From Our Correspondent
WILLIAMNAGAR, Sep 12: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has lodged a complaint after a teaching vacancy created by the retirement of a teacher was filled by an underqualified applicant.
According to the group, a Pre-Primary teacher from Chiosobibra Government LP School retired on Dec 31, 2024.
“As per long-standing practice and guidelines, children of retiring Pre-Primary teachers may be considered for appointment in the same post, provided they fulfill the prescribed qualifications. The daughter of the teacher, Rimbitha M Marak, applied for the post after securing 49% in her Class XII exams. She had also obtained an NOC from the president and secretary of the SMC of the school,” informed CoMSO.
The group expressed shock when they were informed that another teacher, Griksilchi N Marak, had been appointed to the post despite not even meeting the minimum eligibility criteria (43%).
“She also did not produce the NOCs from the SMC that are mandatory. Her selection was reportedly conducted through village-level election and canvassing by money power, which is an extraneous consideration and against the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, and rule-based governance in public employment,” they added.
Further, CoMSO members stated that despite strong objections filed with the SDSEO of EGH on Jan 21 this year, corrective steps were not taken — which they felt was a dereliction of duty by the officer.
The complaint was filed with the Directorate of School Education & Literacy (DSEL) on Aug 20.
Through their complaint, the CSO has demanded the immediate cancellation of Griksilchi’s appointment and directions to the SDSEO to strictly comply with the recruitment norms laid down by the state government.
“We also want only candidates fulfilling the criteria with proper NOC and merit to be appointed. We further demand an inquiry into the irregularities in the conduct of the said interview and fixing of accountability on the officials/persons who violated the prescribed selection procedures. We also want all SDSEOs to be directed to ensure recurrences like this do not occur,” they added.
