CoMSO demands action over alleged misuse of ST quota in MCS appointment

Shillong, April 21: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has raised objections against an individual for allegedly misusing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in a recent Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) appointment, claiming the person does not belong to the Garo community by birth, clan or customary affiliation.

The issue is the selection of Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak under the Garo ST quota. CoMSO alleges that she does not belong to the indigenous Garo community by birth, customary clan affiliation, or matrilineal descent.

“Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak, who was selected under the Garo Scheduled Tribe quota in the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) Examination, despite lacking any matrilineal Garo descent, recognised Mahari (clan) affiliation, or verifiable connection to Garo customary roots”, CoMSO stated.

“This instance, now under public scrutiny, is not an isolated case—it reflects a deeper administrative failure and an emerging pattern that threatens the credibility of tribal identity and the integrity of the reservation system in Meghalaya,” CoMSO said in a strongly worded statement issued on Monday.

The organisation referred to an RTI reply from the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, which revealed that no official record of the ST certificate issued to Ms. Marak could be found. The RTI response, dated March 20,2025, has raised serious questions about procedural transparency and possible irregularities in the issuance of tribal certificates.

The case has gained public attention following a report published by in one of the local English daily newspaper on April 20, titled “Newly appointed MCS officer’s claim of clan membership draws flak.” CoMSO said the case highlights a pattern of growing misuse of tribal identity that threatens the rightful opportunities of genuine ST members.

The Garo community follows a strict matrilineal clan system, known as Mahari, which governs social identity and cultural inheritance. According to CoMSO, a person cannot claim Garo identity without being born into or adopted under this traditional system.

“The Garo identity is not a label to be conveniently adopted; it is a sacred inheritance passed down through bloodlines, clans, and a cultural ethos that has withstood centuries of change. We cannot and will not accept the dilution or misuse of this heritage”, mentioned CoMSO.

CoMSO has submitted a formal petition signed by Cherian G. Momin to the Governor of Meghalaya, the Chief Minister and other top state officials, seeking immediate intervention.

The organisation has issued a set of five key demands in response to the controversy.

First, it has called for the immediate suspension of Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak’s appointment until a full and impartial verification of her tribal status is completed.

Second, CoMSO is demanding the formation of an independent state-level inquiry committee comprising traditional clan leaders, representatives from the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), scholars with expertise in tribal customs, and officials from the State Tribal Affairs Department.

Third, it has sought a public clarification regarding the issuance and verification process of the ST certificate in question.

Fourth, the organisation is demanding accountability through departmental action against any officials found to have played a role in the irregular certification process.

Lastly, CoMSO has called for a comprehensive statewide audit of all tribal certificates issued over the past ten years, particularly those used for government jobs, educational admissions, and other benefits under the reserved category.

“This issue goes beyond bureaucracy, it affects the identity, rights and future of our indigenous communities,” CoMSO stated, warning that failure to act could lead to legal action and peaceful protests.

The group also urged the government to act decisively and transparently to protect the sanctity of tribal representation and prevent further erosion of community trust.

“We urge the State Government to act now—decisively, fairly, and transparently. Silence or delay will only worsen the damage already inflicted upon the rightful beneficiaries of affirmative action and tribal representation”, added the press statement.