Meghalaya: KSU Questions MBBS Selection List Citing Non-Tribal Inclusions

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has raised strong objections to the MBBS selection list released by the Meghalaya government, citing the inclusion of two non-tribal candidates under the state’s reserved quota despite the fact that multiple Khasi students scored higher in the NEET examination. According to the union, Diya Ghosh, who obtained 472 marks, and Tanushka Chakravarty, with 442 marks, were allotted MBBS seats outside the state under the unreserved category. KSU argues that this decision undermines the rights of deserving indigenous Khasi candidates, many of whom achieved better scores but were overlooked. One Khasi student reportedly scored higher than Ghosh, while more than seven students outperformed Chakravarty.

The union contends that by including these two names under the unreserved category, the state administration has sidelined qualified indigenous students, denying them the opportunity to secure seats under the Khasi-Jaintia reserved quota. KSU further asserts that if Khasi students qualify for unreserved seats, additional Khasi applicants from the waiting list should automatically be moved up under the reserved category to ensure fair representation and adherence to the quota system.

KSU General Secretary Donald V. Thabah criticized the selection process as biased and unfair, alleging that the government either neglected its duties or allowed undue influence to affect the allocation of seats. He emphasized that such decisions disregard the rights of tribal students and reflect poorly on the integrity of the admission process. According to Thabah, this incident demonstrates a systemic flaw in how selections are made and raises questions about transparency and accountability within the health and education departments responsible for overseeing the process.

The union has labeled the inclusion of the two non-tribal candidates as a clear violation of tribal rights, arguing that it not only diminishes opportunities for meritorious Khasi students but also sets a concerning precedent for future admissions. KSU has demanded immediate corrective measures, calling for the removal of Diya Ghosh’s and Tanushka Chakravarty’s names from the MBBS selection list and the reallocation of their seats to eligible Khasi candidates who rightfully deserve them under the reserved quota. The union stresses that fair representation of tribal students in professional courses is critical for maintaining the principles of social justice and affirmative action in the state.

Additionally, the KSU has warned the government that it is prepared to escalate the matter if corrective action is not taken promptly. The union is ready to launch protests and mobilize public support to ensure that the rights of Khasi students are protected. The organization emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to quota policies and transparency in selection procedures to prevent similar instances in the future. KSU’s stance underscores the broader issue of ensuring equity and fairness in educational opportunities for indigenous communities, highlighting the need for accountability and diligence in the administration of reserved seats.

In summary, the KSU’s objection centers on the improper inclusion of two non-tribal candidates in Meghalaya’s MBBS selection list, despite higher-scoring Khasi students being available. The union demands rectification by removing the names of the non-tribal candidates and reallocating seats to eligible Khasi students. It calls for transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to quota policies to safeguard tribal rights, warning of protests if the government fails to act, and highlighting the ongoing need to protect the educational opportunities and rights of indigenous communities in Meghalaya.