SHILLONG: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) State Youth Wing intervened on Thursday to temporarily halt the BSc Nursing admission counselling for the 2026–27 session at NEIGRIHMS College of Nursing after discovering that the institution has never implemented a reservation quota for local candidates since its founding in 2006.
Led by President Marbud Dkhar and Secretary Nathaniel Mawrie, the VPP Youth delegation reviewed the published counselling list of 53 candidates and found it lacked any reservation provision for indigenous applicants, with most candidates from outside Meghalaya, including over 40 male candidates.
In a meeting with the College Principal, the delegation confirmed the absence of a reservation system for local students, unlike other central educational institutions.
The issue was escalated to NEIGRIHMS Dean of Academics, Dr. A. Mishra, who acknowledged the concern and agreed to suspend the admission process until a proper quota system is established.
An urgent meeting was subsequently convened with the institution’s Deputy Director and Director.
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The VPP Youth Wing criticized both the NEIGRIHMS administration and state government—past and present—for failing to secure reservation benefits for locals at the time of the institute’s establishment, noting that other states prioritize such measures.
The delegation also raised concerns about the high number of male candidates from outside the state, citing potential operational challenges for female staff and patients.
The Youth Wing announced plans to follow up with NEIGRIHMS leadership and the Tura MP, reiterating their demand for a complete suspension of the counselling process until equitable and locally inclusive admission guidelines are implemented.
(4FrontMedia news)
