Meghalaya govt to financially support UPSC aspirants

Shillong: The Meghalaya govt on Tuesday launched the CM-INSPIRE scheme to provide financial assistance to aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, amid concerns over the state’s poor performance in recent civil services results.CM Conrad K Sangma said the initiative was aimed at reversing a decline in indigenous representation in the Indian civil services.“For many years, our representation in the civil services has declined. Today, we take a decisive step to change that with the launch of CM-INSPIRE,” he stated.Under the scheme, candidates who clear the UPSC Civil Services preliminary examination will receive Rs 50,000, while those who clear the mains examination will be given Rs 1 lakh.“This initiative aims to reduce financial burden which aspiring candidates face, while ensuring that deserving candidates also receive equal opportunities instead of being held back by economic constraints,” the CM said.Eligible candidates will be able to apply through the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI) portal once applications open.