SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over inaccuracies in the official minutes of a recent high-level review meeting with senior state officials but secured significant government assurances on local governance, recruitment reforms, and law enforcement accountability.
Central to the KSU’s concerns was the composition of a Fact-Finding Committee on East Jaintia Hills.
Despite prior verbal agreements to exclude district officials, the draft minutes listed the local Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police as members.
Following KSU’s objections, state authorities agreed to exclude these officials entirely and promised to share a revised list of committee members within two days.
On the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), the government committed to making facilitation centers and District Task Forces operational by late November or early December, focusing initially on Umling and Rattacherra entry points.
Responding to KSU’s demand, verification authority for online tenant registration will remain with traditional heads, and the rollout of facial recognition apps will be deferred until physical centers are functional.
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Regarding migrant worker regulations, the government assured that tougher provisions—such as integration with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and higher penalties—have been included.
Fines for non-compliance will range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, with possible jail terms for repeat offenders. A workshop to train Labour Department enforcement officers on these new rules is planned.
The government also shared updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recruitment, confirming the abolition of personal interviews for Grade D posts, with similar reforms for Grades B and C to follow shortly.
The KSU reiterated its demand that the proposed NEIGRIHMS Governing Council not be constituted until all union demands are met, a position supported by the institute’s Deputy Director.
Finally, the KSU condemned what it called arbitrary police actions against its members and questioned why authorities have not acted against individuals involved in stone-pelting and road digging during the Shree Cement public hearing.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing transparency and accountability, declaring that selective arrests would not deter its efforts.
(4FrontMedia news)
