Biplab Kr Dey
Tura, Oct 15: Facing a complaint from social activist, Nilbath Ch Marak, of being under qualified for her role as a lecturer of Economics in the Mendipathar College, Twislinda Marak, through a press communiqué, clarified her position on the matter.
Marak, the spouse of the NPP MLA from Kharkutta Rupert Momin, has been working in the capacity of a temporary lecturer since 2013.
Earlier, Nilbath, through a complaint to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education (DHTE) pointed out that Twislinda only secured 32% in her graduation and also got a masters’ degree through distance learning – both of which disqualified her from any government teaching position.
Marak stated that her appointment was made following procedures permitted under the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) affiliation rules for temporary academic engagement.
“Throughout that period, my teaching performance, participation in academic activities and service to students were continuously assessed by the Department and the College Administration,” she said.
She further added that an interview was conducted in 2017 by the College administration and based on her qualifications and academic activities, she was duly selected. Her services, in 2025, were regularized against a sanctioned post by the DHTE, reflecting the standard administrative procedure followed by colleges affiliated.
The lecturer added that as a member of the ST community, she is allowed 5% leeway by way of marks (she secured 52% in her post graduate) which she asserted met the standards.
“When I began as a temporary lecturer, colleges were permitted under NEHU ordinances to make provisional appointments to ensure academic continuity pending permanent recruitment. These appointments were subject to later verification, which was duly carried out during the 2017 interview. Every document — mark sheets, degree certificates and testimonials — were scrutinized and validated by the selection committee,” she stated.
“Over the past twelve years of service, I have made significant contributions to both teaching and research. My research papers on rural marketing, agricultural production, and women’s empowerment have been published in UGC-CARE-listed journals, Scopus-indexed journals, and edited volumes. I have also presented my research at various national and international conferences organized by reputed institutions. These academic engagements reflect my continued commitment to professional growth and align with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) expectations for faculty development,” she said.
She is currently pursuing her Ph.D from USTM.
She also stated that her appointment came before her husband (Rupert Momin) became an MLA in 2018 so there was no question of political interference.
Interestingly she asserted that the credibility of a teacher rests not only on qualification but also on classroom performance, ethical conduct and contribution to students’ learning.
Calling the allegations as partial, Twislinda felt that the matter should have been verified from either the college or competent authorities.
“In an academic environment, criticism should be guided by evidence and procedure, not by speculation. Our higher-education system depends on mutual respect among teachers, students, administrators, and the public. When discourse descends into personal accusation, it diverts attention from the true goal — improving the quality of education in our state,” felt the lecturer.
Stating she was open to a review of her qualifications by competent authorities of her service records, she felt the same would actually reaffirm that each stage was built upon legitimate process and professional dedication.
She thanked all those who stood beside her during the time.
