Will the Meghalaya Government Present the Job Reservation Report During the Budget Session?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Meghalaya Cabinet is set to present a crucial report on job reservation.
- Chief Minister Sangma emphasizes the sensitive nature of the document.
- Discussions on reinstating tainted teachers are ongoing.
- Legislators are urged to deliberate on the report's contents responsibly.
- The government is committed to addressing the issues of affected teachers.
Shillong, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Meghalaya Cabinet convened on Friday and made a pivotal decision to present the findings of the Expert Committee regarding the Meghalaya State Job Reservation Policy of 1972 during the forthcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, anticipated to take place from February 16 to 27.
During a briefing with reporters following the Cabinet assembly, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized that the report had been thoroughly reviewed and the Cabinet unanimously agreed that it warranted discussion in the House.
He further mentioned that the state government has already reached out to the Governor to arrange for the Budget Session in mid-February, with exact dates to be finalized upon receiving approval.
While the Chief Minister refrained from revealing any details about the report prior to its official presentation in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, he noted that the document is both comprehensive and sensitive, necessitating careful deliberation from the legislators.
Moreover, Sangma addressed the long-standing issue concerning teachers labeled as “tainted” due to the “White Ink Scam”, which involved alleged misconduct in the recruitment of lower primary teachers during the years 2008–09. He stated that the state government is considering various avenues for resolution and has instructed the Chief Secretary to explore all legal and administrative possibilities.
However, he made it clear that any forthcoming actions will strictly adhere to court directives.
In reference to previous court-mandated reviews, Sangma disclosed that approximately 140 teachers were reinstated in the initial phase, with an additional four to five teachers reinstated later after being cleared of direct involvement.
He mentioned that the government has once again sought permission from the Meghalaya High Court to conduct a fresh review.
Last year, the High Court dismissed the criminal charges against former Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and others, yet many teachers still bear the “tainted” label.
This situation has ignited appeals from organizations such as the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council advocating for the rehabilitation of affected teachers.
Assuring corrective measures, the Chief Minister expressed the government’s readiness to address valid cases where teachers have been unjustly impacted.