Conrad for stakeholders’ consultations to address ad hoc recruitment issue

SHILLONG, Nov 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has directed officials from various departments to hold consultations with representatives of affected employees, concerned departments, and civil society advisers regarding the government’s recent notifications on filling sanctioned posts currently held by ad hoc appointees recruited after December 31, 2007.
The consultations will also address the procedural framework for granting one-time age condonation certificates.
The directive came following a meeting between the Chief Minister and social activist and Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) adviser, Cherian Momin, who submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns over the implementation of recent standing orders, guidelines, and standard operating procedures issued by the state government.
In his memorandum, Momin urged the government to adopt a liberal and inclusive approach in the one-time age condonation process, ensuring uniform application that recognises the years of service already rendered by long-serving employees.
He further suggested that priority and preferential consideration be given to those currently serving under sanctioned posts and that their continuity of service be protected during the transition period to prevent loss of livelihood.
Momin also emphasised that implementation of the new procedures should balance legality with humane governance.
“The process should safeguard those who have faithfully served the state, reflecting fairness, empathy, and administrative wisdom,” he stated, adding that automatic issuance of age condonation certificates to verified employees would ensure efficiency and compassion in governance.
The memorandum, submitted in the spirit of partnership with the government, stressed that the intent was not to oppose administrative reform but to advocate for a balanced approach where rule-based governance coexists with fairness, equity, and recognition of dedicated service.
Momin referenced the office memorandum dated October 14 issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (B) Department, and a letter dated October 9 from the Director of Health Services (MI), which outlines procedures for service verification, age condonation, and recruitment to fill sanctioned posts.
However, he noted that while administrative in purpose, these notifications have caused emotional, financial, and psychological distress among many long-serving employees.
Most of them, he said, were appointed to meet urgent administrative needs during staffing shortages and recruitment delays, contributing significantly to essential services across sectors such as healthcare, education, rural development, and disaster response.
“The sudden uncertainty created by these notifications has deeply affected employees who have served the State for years and now fear losing their livelihoods, especially those nearing the upper age limit for fresh recruitment,” Momin remarked.
He stressed that the affected employees are not seeking exemption from merit or competition but appeal for fairness, recognition, and transitional protection.
Their situation, Momin added, raises concerns of constitutional equity and humane responsibility under Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality, fairness, and dignity.
Reaffirming faith in the government’s commitment to justice and compassion, Momin expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would guide the administration to implement the SOP and age condonation procedures in a just and humane manner, ensuring no employee is prejudiced by administrative reforms.