Tensions flared in Nongstoin over the past two days as protests led by the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) State Youth Wing and a local Member of District Council (MDC) disrupted the contractual staff nurse recruitment process for the MCH Hospital. The protests, sparked by allegations of bribery and lack of transparency, culminated in a physical clash between VPP members and police personnel on Wednesday.
MDC Disrupts Ongoing Interviews
The unrest began on Tuesday, September 29, when VPP MDC Juristman Iawphniaw allegedly barged into the conference room of the West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office unannounced. The intrusion abruptly halted the personal interviews being conducted for 40 shortlisted contractual staff nurse candidates. According to reports, the disruption caused panic among the candidates, and the proceedings were forced to stop after only four individuals were interviewed.
VPP Youth Wing Clashes with Police
The situation escalated the following day when members of the VPP State Youth Wing, accompanied by the MDC, gathered outside the DC office demanding to meet Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak. After waiting for over two hours without a meeting, frustration boiled over. Reports indicate that protesters attempted to force open the office gates, leading to a scuffle with stationed police personnel who prevented them from entering the premises.
Allegations of “Jobs for Sale”
The VPP’s actions stem from serious allegations regarding the integrity of the recruitment process. The party’s youth wing claims that candidates were being asked to pay up to ₹4 lakh in exchange for the staff nurse appointments, with rumors circulating that one candidate had already paid an advance of ₹1 lakh. The VPP has formally demanded that the Director of Health Services (DHS) and the district administration suspend the recruitment process until an independent inquiry clears the selection procedure of these bribery allegations.
Administration Condemns the Disruption
The West Khasi Hills district administration has strongly condemned the disruption of the interviews, stating that it caused unnecessary distress to job aspirants and the interview board. DC Hema Nayak assured candidates that the recruitment process would not be derailed and would be completed strictly on merit.
Addressing the corruption claims, the administration urged anyone with concrete evidence of malpractice or demands for money to submit formal written complaints. The DC also noted that an audio recording circulating on social media regarding the alleged bribery is currently being investigated by a magistrate to determine its authenticity.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has issued a stern warning regarding the Tuesday incident, stating that the law will take its own course against the MDC for disrupting the official proceedings.
The recruitment of these nurses is considered crucial for fully operationalizing the newly established MCH Hospital in Nongstoin, which has already begun offering Outpatient Department (OPD) services. The district administration has stated they will announce the rescheduled dates for the remaining interviews shortly.
