By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 5: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has sought clarification from the Chief Secretary on the confusion that has arisen in the implementation of the MBBS state quota allotment in the state.
In a letter to Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, HITO lamented that this matter has persisted for decades due to the absence of a clear, codified policy governing reservation in higher and professional education since the inception of Meghalaya.
According to HITO, the issue has been repeatedly brought to the government’s notice through the High Court of Meghalaya proceedings wherein the High Court, while disposing of the petition order on 15.09.2023, cited the government’s letter of 13.09.2023, which merely states that “the principle and spirit of the Reservation Policy is extended/applied for admission in state government educational institutions including higher and professional studies through conventional practice.”
“This reply has only deepened the confusion rather than resolving it. The continued reliance on “conventional practice” — without any formal policy, rule, or government notification — leaves both students and institutions uncertain about the legal basis of the current quota system. This ambiguity, persisting since Statehood, is now directly affecting the academic futures of deserving students,” HITO said while seeking clarification on the specific legal or policy framework under which the present MBBS state quota reservation has been implemented.
They also sought clarification on whether any official notification, cabinet approval, or regulation exists to authorise reservation in higher and professional studies and whether the government intends to issue a formal and codified Reservation Policy to prevent recurring confusion in future admission cycles.
