NGEA moves Guv, warns of boycotting GHADC polls

TURA, Feb 11: The Non Gazetted Employees’ Association (NGEA) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has sought Governor Satya Pal Malik’s intervention into the non-release of the royalty share, which is due to the Council. The NGEA has also threatened of boycotting the upcoming GHADC elections if the state government fails to clear the royalty share and the pending salaries of the staff.
In its memorandum to the Governor, the NGEA raised various issues faced by the staff of GHADC in view of the non-release of salaries.
While seeking Malik’s intervention into the non-release of the Rs 55 crore royalty share, the NGEA pointed out that it was due to this non-release the GHADC authorities were unable to clear the salaries.
The Association also called for the utilisation of the Centre-sanctioned Rs 18.20 crore to pay the salaries of the employees.
The NGEA maintained that due to the absence of executive committee in GHADC, carrying out developmental activities, for which the amount was sanctioned by the central government in December 2020, was impractical.
The Association also condemned deputy chief minister’s announcement that Rs 15 crore would be recovered from the royalty share of GHADC and used for the upcoming GHADC elections.
“Is the state government really serious on the issue of pending salaries of the GHADC employees? If it can release and recover the royalty share of the GHADC amounting to Rs 15 crore for the purpose of spending in the elections, why can’t it do the same and release the legal due share of royalty of the GHADC and pay the salaries to the staff?” the NGEA questioned.
The Association also recalled that 25 GHADC staff have earlier died because of not being able to afford proper treatment, all thanks to the non-release of the salaries.