Poll code cuts short job aspirants’ protest

SHILLONG, JAN 16: Grade IV job aspirants under the banner of Association of Qualified Grade-IV Candidates (AQGC) have withdrawn their indefinite stir following a meeting with East Khasi hills deputy commissioner Sanjay Goyal Wednesday afternoon even as Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P Naik has appealed to the public to maintain public order and avoid agitation.

During the meeting with the AQGC, Goyal enlightened them that as the model code of conduct is in force for the upcoming February 23 Meghalaya assembly elections no fresh advertisement for any jobs, including Grade IV posts, by the government and appointment to any posts  till the election was over hence there was no need to agitate.

Goyal, however, also made it clear to the agitating job seekers that he is not the “authority” to give any type of assurance to them relating to job appointment in government departments. He told them, “Appointment of job has to be taken at the government level.”

Nonetheless, Goyal promised to take up the matter with the chief secretary and accordingly inform them.

Emerging from the meeting with Goyal , AQGC president Bantei Kurbah told reporters that they have decided to temporarily suspend their and wait till a new government is formed.

Earlier during the day, even as Naik appealed to the public including the ngos to cooperate with the state election department by ensuring that there is peace so that the poll process can roll smoothly, he informed that Tuesday’s  protest report will be send to the Election Commission of India(ECI).

Underscoring the role of the public in ensuring the democratic process of electing leaders to the assembly to go off without a hitch, he said, “The public must not do anything to hamper the election process.” – By Our Reporter