TURA: History was created on the last day of the budget session in the GHADC with Congress MDC from Dengnakpara, Sadhiarani M Sangma, becoming the first woman Chairperson of the oldest autonomous institution in the Garo Hills.
Deputy Chairman of GHADC, Mettrinson G Momin, who successfully conducted the three-day budget session announced the election of Sangma before the elected members. She won the election uncontested as the opposition NPP alliance did not field any candidate.
Wife of Congress minister Zenith M Sangma, Sadhiarani Sangma is the 22nd Chairperson of GHADC and the first lady to hold the position in the GHADC.
Addressing the MDCs after the announcement of her election to the post of Chairperson, Sangma termed her victory as an example of women’s power and assured the members that she would discharge her duties to the best of her ability.
The annual Rs 126 Crore budget of the council was also passed on the last day of the session.
No concrete assurance on staff salary: The employees of the GHADC who will complete 12 months without salary on September 1st are unlikely to be paid their dues anytime soon.
CEM Boston Marak, while speaking during the budget session, said that every possible attempt is being made to clear the staff salaries.
“We are trying our level best and negotiating with the state government for the release of our dues,” said the CEM adding that payment of pending salaries would be his government’s top most priority.
Leader of the opposition, Denang T Sangma, accused the ruling Congress of failing to live up to its expectations and breaking promises.
“When we were in the seat of power in the council, the opposition Congress accused us of failing to address the salary issue and promised to rectify it. Today, they are facing the same situation,” said the opposition leader.
