SHILLONG, April 2: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has called on the state government to establish a Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination centre in Jowai at the earliest.
On Wednesday, JSU representatives met Deputy Chief Minister Sniawblahang Dhar and submitted a memorandum stressing the urgent need for the centre.
JSU general secretary Neilkee Mukhim highlighted that since Meghalaya’s formation in 1972, the people of Jaintia Hills have faced challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities. He stated that setting up an MPSC examination centre in the region would bridge this gap and ensure equal opportunities for students from Jaintia Hills.
“We urge the government and MPSC to take immediate action on this matter for the welfare and progress of our people,” Mukhim stated.
He pointed out that students from remote areas of East and West Jaintia Hills must travel to Shillong for MPSC examinations, which is time-consuming and financially burdensome.
Additionally, heavy traffic congestion often leads to delays, causing students to arrive late and be denied entry, resulting in stress and lost opportunities.
Mukhim also emphasised the financial burden on economically disadvantaged students, citing expenses for travel, food and accommodation in Shillong as major obstacles. Many students risk missing exams due to travel-related delays.
Despite a significant number of applicants from Jaintia Hills, the lack of a local examination centre puts them at a disadvantage compared to students from other districts.
The JSU general secretary noted that the union has repeatedly raised the issue with the Education Minister and other authorities, but no concrete steps have been taken.
“Although an MPSC Cell office exists in Jowai, it remains largely ineffective due to the absence of an examination centre. Students still have to travel to Shillong, defeating the purpose of the office,” he added.
