SHILLONG, JUL 27: The Hynniewtrep Youth’ Council has urged the Meghalaya government to scrap a provision reserving 4 of 12 CM LEAD Fellowship posts for candidates from outside the state, warning it will oppose the upcoming interviews and hit the streets if its demand is not met.
In a representation to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma submitted on Monday through the Officer on Special Duty, SSA-SEMAM, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem termed the reservation of one-third seats for non-domiciles as “unjustified” in a state-funded programme meant to strengthen Meghalaya’s education system.
The CM LEAD Fellowship places young professionals with District Administrations, Samagra Shiksha, DERT, schools and local communities.
According to HYC, the role requires deep knowledge of Meghalaya’s geography, tribal customs, languages and governance structures — areas where local youth have a clear advantage.
“We are not against candidates from other states. Our objection is to a policy that shuts out capable and committed local youth from opportunities created for Meghalaya,” Synrem stated.
The Council argued that with educated youth in the state already facing limited employment options, government initiatives must prioritize indigenous candidates. It demanded that all 12 fellowship positions be filled by eligible indigenous youth of Meghalaya on merit.
HYC has asked the government to amend the guidelines before the interview process slated for July 30 and 31, 2026.
Failing that, the Council said it “shall have no option but to oppose the interview process on scheduled dates and launch appropriate public agitations in defence of the legitimate rights and interests of the indigenous youths of Meghalaya.”
It further stated that the government would be “solely responsible for any situation” arising from inaction despite prior notice.
By Our Reporter
