Meghalaya Health Department clarifies allegations in nurses’ recruitment process

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 4, 2024

The Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a detailed clarification regarding recent allegations of irregularities in the nurses’ recruitment process. This statement follows serious claims that absentee candidates were shortlisted.

This clarification came during a press conference held at DHS (MI), Laitumkhrah, on Thursday evening.

Allegations Raised:
The MMSRB faced serious allegations concerning irregularities in the recruitment process, including accusations that absentee candidates were shortlisted. These allegations have been categorically denied by the MMSRB.

Recruitment Advertisement:
The recruitment was initiated through Advertisement No. HSM/MMSRB/Nursing/12/24/19 dated 30.07.2024, which detailed 164 vacancies for Staff Nurses and 78 vacancies for ANMs. It included breakdowns per the State Reservation Policy, required qualifications, and age relaxation provisions.

Application and Eligibility Process:
After receiving a total of 5,603 applications for Staff Nurse and 706 applications for ANM, admit cards were issued. Importantly, no document verification occurred at the pre-written examination stage, in compliance with Office Memorandum No. PER/(AR) 25/2022/Pt/23. This Office Memorandum mandates that document verification be deferred until after candidates have passed the written examination.

Merit-Based Shortlisting:
Following the written examination, the MMSRB shortlisted 495 candidates for Staff Nurse and 263 candidates for ANM, based solely on merit. The number of shortlisted candidates was three times the number of vacancies for each category. This was done in anticipation that certain candidates may not possess proper documentation and with the intent to fill the entire vacancy within the current year.

Objections and Corrections:
After the publication of the shortlisted candidates, objections were raised, primarily concerning the list not being categorized according to the State Reservation Policy. The MMSRB responded by publishing a revised list, categorized according to reservation policies and including marks obtained by each candidate.

Further Disputes:
Despite the revisions, further dissatisfaction led to a meeting with the Hon’ble Health Minister. As a result, it was decided, via a notification dated 30.09.2024, that the roll numbers and marks of all candidates would be published in descending order. Candidates were invited to file formal complaints with the Grievance Cell. It was reiterated that document verification would be conducted only for those candidates who qualify based on the vacancies. In cases where candidates failed to produce the required documents, the next candidate in line, based on merit, would be considered. Therefore, the shortlisted candidates’ list published earlier was cancelled via the notification dated 30.09.2024.

Double Appearance of Roll Numbers:
Some candidates applied in both categories, including the sports category. Therefore, separate lists under the sports category were also released, leading to the double appearance of some roll numbers. A rectified list was later issued, but as further queries arose, the Department decided to cancel the list entirely via the notification dated 30.09.2024 to avoid confusion. The final list, after document verification, would be published according to the existing vacancies.

Clarification on Roll Number Errors:
The board also clarified the issue with Roll No. 1040, which appeared twice with different marks in an earlier list. A corrigendum dated 01.10.2024 corrected this by specifying that Roll No. 1040, which had obtained 60 marks, should be read as 0140. Meanwhile, Roll No. 1040 with 58 marks was confirmed as correct.

Issue with Roll No. 0597:
An additional issue was raised by a candidate with Roll No. 0597 from the Khasi-Jaintia category for Staff Nurse. She claimed she did not appear for the exam, yet her roll number appeared with obtained marks. It was clarified that this roll number belonged to a candidate from the ANM category under the Garo category. The concerned candidate has also provided her written clarification on the misunderstanding to the Board.

Fair Process Assurance:
The MMSRB concludes by reaffirming its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process. The appointment of the shortlisted candidates remains subject to document verification. Additionally, a Grievance Cell has been established to prevent any miscarriage of justice, and any aggrieved candidates are encouraged to approach the cell. Any further clarifications may be taken up with the relevant authorities to avoid delays in completing the recruitment process.