SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has served a comprehensive memorandum to the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, warning of “aggressive measures” and renewed agitations if the state government fails to address a series of long-standing grievances ranging from recruitment irregularities to illegal settlements.
The memorandum, signed by General Secretary Donald V. Thabah and Employment Monitoring Cell Chairman Reuben Najiar, highlights five critical areas requiring “urgent intervention.”
The Union expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress regarding recruitment at NEIGRIHMS. Following a sit-in protest in May 2025, the government had reportedly assured the KSU that it would deliberate with the Union Health Ministry to implement an 80:20 female-to-male nursing ratio and revised reservation quotas for indigenous tribals. The KSU noted that despite previous dialogues held by former Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, no tangible developments have occurred.
The KSU condemned the government’s “inability” to enforce the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act. Although amendments were approved by the State Cabinet in August 2024 to strengthen regulations and penalties, they have yet to be implemented. The Union warned that it would resume its “eviction drive” of migrant workers if delays continue.
Labeling current recruitment results in various districts as “flawed and highly irregular,” the KSU accused the DSCs of nepotism and corruption. The Union had previously submitted a 15-point charter demanding — disclosure of marks and answer keys, provision of carbon copies of OMR sheets and abolition of personal interviews.
“If no changes are brought forward, the Union will take different forms of agitation in the capital and all district headquarters,” the memorandum stated.
The Union took strong exception to a directive from the Directorate of Arts & Culture requiring school students to sing and record ‘Vande Mataram’. The KSU argued that the song’s references to Hindu deities are unsuitable for mandatory singing in a secular country and warned of “aggressive measures” if the directive is not withdrawn.
Finally, the KSU urged the Chief Secretary to expedite the eviction of illegal settlers from Mahadev Khola and Maxwelton Estate. The Union claimed these are revenue lands where illegal occupations have remained unchecked despite repeated reminders to the authorities.
The memorandum has also been copied to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and both Deputy Chief Ministers, signaling the Union’s intent to escalate these issues to the highest levels of governance.
