Selection of seats done as per SOP for MBBS state quota: Shylla
Shillong, Oct 6: The state government has refuted allegations of anomalies in the allotment of MBBS seats under state quota, stating that seat allotments were made in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
However, issues raised by some NGOs, including Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) were largely resolved, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said on Monday while clarifying on the allegations.
He explained that a top-scoring student from Khasi-Jaintia reserved category had opted to remain in the reserved category despite being eligible for the unreserved category. However, after the NGOs raised concern, the student expressed willingness to switch to the unreserved category.
As per the SOP, the student from ‘Khasi-Jaintia’ reserved category eligible for being upgraded to unreserved category has to choose if s/he wants to be shifted to unserved category.
“Since she is qualified in both unreserved category and reserved category, it is up to her to choose,” Shylla said.
“At that particular moment, she said she would stay in the Khasi-Jaintia category, that is why we cleared the list. Later when the concern was raised by the NGOs, she also called and said she is ready to go to the unreserved category,” he added.
After hearing from the student during a meeting on Monday, the authorities have decided to accommodate her request of being shifted to unreserved category.
“I think by now everything is sorted out,” Shylla said.
On establishment of new medical colleges, the minister expressed the government’s desire to set up institutions in Jowai, Nongstoin, and other parts of the state. However, he emphasized that feasibility and financial considerations would be crucial in determining the viability of such projects.
On the status of two medical colleges, Shylla said counselling is under way for admission in Shillong Medical College, while construction of Tura Medical College is yet to be completed.
