Editor,
As the NEET paper leak draws countrywide attention, exposing millions of students to immense stress and uncertainty, a deeply disturbing trend closer to home requires immediate scrutiny. It is nothing short of a travesty of justice that an individual convicted in a major examination paper leak scandal is currently holding key administrative posts in Meghalaya.
The depth of this crisis was vividly brought out in the public domain by your publication by an article on 8th December 2025. The article meticulously detailed the several misdeeds and the highly controversial track record of M. Balakrishna Reddy. Despite these serious revelations and the clear danger of vital evidence being compromised, there has been a deafening silence and zero response from the State Government.
Adding a stark layer of political irony to this situation, the MDA Government spokesperson and senior NPP leader Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, recently expressed his deep concern over the NEET paper leak terming it disheartening and demanding that the Central Government take strong action to punish the culprits. While the NPP-led government aggressively demands accountability and strict punishment at the national level, it is simultaneously going out of its way to protect a convicted exam scammer right under its nose.
This dual standard is a slap on the face of hardworking, honest youth. The integrity of national examinations like NEET and local state appointments form the bedrock of a meritocratic society. If convicted individuals are shielded and rehabilitated into influential government positions with absolute impunity, we are effectively telling our youth that merit holds no value.
It is high time the state administration breaks its silence, aligns its local actions with its national rhetoric, and removes such compromised individuals from key roles. An immediate intervention is needed to ensure that public offices are occupied only by those with unblemished integrity.
Your etc..
A citizen
