COMSO demands suspension of appointment of MCS candidate selected under Garo quota 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 21, 2025

The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) on Monday demanded the immediate suspension of the appointment of Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak, who was selected under the Garo Scheduled Tribe quota in the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) examination, until a full and impartial verification of her identity and customary eligibility is conducted.

In a press statement, the COMSO also demanded that a State-level Independent Enquiry Committee be constituted, comprising traditional clan heads (Nokmas and Mahari leaders), representatives from the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), scholars of tribal customs, and the State Tribal Affairs Department, to examine this and other similar cases.

The confederation has alleged Marak was selected despite lacking any matrilineal Garo descent, recognised Mahari (clan) affiliation, or verifiable connection to Garo customary roots.

CoMSO further claimed that an RTI reply from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District (vide Letter No. P.15/1/26/09/Vol-I/82, dated 20th March 2025), confirmed that no official record of the ST certificate issued to Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak could be located.

“This lack of documentation raises serious questions about procedural transparency, the role of administrative scrutiny, and potential irregularities in certification and appointment. The CoMSO considers this not only a breach of trust but a violation of the faith reposed by the people in the public institutions of Meghalaya. If false tribal identities can go unchallenged and unchecked, the future of reservation policies, public trust, and traditional governance faces a critical threat,” it added.

The organisation also demanded verification of the tribal certificate in question, including public clarification on how the certificate was issued, who authorised it, and why official records are missing.

“(We also demand) accountability and departmental action against any official found complicit in the unlawful certification process, whether through negligence or deliberate facilitation,” it said adding “

 “(There should be) a full state-wide review and audit of tribal certificates issued in the past decade for government employment, academic admissions, and other reserved category benefits, with special emphasis on cross-verification with traditional authorities,” it stated.

The confederation also warned, “Should the Government of Meghalaya fail to act within a reasonable period, the COMSO reserves the right to initiate appropriate constitutional remedies, including legal recourse and peaceful democratic protests, in defense of indigenous rights and community integrity.”