Shillong, Oct 6: An MBBS student on Monday expressed willingness to switch to the unreserved category from the reserved seat.
This was after the pressure groups-KSU and JSU- raised objections on seat allotment involving two non-tribal students.
Speaking to reporters, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla clarified that the allotment of MBBS seats under the state quota was done in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
In response to allegations of irregularities, Shylla said that some concerns were raised by NGOs-KSU and the JSU, but the issue has been resolved.
The minister said 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.
The minister said that after the 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 the unreserved category and the reserved category, it is up to her to choose. At that particular moment, she said she would stay in the Khasi-Jaintia category, which 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”, the minister said.
“Today we called a meeting and everyone thinks, since she has already agreed, and from the department we also have no issue. I think by now everything is sorted out,” Shylla said.
Medical college in Jowai
On 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 said that feasibility and financial considerations would be crucial in determining the viability of such projects.
Regarding the status of two medical colleges, Shylla said that counselling is underway for admission in the Shillong Medical College, while construction is pending at Tura Medical College
