SHILLONG: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has clarified that the allotment of MBBS seats under the state quota was carried out in strict compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), amid allegations of irregularities raised by students’ bodies.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shylla said the issue stemmed from a case involving a top-ranking student from the Khasi–Jaintia reserved category, who qualified in both the reserved and unreserved categories. The minister explained that as per the SOP, candidates are allowed to choose which category they wish to be considered under.
“At the time of counselling, the student chose to stay in the Khasi–Jaintia reserved category, and we approved the list accordingly. Later, when concerns were raised by the NGOs, she informed us that she was willing to move to the unreserved category. We held a meeting today and decided to accommodate the change. The matter is now resolved,” Shylla stated.
The clarification comes after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) questioned the fairness of the seat allocation process.
On the government’s broader health education plans, Shylla said the state aims to establish new medical colleges in Jowai, Nongstoin, and other districts, though feasibility and funding will determine their progress.
He added that counselling for Shillong Medical College is currently underway, while construction work at Tura Medical College is still in progress.
