By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 3: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Wednesday urged the state government to issue an official clarification on whether the “tainted” tag imposed on teachers and candidates linked to the 2008–09 Lower Primary recruitment irregularities will be reviewed or removed, considering the High Court of Meghalaya’s recent judgment discharging all accused persons.
In a letter submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Chief Secretary P Shakeel Ahammed, the HYC demanded a re-examination of all cases in which candidates were labelled “tainted” during the investigation into the so-called “White Ink Scam.”
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said the High Court’s September 2025 judgment — which quashed the criminal proceedings and discharged former Education Minister and senior officials due to lack of evidence — warrants a full reassessment of the tainted tag.
He said the government must issue a clear statement to restore fairness, transparency and justice for those affected.
He urged the government to direct the Education Department to review all “tainted” cases and consider instituting a “Review and Reinstatement Committee” under the Directorate of School Education and Literacy to ensure a time-bound redressal process.
Synrem said many deserving candidates continue to suffer due to an unresolved stigma that cost them employment and dignity for over a decade.
“We trust that immediate remedial steps will be taken in the interest of justice and the welfare of the affected teachers,” he added.
The HYC president stressed that the issue is one of urgent public importance, especially since the High Court’s decision highlighted the absence of reliable evidence of score-sheet manipulation, no record of “white ink” usage, and consistency in tabulation-sheet signatures.
Despite the discharge of the main accused, the council noted that the affected “tainted” candidates have not been granted any relief. Many remain unemployed, their appointments cancelled or terminated. While some untainted candidates were reinstated earlier, including around 187 in 2021, those labelled tainted continue to face uncertainty.
The HYC expressed concern that the government is yet to clarify whether the High Court’s ruling nullifies the tainted classification or entitles candidates to reinstatement, compensation, or fresh consideration. It said the prolonged lack of communication has eroded public trust and left many in a state of despair.
The council reiterated its call to the government to act promptly to address the “long-standing injustice” affecting numerous families across the state.
