Shillong, April 6: NEIGRIHMS Director Dr Nalin Mehta has urged constructive dialogue over confrontation following a recent protest against the institute’s recruitment policies.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, he reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing healthcare services and creating opportunities for locals but stressed that institutional norms cannot be overridden under pressure.
Dr. Mehta clarified that certain concerns stem from misinterpretations. Referring to the protest by a pressure group on Friday, he described how demonstrators disrupted office operations, forcing staff—many of whom are local women—to vacate the premises by lunchtime.
“I was disturbed by their approach. They didn’t just target me; they forced my entire staff out of their workplace. When dialogue is an option, such actions are uncalled for,” he said.
Recalling a previous confrontation with the same group, Dr Mehta noted they had earlier taken issue with his use of the word “aggressive” in a meeting and had demanded an apology.
“Now, as a courtesy, I request them to apologize—not to me, but to my staff who were made to stand outside that day. It’s about basic respect,” he added.
He emphasized that such disruptions create fear in a hospital setting. “Patients, too, are affected. They feel unsafe, and that should concern all of us.”
Responding to allegations of inadequate reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the recruitment drive, Dr Mehta explained, “These are backlog vacancies filled according to a reservation roster. Instead of 7.5%, only two seats were allotted to ST candidates because of how the roster system works.”
He stressed that all recruitment advertisements undergo scrutiny by Khasi staff and the administration before being published. “Every step follows the rules. If I’ve violated any, challenge it in court. But taking the law into one’s own hands is not the solution.”
On the demand for an 80:20 female-to-male ratio in nursing recruitment, he pointed out that “No institution in India follows this. I even wrote to the Ministry, citing cultural and traditional considerations, but they declined. I cannot override their decision.”
Similarly, he stated that the demand for preference for local candidates was not viable. “We are a central institution. Recruitment follows an all-India merit list. I cannot prioritize any particular group.”
Instead of pushing for extra reservations, Dr. Mehta proposed a long-term solution: “Rather than demanding changes beyond permissible limits, let’s focus on empowering local candidates through better training and education. Success should come from merit.”
Addressing concerns over entrance exam centres, Dr Mehta clarified that NEIGRIHMS lacks the capacity and funding to conduct exams or expand centres. “We don’t control centre allocation. If local centres are full, excess candidates are assigned to Guwahati.”
He also mentioned a one-time relaxation for the current recruitment drive. “We increased the upper age limit from 27 to 30 based on requests. That was a special exemption I sought.”
Dr. Mehta reiterated that NEIGRIHMS follows central government regulations and urged people to recognize the distinction between state and central policies. “Everything we do complies with central rules. Demanding exceptions won’t change that.”
Highlighting key initiatives, he noted, “We’re doubling MBBS seats from 50 to 100, establishing a 252-bed regional cancer centre, and expanding BSc Nursing seats—all of this directly benefits Meghalaya.”
Ending on an emotional note, he appealed, “Please do not shut down my hospital. When you disrupt administration, it affects patient care. The ones who suffer most are the people we serve.”
He encouraged transparency, suggesting, “If you doubt our responses, file an RTI. If I provide false information, action can be taken. But if demands fall outside the rules, I cannot comply.”
He asked all to join hands and work together to build the capacity of local students. “That’s the path to real, lasting change. With cooperation, we can achieve much more” he said.
Also Read: NEIGRIHMS doctor Prof. Tanie Natung bags best research award for study on cataract cases
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