By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: The Khasi Students’ Union Employment Monitoring Cell (KSU-EMC) has called on the state government to address a scheduling conflict between the Lower Division Assistant (LDA) examinations conducted by the District Selection Committee (DSC) of Eastern West Khasi Hills and the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC). Both exams are currently slated for December 14, 2024.
In a letter to Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, KSU-EMC chairman Reuben Najiar pointed out that while the DSC of Eastern West Khasi Hills district had announced its exam date on October 31, 2024, the MPSC, in a later notification on November 18, 2024, scheduled its LDA examination on the same day. Najiar noted that the MPSC had initially set December 13, 2024, as the tentative date for its exam but changed it at the last moment
“This clash of LDA examinations in the state has discouraged many candidates and denied them equal opportunities,” Najiar said. He highlighted that over the past week, the union had received numerous complaints from candidates unable to appear for both exams and expressed confidence that state authorities had likely received similar feedback.
Najiar emphasised the significance of government sector jobs in Meghalaya, stating that employment opportunities in the sector are scarce, which results in thousands of applicants vying for limited posts. He argued that it would be unfair to deprive candidates of the chance to sit for exams due to scheduling conflicts.
Acknowledging that the MPSC and DSC are separate entities with different mandates, Najiar noted that both are state-run organisations and should exercise caution when selecting exam dates to avoid overlaps. He also acknowledged the logistical challenges of conducting exams for thousands of candidates, which involve securing approvals from schools and colleges to serve as exam venues. However, he pointed out that most schools and colleges would be closed for winter vacations during this period, making venues readily available.