Resubelpara, Feb 7, 2025: Concerns over alleged irregularities in the LDA cum Typist recruitment process in North Garo Hills have prompted MDC Adv. Rinaldo K Sangma of the 23-Rongrong GHADC Constituency to seek official clarification from the Deputy Commissioner, North Garo Hills District Administration.
In a memorandum addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Sangma highlighted several serious discrepancies in the examination process. The primary concern revolves around the non-implementation of the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) system, which is widely used in other districts for ensuring transparency and reducing human bias in evaluation. Instead, candidates were required to write their answers by hand, raising fears of potential manipulation and favoritism.
Adding to these concerns, the son of a local MLA was allegedly appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the District Selection Committee, which Sangma argues creates a clear conflict of interest and risks political interference in the selection process.
“This deviation from standard recruitment procedures undermines public trust in fair selection. The OMR system ensures transparency, reduces human errors, and eliminates chances of favoritism. Why was it not used in North Garo Hills?” Sangma questioned in his statement.
Citing the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Sangma stressed that public servants who misuse their positions for undue advantage must be held accountable. He urged the district administration to address these issues and immediately declare the pending examination results in a fair and unbiased manner.
The recruitment controversy has sparked reactions from aspiring candidates and civil society groups, who have echoed demands for an investigation into the matter. Many have expressed concerns over political favoritism overshadowing merit-based selection, calling for strict scrutiny of the recruitment process.
With growing public pressure, the North Garo Hills administration is now expected to respond to these allegations. Meanwhile, Adv. Rinaldo K Sangma has affirmed his commitment to ensuring fairness in recruitment and has warned of possible legal action should the authorities fail to address these irregularities.
“We cannot allow corruption to dictate the future of our youth. The selection process must be free from political interference and favoritism,” Sangma reiterated.
The coming weeks will determine whether the administration takes corrective action or whether this issue escalates into a larger controversy over transparency and governance in Meghalaya’s recruitment processes.
