Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 169/14

CLARIFICATION

Shillong, April 29, 2014: Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya hereby clarifies allegations appeared in newspapers from time to time regarding constitution of the State Level Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) for verification of Scheduled Tribe/ Cast Certificates in the State. The allegations that the SLSC was constituted at the behest and instruction of the Chief Minister were unfounded and not based on facts.

The Supreme Court has laid down specific guidelines for all States in Kumari Madhuri Patil's case to constitute the SLSC to verify facts and evidences of the Scheduled Tribe/Caste status vis-a-vis the objections raised by the candidate or opponent. The SLSC consisted of Joint/ Additional Secretary or any Officer higher in rank of the Director of the Department concerned. Director, Social Welfare/Tribal Affairs, as the case may be and in case of Scheduled Castes another Officer who has intimate knowledge of verification and issuance of the social status certificates. In the case of the Scheduled Tribes, the Research Officer who intimate knowledge of identifying the tribes, tribal communities parts of or groups of tribes of tribal communities.

Accordingly, the SLSC was constituted with members vide notification No. SW (S) 98/2010/549, dated 19th March 2014. The order passed by the SLSC shall be final and conclusive only subject to proceedings under Article 226 of the constitution.

Press Release No. 170/14

NOTICE

Shillong, April 29, 2014: Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills Shillong has informed that one unknown male person, age 25-30 years was brought to Civil Hospital Shillong from Forest Colony on 26th April 2014 at about 12:30 PM, but on the same day the said person expired. Accordingly inquest and other formalities have been observed and the death body was forwarded to SDM & HO Civil Hospital Morgue Room for identification.

Relatives are requested to contact Sl. K.P. Singh of Pastuer BH, Shillong: +919863083719, O/C Shillong Sadar P.S: 0364-2224400, Police Control Room: 0364-2222277 for claiming the death body.