TURA: The new CEM of the GHADC, Dipul Marak, has said his Executive Committee’s top priority will be to ensure that employees of the council receive their pending salaries and gratuity.
The several hundred employees of the district council have not been paid their dues for 14 months. Those who retired from service have still not received their gratuity.
“One of the first priorities of our EC is to try and find ways to tackle the massive financial crisis plaguing the GHADC. Ways and means will have to be looked into clearing the pending salaries and gratuity of the staff,” said Dipul while expressing his gratitude to the members for his elevation to the post of CEM.
The 49-year-old MDC is representing Rochonpara constituency for the second time. He was first elected from NPP in the 2009 council polls and has held several portfolios, including EM of taxation and civil works department.
Congratulating the new CEM during the house session, sitting MDCs Benedict Marak (MLA), SG Esmatur Momin (MLA), Dolly K Sangma (MDC), Denang T Sangma (MDC) and Augustine Marak (MDC) expressed optimism that the new CEM would take the council to new heights and assured of their support.
“The GHADC will actively cooperate with the central and state government to ensure that development takes place,” said Dipul.
He also raised concern over the frequent crossing over of MDCs from one party to another. “This is the third EC in less than four years. Frequent changes disrupt development,” he cautioned.