Shillong, April 11 (PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said that his government will soon decide on the demand to increase the upper age limit of SC/ST candidates, appearing for the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) examination.
The matter of increasing the upper age limit is being examined by the government, he said in the Assembly.
"A decision will be made after taking all aspects of the matter into consideration," Conrad said while replying to a resolution moved by lone Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) MLA Adelbert Nongrum.
Nongrum had demanded that the upper age limit of aspirants be increased from 32 years to 45 years as the examination is being held after a gap of 11 years.
By enhancing the maximum age limit to 45 years, a fair chance could be given to aspiring candidates and also to those who could not succeed in the preceding competitive examination, Nongrum said.
During his reply, the chief minister also said that it is important to note that the duties of an MCS officer especially a field level post is physically demanding.
A junior duty post officer is responsible for performing field works of enquiries, conducting of inquest, inspection of development works, survey of revenue matters, providing relief in the event of an outbreak of any natural calamity and maintenance of law and order, he said.
He also said that if the upper age is increased to 45 years, the person would have only about 13 years of service considering the fact that the prescribed retiring age is 58 years.
"There would also be very less time to garner experience for efficient service delivery and also very less promotion avenues," the chief minister said.
Nongrum withdrew the resolution on the basis of the chief minister's assurance that the matter will be reviewed.
