EXCLUSIVE
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Senior NPP leader and Cabinet Minister in the Conrad Sangma-led MDA 2 Government, Rakkam A. Sangma, has blamed Congress for creating financial mess in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by not paying the salaries to the employees for months the burden of which is being pushed to NPP. Defending his party in light of the ongoing salary crisis in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Sangma told Meghalaya News 24 that Congress, which ruled the council, didn’t pay employees for 15, 20, or even 30 months.
With non-gazetted employees protesting over 35 months of unpaid salaries and delays in the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission’s recommendations, Sangma attributed the financial disarray to the previous Congress leadership.
“It’s not just the NPP that has failed to pay salaries. Before us, the Congress, which ruled the council, didn’t pay employees for 15, 20, or even 30 months. This financial disbalance has been ongoing,” Sangma remarked, deflecting criticism away from his party.
In response to the weeks-long protests led by the Non-Gazetted Employees’ Association (NGEA), the GHADC ordered the disbursement of one month’s salary on Thursday based on the Fifth Pay Commission’s guidelines. However, the council clarified that pending arrears would only be cleared when funds permit, leaving many employees in continued financial uncertainty.
Sangma underscored that the root of the problem extends beyond party politics: “It’s not about which party rules the council; it’s about the system. The Congress left employees unpaid before we took over. Now, under the NPP, the problem continues. The District Council needs major reforms, or we risk losing the trust of the Government of India.”
He called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to address the issue, stating, “Whether it’s the MDCs, employees, Nokmas, or citizens of the state—everyone must contribute collectively to maintain the District Council. The Government of Meghalaya has already provided extra financial support, but if revenue still falls short, something is wrong. Either revenue is insufficient, or the number of employees is too high. Income and expenditure must be balanced.”
Looking forward, Sangma expressed optimism about the proposed 125th Constitutional Amendment, which he believes could bring much-needed financial reforms to the GHADC. “The 125th Amendment looks promising because of the proposals for funding from the Government of India. If the amendment passes, it could be a game-changer. Whether it’s the state or central government, this issue is tied to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and reform is essential,” he said.
As the GHADC salary crisis continues to affect thousands of lives in Garo Hills, according to the NPP leader systemic reform is seen as an urgent necessity. With anticipated support from both the state and central governments, hopes are high that the long-standing financial struggles of the council will be addressed.