Shillong, July 29: The organisation Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today met the Governor of Meghalaya C. H. Vijayashankar at the Lok Bhavan and submit the memorandum on urgent matters of public importance concerning Meghalaya with the concerned Ministries of the Government of India.
In the Memorandum the HYC submitted the representation seeking his intervention in taking up with the concerned Ministries of the Government of India a number of pressing issues that have profound implications for the security, employment, public health, dignity and constitutional rights of the indigenous tribal people of Meghalaya.
As the Constitutional Head of the State and the esteemed representative of the Hon’ble President of India, you occupy a unique position to bring to the attention of the Union Government matters affecting the welfare of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. We therefore earnestly appeal to kindly champion these concerns before the appropriate Ministries so that timely and meaningful action may be taken.
Strengthening the Drug Supply Reduction Strategy in Meghalaya, drug abuse has today emerged as one of the gravest threats confronting the youth of Meghalaya. It is no longer merely a law-and-order issue but a humanitarian, social and public health crisis that is destroying families, claiming young lives and jeopardising the future of an entire generation.
The alarming increase in the trafficking and consumption of narcotic drugs indicates that Meghalaya has increasingly become a vulnerable transit corridor owing to its international border and its proximity to the notorious “Golden Triangle”. Unless the supply chain is dismantled, efforts towards rehabilitation and awareness alone will never succeed.
The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council firmly believes that reducing the inflow of narcotic substances into the State must become the foremost priority of all enforcement agencies, they request the governor to kindly take up this matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs and impress upon the Government of India the urgent necessity.
The HYC urged for establishing a permanent Zonal Office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Meghalaya; Strengthening intelligence-sharing and joint operations between NCB, BSF, State Police, Customs and other enforcement agencies.
Deploying additional manpower and modern surveillance technology along vulnerable entry routes; and enhancing Central assistance for combating organised drug trafficking networks operating in the North Eastern Region. Ensuring effective Implementation of Reservation Policy in Central Government Establishments in Meghalaya
That as per the Office Memorandum No.360 1711 12004-Estt.(Res.) issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training New Delhi, dated the 5th July, 2005; Office Memorandum dated 4th July, 2007 and compendium of instructions No. F.No.36011/1/2022-Estt.(Res-I) dated14.10.2022.
The Government of India has provided for Revision of quantum of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in case of direct recruitment to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts normally attracting candidates from a locality or a region.
As per these Office Memorandums and standing instructions, in the State of Meghalaya the Percentage of Reservation is 1 % for Scheduled Castes, 44% for Scheduled Tribes and 5 % for Other Backward Classes.
However, despite clear Office Memorandums issued by the Government of India governing reservation in direct recruitment to Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts, several Central Government offices, public sector undertakings and institutions functioning within Meghalaya have allegedly failed to implement these provisions in their true letter and spirit.
Consequently, deserving indigenous tribal youth continue to lose valuable employment opportunities in institutions established within their own homeland.The HYC humbly submits that this situation defeats the very constitutional objective of affirmative action and undermines the legitimate expectations of Scheduled Tribe communities.
HYC request the Governor to kindly take up this issue with the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, seeking appropriate directions to all Central Government establishments in Meghalaya to ensure strict compliance with reservation policies and periodic monitoring of their implementation.
On the Illegal settlements at Lum Survey, Iewduh, Shillong, the continued existence of illegal settlements at Lum Survey, opposite the Fire and Emergency Services Station, Iewduh, Shillong, has become a matter of grave public concern. This plot of land is under the control and ownership of the Defence Estate Office, Guwahati.
Apart from issues relating to illegal occupation of land, the area has reportedly become vulnerable to serious concerns involving public health, sanitation, illegal immigration and criminal activities, including the trafficking of narcotic substances.
The HYC believes that the issue deserves immediate attention from the competent authorities before the situation deteriorates further, to take up the matter with the Ministry of Defence, wherever applicable, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking necessary directions for verification of occupants, removal of unauthorised encroachments and restoration of lawful possession and public order. Timely intervention will greatly contribute towards maintaining peace, public safety and the rule of law.
Adoption of Appropriate Female-to-Male Ratio in Recruitment of Nursing Officers at NEIGRIHMS,The HYC also wishes to draw your kind attention to the concerns arising from the recruitment of Nursing Officers at NEIGRIHMS.
The Institute caters to lakhs of patients from across the North Eastern Region, particularly women and children. In departments such as Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, NICU, PICU and several specialised wards, the availability of an adequate number of female Nursing Officers is indispensable to ensure patient dignity, privacy, comfort and quality healthcare.
It is pertinent to note that several premier Central Institutions have adopted an 80:20 Female: Male ratio in Nursing Officer recruitment keeping these practical considerations in mind.
The HYC respectfully submits that NEIGRIHMS should also be enabled to adopt a similar policy in the larger interest of patients and efficient hospital administration.
The HYC request to kindly take up this matter with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare so that appropriate policy approval may be accorded to NEIGRIHMS for adopting a suitable Female-to-Male ratio in future recruitment of Nursing Officers.
In view of the foregoing, the Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council most respectfully prays, take up with the Ministry of Home Affairs the urgent need to strengthen anti-narcotics enforcement in Meghalaya, including the establishment of a permanent NCB office in the State.
Take up with the Department of Personnel and Training the issue of strict implementation of reservation policies for Scheduled Tribes in all Central Government establishments located in Meghalaya.
Take up with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs the issue relating to illegal settlements at Lum Survey, Iewduh, Shillong, for appropriate remedial action.
Take up with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare the issue concerning adoption of an appropriate Female-to-Male recruitment ratio for Nursing Officers at NEIGRIHMS.
The HYC is concern the security of the youth, the constitutional rights of our indigenous communities, the rule of law, and the quality of public healthcare in Meghalaya and his timely intervention will not only bring these matters to the earnest attention of the Union Government but will also reassure the people of Meghalaya that their genuine concerns are receiving the highest constitutional consideration, the memorandum was sign by the President Mr. Roy Kupar Synrem and General Secretary Rhembor G. Saibon of the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council.
