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Meghalaya to Table Job Quota Report, Address Teacher Scam in Budget Session

The Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to table the report of the Expert Committee on the State Job Reservation Policy, 1972, during the upcoming Budget Session in February. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated the comprehensive report is sensitive and requires legislative deliberation before its contents are disclosed. Separately, the government is exploring legal avenues to address the rehabilitation of teachers tagged as "tainted" from the 2008-09 'White Ink Scam' recruitment case. The CM assured action on genuine wrongful impacts, following court directions and a fresh review petition filed in the High Court.

Key Points: Meghalaya Job Reservation Report to be Tabled in Budget Session

  • Job quota report to be tabled in Feb
  • Report deemed sensitive, contents undisclosed
  • 'White Ink Scam' teacher rehab explored
  • Govt seeks court nod for fresh review
  • Criminal case against ex-minister quashed
2 min read

Meghalaya govt to table Job Reservation Report in Budget Session

Meghalaya Cabinet decides to table Expert Committee report on Job Reservation Policy in Feb Budget Session. CM also addresses 'White Ink Scam' teacher rehabilitation.

"the document is comprehensive and sensitive in nature - Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, Jan 16

The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday decided to table the report of the Expert Committee on the Meghalaya State Job Reservation Policy, 1972, during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, likely to be held from February 16 to 27.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting here, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Friday that the report was discussed in detail and the Cabinet agreed that it should be placed before the House for deliberation.

He said the state government has already proposed to the Governor to convene the Budget Session in mid-February, and the final dates would be formalised after receiving approval.

The Chief Minister said it would not be appropriate to disclose the contents of the report before it is tabled in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

He added that the document is comprehensive and sensitive in nature, and therefore requires careful consideration and discussion by the legislators.

Earlier, Sangma had stated that the report had been thoroughly examined by officials and was ready for presentation before the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also addressed the long-pending issue of teachers tagged as "tainted" in the so-called "White Ink Scam", following the collapse of the criminal case linked to alleged irregularities in lower primary teacher recruitment in 2008-09.

Sangma said the state government is exploring possible ways forward and has asked the Chief Secretary to examine all available legal and administrative options.

However, he clarified that any action would be strictly guided by court directions.

Referring to earlier court-mandated reviews, Sangma said around 140 teachers were reinstated in the first phase, while another four to five were reinstated later after being found not directly involved.

He said the government has again approached the Meghalaya High Court seeking permission to conduct a fresh review.

The criminal proceedings against former Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and others were quashed by the High Court last year, but several teachers continue to carry the "tainted" label.

The issue has triggered demands from organisations such as the Hynniewtrep Youths' Council for the rehabilitation of affected teachers.

Assuring corrective action, the Chief Minister said the government would be willing to address genuine cases where teachers were wrongfully impacted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 'White Ink Scam' teachers' issue is heartbreaking. Carrying a 'tainted' label for years after the case collapsed is gross injustice. The govt must expedite their rehabilitation. Justice delayed is justice denied.
V
Vikram M
Good that they're tabling it in the Assembly for discussion. These policies should be debated openly, not decided behind closed doors. But calling it "sensitive" makes me worry they might dilute it before presenting.
S
Sarah B
As someone from outside the region, it's interesting to see how states handle their own reservation policies. Hope the new policy balances merit with equitable representation. The teachers' scam resolution is equally important.
R
Rohit P
The CM says "any action would be strictly guided by court directions" for the teachers. That's just passing the buck, no? The administration should show some spine and clean up this mess they inherited. Take responsibility!
N
Nisha Z
Job reservation is a double-edged sword. It provides opportunities but can also create divisions. Hope the expert committee has focused on creating a framework for skill development and jobs growth, not just quotas.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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