Shillong, Sept 11: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has submitted urgent representations to the Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) and the Government of Meghalaya, seeking transparency and corrective measures regarding the representation of Scheduled Tribes in recruitment, particularly at the officer level.
Data examined by CoMSO from recent MRB recruitment cycles raises serious questions. While ST representation in the Office Assistant cadre stood at approximately 41–46%, it fell sharply at the officer level, with ST representation in Officer Scale I ranging between approximately 6–10%. In the higher officer grades, representation was between 0–5%.
This disparity requires a clear explanation. CoMSO is not alleging that these figures, by themselves, establish any illegality or wrongdoing. However, they raise legitimate concerns about whether indigenous candidates are receiving a fair opportunity to enter and progress within an institution that serves the rural population of Meghalaya.
CoMSO has also sought clarification on the implementation and verification of the Khasi/Garo language requirement prescribed for MRB recruitment. The purpose is to ensure that the local-language requirement is meaningful and effectively implemented, while protecting the integrity of the recruitment process.
The issue assumes particular urgency as the IBPS CRP-RRB XV recruitment process is presently underway, with applications for Office Assistants and Officers being invited. CoMSO has therefore urged MRB and the Government to ensure that all relevant recruitment, reservation and language-proficiency requirements are strictly and transparently implemented in the ongoing process.
CoMSO has called for, Strict compliance with ST reservation provisions at every applicable level; Transparent disclosure of post-wise recruitment and ST representation; Effective verification of Khasi/Garo language proficiency; Preservation and disclosure of relevant recruitment records; Greater outreach and opportunities for indigenous youth of Meghalaya; Review of the sharp disparity in tribal representation between subordinate and officer cadres; and Measures to ensure effective local-language accessibility for customers.
CoMSO reiterates that this is not a demand to exclude non-tribals or to seek favours for anyone. It is a demand for transparency, fair opportunity, accountability and meaningful representation of the indigenous people of Meghalaya in institutions serving the State.
“We want the records, not excuses.” CoMSO believes that the larger question extends beyond recruitment: Who gets recruited, who gets promoted, who occupies positions of authority, and who ultimately participates in decision-making within Meghalaya’s institutions.
The representations submitted by CoMSO seek a response from the concerned authorities within 15 days. “This is not a demand for favours. This is a demand for transparency, fair opportunity and meaningful representation.”
