for the district.