SHILLONG : The Ri-Bhoi People’s Council (RBPC) has come forward to clarify its position after the Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun (SSMP) made remarks that the council described as harsh and seemingly threatening in connection with its demand for priority to candidates from Ri-Bhoi for a Staff Nurse post advertised by the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO), Ri-Bhoi.
The RBPC has maintained that candidates from Ri-Bhoi should be given an opportunity first for posts available within the district, particularly in view of the large number of qualified local candidates who are eligible to apply for the Staff Nurse position.
Speaking to the media, RBPC leader Jayson Lennox Nongrum said that just as the Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun is concerned about the future and employment opportunities of the youth in its area, the RBPC also has the same concern for the youth of Ri-Bhoi.
Jayson questioned why the Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun had come forward to criticise the RBPC over the issue when the council’s demand was simply for candidates from Ri-Bhoi to be given priority for available posts within the district.
He said the demand was particularly relevant as there are hundreds of young people from Ri-Bhoi who are qualified and meet the requirements to apply for the Staff Nurse post.
The RBPC leader also questioned why there had not been a similar discussion regarding an earlier advertisement issued by West Jaintia Hills District, where the recruitment was specifically open to candidates who were residents of that district.
He questioned why the Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun had chosen to raise the issue specifically in relation to Ri-Bhoi when similar district-based recruitment provisions had been seen elsewhere.
The RBPC maintained that its position was aimed at safeguarding employment opportunities for qualified youth from Ri-Bhoi and seeking clarity on recruitment for posts available within the district.