A growing controversy over alleged irregularities in faculty appointments at Mendipathar College in North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, has prompted several educators and governing body members to publicly deny involvement, even as a social activist’s memorandum to the Chief Minister intensifies scrutiny.
📄 Allegations of Manipulation and Nepotism
- Social activist Cherian Momin submitted a detailed memorandum to CM Conrad K. Sangma, alleging manipulation, favoritism, and procedural violations in the absorption of 17 teachers under the People’s College Grant-in-Aid Scheme
- The appointments were reportedly approved via a controversial office order dated June 6, 2025, based on a list submitted by the college principal and allegedly ratified by the Governing Body (GB)
🖊️ Educators Dispute Signature Use
- Several GB members claim their signatures were collected without full disclosure of the list’s purpose
- The memorandum alleges that no formal discussion or vote occurred during the February 21 GB meeting regarding the final list of appointees
- Some educators assert they were unaware their endorsements validated a pre-decided list, raising concerns over transparency and consent
⚖️ Specific Cases Raise Eyebrows
- Senior faculty member Subroto G. Marak, initially included in a 2023 GB resolution, was mysteriously excluded
- In his place, Rakban G. Momin, a junior and reportedly a former student of the GB chairman, was appointed
- Another appointee, Dingri D. Shira, allegedly joined the college after the eligibility cutoff date and is said to be the daughter of the current GB chairman, fueling nepotism claims
🏛️ Government Guidelines Ignored?
- The Education Department’s notifications from December 2022 and September 2023 mandated that only faculty appointed before the cutoff date and meeting minimum qualifications (Master’s with 55%, NET/PhD preferred) were eligible for absorption
- The memorandum argues that these norms were bypassed, undermining the scheme’s intent to promote merit-based recruitment
📌 Why It Matters
- The controversy threatens to erode public trust in higher education governance in Meghalaya
- It underscores the need for transparent appointment processes in government-aided institutions
- The state government may be compelled to review or revoke approvals if procedural lapses are confirmed
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