SHILLONG, OCT 6: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Monday clarified that the allotment of MBBS seats under the state quota was done in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Responding to allegations of irregularities, Shylla told reporters that while some concerns were raised by NGOs, including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), the issue has been largely resolved.
The minister explained that a top-scoring student from the Khasi-Jaintia reserved category had opted to remain in the reserved category despite being eligible for the unreserved category. However, after concerns were raised, the student expressed willingness to switch to the unreserved category.
Following a meeting, it was decided that the student’s request would be accommodated.
“A student who is a topper from the reserved category of Khasi-Jaintia was supposed to be upgraded to an unreserved category since her marks are higher than the other candidates. However in the SOP it is clearly mentioned that it is up to the candidate to choose. Since she is qualified in both unreserved category and reserved category, it is up to her to choose. At that particular moment, she said she would stay in the Khasi-Jaintia category, that is why we cleared the list. Later when the concern was raised by the NGOs, she also called and said she is ready to go to the unreserved category.”
“(Accordingly) today we called a meeting and everyone is of the opinion, since she has already agreed then from the department also we have no issue. I think by now everything is sorted out,” Shylla added further.
Regarding the establishment of new medical colleges, the minister expressed the government’s desire to set up institutions in Jowai, Nongstoin, and other parts of the state. However, he emphasized that feasibility and financial considerations would be crucial in determining the viability of such projects.
On the status of two medical colleges, Shylla said that counselling is underway for admission in the Shillong Medical College, while construction is pending completion at Tura Medical College.
By Our Reporter
