Shillong, Sept 29: Panic struck nearly 40 candidates of contractual staff nurses at MCH Hospital, Nongstoin as a leader of Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) allegedly caused havoc during the interview on Tuesday.
The VPP MDC from Nongstoin Dr Juristman Iawphniaw allegedly stormed the interview hall, videographed proceedings and forced the candidates to leave.
West Khasi Hills district administration took strong note of the incident and likely to take legal action against the disruptors.
Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak said the administration, along with the Health department, will take action in consultation with police for disruption of official duty.
Initially, two persons entered the hall and started recording the interview process, before five-six persons entered the DC’s chamber, according to the DC.
“Our panel members and everybody was in shock, nobody knew how to react. This is complete disruption of official duty. Even if somebody wants to give a petition, there is a procedure and our office is always open,” she said.
Mentioning about “one or two social media posts” on Monday evening, the DC said, “But nobody had come to office yesterday or even today morning.”
“We always look into each petition, we do grievance redressal. Instead of doing that, they did this physical disruption,” she said.
Condemning the act, she said, “It is not appreciated by any section of the society, by the candidates, the interview panel members – everybody condemns this kind of act.”
She assured that district administration and police will together decide the action to be taken in this regard.
“We are having meetings and discussions with SP West Khasi Hills. We will be taking action…decision on FIR is yet to be taken,” the DC said.
The interview was halted when only four out of 37 candidates present could be interviewed on Tuesday. Forty candidates were called for the interview on Tuesday.
“We decided to halt it for today. Remaining, we will decide next schedule,” Nayak said.
The DC, meanwhile, assured the candidates that the recruitment process will be continued.
“Nobody can stop like this,” she said.
Appointment of the nurses is crucial in operationalising the MCH Hosptial.
“We are looking forward to making MCH Hospital properly operational. Now we have started OPD. We are yet to start IPD and yet to do official inauguration,” Nayak said.
On a petition filed by the VPP youth wing citing a masked audio clip on social media alleging irregularities, Nayak said it is being verified separately.
“At the moment there is no procedural fault, nobody can pinpoint anything. This is one of the most transparent recruitments – we have released marks, called for interview, candidates are fully satisfied,” she said.
“As per the petition, based on an audio recording from a particular candidate circulating on social media, grievance was raised. Voice is masked, we are not sure who it is. Our magistrate will ascertain whether it is real or fake. If true, we will look into it,” she added.
