The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has sought the immediate intervention of Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Shakil Ahamed, IAS, over what it termed a “persistent policy ambiguity” surrounding the implementation of the MBBS State Quota allotment.
Signed by HITO President Donbok Dkhar and Legal Secretary Shaniah Nongrum, the letter addressed to the Chief Secretary stated that the issue has remained unresolved since the State’s inception due to the absence of a clear, codified policy governing reservation in higher and professional education. “The matter has persisted for decades due to the absence of a clear, codified policy governing reservation in higher and professional education since the inception of our State,” the organisation wrote.
Referring to previous legal proceedings, including WP(C) No. 122 of 2023 and Cont. Case (C) No. 19 of 2023, HITO pointed out that the Meghalaya High Court, in its order dated September 15, 2023, cited the Government’s letter of September 13, 2023, which stated that “the principle and spirit of the Reservation Policy is extended/applied for admission in State Government Educational Institutions including higher and professional studies through conventional practice.”
HITO, however, noted that the statement “has only deepened the confusion rather than resolving it.” The organisation argued that the continued reliance on “conventional practice” — without any formal policy, rule, or notification — leaves both students and institutions uncertain about the legal validity of the quota system.
With the MBBS admission process underway, HITO urged the Chief Secretary to urgently clarify under what legal or policy framework the current State Quota is being implemented, whether any official notification or cabinet approval exists, and whether the Government intends to introduce a formal and codified Reservation Policy to ensure transparency in future admissions.
“A clear and timely clarification from your office will not only uphold transparency but also protect the interests of hundreds of students whose educational prospects now hang in the balance,” HITO said in its appeal.
