TURA, Feb 19: After a social activist from Tura opposed the inclusion of one Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak under the Garo quota in the final results of the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) examination, the Tura-based Garo State Movement Committee (GSMC) on Wednesday raised similar concerns demanding that the said candidate’s credentials be scrutinised to verify her eligibility under the category.
Earlier, social activist from Tura Cherian G Momin had also questioned the move by the MPSC stating that the said candidate’s ST status could not be verified. Momin had demanded an immediate review of the MPSC decision and to stop all processes of appointment until her credentials could be verified.
The GSMC, in its letter to Meghalaya Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang reminded of the complaint made by the activist, while lamenting that no action whatsoever has been initiated on the matter.
“Our strong opposition to Esther Ngurlienmoni Marak’s inclusion in the Garo quota stems from the belief that her appointment undermines the very purpose of this reservation system. It is widely believed that Marak is not a representative of the Garo community. The very essence of this quota system is to ensure that it benefits those who are genuinely from the indigenous communities of the state. Allowing individuals who do not truly belong to these communities to benefit from these quotas is a direct betrayal of the people whom this system was designed to support. The moral and ethical implications of such actions cannot be overstated,” the committee stated, in its letter.
The committee, while pointing out that the matter has created a deep sense of discontent within a particular community, demanded that the department seriously review the circumstances surrounding Marak’s appointment and to scrutinize the credentials and claims made by her with respect to her eligibility for the Garo Quota. The committee also warned that lack of timely and transparent action on the issue would only lead to protests and demonstrations in the days to come.
