Meghalaya: Garo Community Demands MPSC Chairman Post, Warns of Protests if Overlooked

A tribal rights organisation in Meghalaya has issued a strong call to the state government, urging the appointment of a member from the Garo community as the next Chairman of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC). The demand, if unmet, could trigger statewide protests, the organisation has warned.

The group, A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), has formally submitted a petition to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, emphasizing the importance of maintaining what they claim is an established rotational principle between the state’s two largest indigenous communities—the Khasis-Jaintias and the Garos.

In their petition, ACHIK stated, “We strongly demand that the next Chairman of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission be appointed from the Garo category, in accordance with the rotational principle and in restoration of the rightful balance.” They further warned, “If this demand is ignored, we will be compelled to take statewide protest actions and explore legal recourse.”

At the heart of the issue is the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy of 1972, which provides for 40% reservation each to the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities. ACHIK argues that this policy extends beyond job reservations to encompass fair representation in key state appointments, such as those in the MPSC.

The organisation asserts that the position of MPSC Chairman has historically alternated between members of the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities, and that continuing this rotation is vital for equity, transparency, and social harmony. They believe that violating this pattern would disrupt the spirit of balanced governance that Meghalaya has long upheld.

ACHIK also referred to a significant ruling by the Meghalaya High Court in April 2022, which directed the state government to ensure a transparent and fair roster system in implementing its reservation policies. The organisation argues that any deviation from the established rotation—by appointing another chairman from the same community that recently held the post—would contradict both the legal directives and the intention behind the reservation system.

The current situation stems from the government’s recent decision to appoint Badarius Shylla as the Chairperson in-charge of the MPSC. Alongside Shylla, the commission includes three members: Aloysius Ch Marak, Lester Pathaw, and Sanjive K Marak. While the current appointment is temporary, the process of selecting a permanent MPSC Chairman is underway, and a decision will be made by a government-appointed committee.

ACHIK’s demand has added pressure on the state administration to act judiciously, as the MPSC plays a crucial role in recruiting for various government services and upholding merit-based public administration in the state. The organisation’s call is not merely about representation but about honouring a longstanding understanding between communities that ensures mutual respect and participation in governance.

The government is yet to respond officially to the petition. However, with the Garo community's rising concerns and the looming threat of protests, the upcoming decision on the MPSC chairmanship could have far-reaching political and social implications for Meghalaya.