TURA: The oldest post Independence autonomous institution in the Garo dominated areas- the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, set up over half a century ago to cater to development of the tribal areas celebrated its 66th anniversary at its head quarters in Tura on Saturday.
Meghalaya Home Minister and in-charge District Council Affairs James Pangsang K Sangma graced the anniversary celebrations of the district council by unfurling the national tricolour and paying rich floral tributes to the leaders of yesteryears who fought for the establishment of the GHADC.
Addressing the gathering at the anniversary celebrations organised at the council complex in Hawakhana, Tura, the home minister highlighted the importance of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in protecting and preserving the customs and traditions and traditional rights of the hill tribes of the State of Meghalaya.
“The Sixth Schedule was enacted by an Act of Parliament for self governance and benefit of the hill tribes of Meghalaya but these days many have started questioning about the significance of District Council and for this the members of the District Council along with their staff should work hard to strengthen the functioning of the District Council,” said James Sangma.
In the light of acute financial crisis frequently plaguing the district council, particularly the current situation where employees have not been paid their salaries for over a year, the home minister urged them to cooperate and extend their support for stability of the present Executive Council and informed that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma was also concerned about the affairs of District Council assuring to extend every possible assistance from the State Government.
The minister also suggested that in order to pay due respect to the founding leaders of GHADC, a statue or a portrait of the late leaders can be arranged and pay floral tributes during the anniversary celebration from next year.
The Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Dipul R Marak, described in brief about the background, history and formation of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Tura under the leadership of Late Captain Williamson A Sangma and Late Mody K Marak. He also mentioned about the challenges faced by District Council and its employees without salary for almost 14 months now and the recurring pending expenditure amounting to about more than Rupees 59 Crores.
Meanwhile, while seeking the assistance and support from the state government, the Chief Executive Member also mentioned about the ongoing projects of the Special Plan Assistance received from the Central Government last year and to mention a few including shopping complex at designated market places, four storey Members’ Hostel at Tura, 7 staff quarters, District Council Museum at Chidekgre, near Babadam, Court Building at the present Tennis Court premises near GHADC office complex and 21 number of guest houses in and around Garo Hills region. Some of those built for commercial purpose is hoped to generate revenue for the affairs of the District Council and the work has been completed around 80 per cent, he added.
Earlier at the function, the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag which was followed by the National Anthem. The Director of ABDK’s Christian Literature Society, Ms. Bonjera A Sangma, led the gathering in prayer during the function.
A host of dignitaries also attended and spoke during the anniversary celebrations recalling the role the council played in preserving and protecting the tribal areas. Those who spoke on the occasion included former CEM and current Council Chairman Denang T Sangma, Executive Member of GHADC Kurosh M Marak, former MDC Semford B Sangma, Chairman of the High Power Committee in GHADC Augustine R Marak and Executive Member Sengnal N Sangma. Interestingly, while senior citizens of the town, other distinguished dignitaries including Nokmas and Sordars came to take part in the celebration, yet, only a handful of the several hundred council employees attended the event prompting the chief guest and other speakers to raise a pointer about their absence from an anniversary celebration of the very institution they work for.