We don’t generate much revenue to run the council. We are overstaffed also
SHILLONG, July 29: As the prolonged salary crisis plaguing the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) continues to fester, Deputy Chief Executive Member Nikman Ch Marak has acknowledged the depth of the issue while pointing to structural financial limitations, policy delays, and overstaffing as contributing factors.
Speaking to reporters, Marak reiterated the Council’s willingness to engage with all stakeholders. “We are always open to talks, suggestions, criticism and any resolution has to be taken in the interest of our people and the autonomous district council,” he said.
Highlighting the longstanding nature of the problem, Marak explained that the roots of the salary backlog stretch back decades. “This is a long-pending issue of the GHADC for the past 20–30 years and now coal is banned. We don’t generate much revenue to run the council. I am not blaming anyone but just citing the reasons. And yes, we are overstaffed also,” he said.
Despite efforts to bring the situation under control, financial constraints have left the Council struggling to meet its obligations. “We have been trying to work it out for many years and we have cut down to 1,000 employees now, but it is just not enough to give the salary pending since 2022. We are still facing challenges regarding the salary,” Marak admitted.
The issue drew renewed attention after Tura MDC and BJP leader Bernard N Marak raised the matter with the Governor. However, the Council has yet to receive any formal communication from the Raj Bhavan.
“Bernard raised the issue moving the Governor. We have not seen any notification or received any letter from the office of the Governor. Once we receive it, we will discuss it with the Executive Committee and accordingly the issue will be sorted,” Nikman said.
He further revealed the staggering scale of the arrears the GHADC is dealing with. “We are trying to solve the issue of 42 months’ pending salaries. Earlier, when we were elected, 32 months of salary were pending and we have tried (to release them). They were demanding for 5th Pay Commission to be paid and we have already paid last year. Now, it has become a burden to the district council,” he said.
Nikman also lamented the absence of institutional financial support from the state government. “In the state of Meghalaya, the ADCs do not get the devolution of funds. The State Finance Commission has become an Act but not implemented, no appointments made,” he noted, adding that full implementation of the commission could transform the financial viability of district councils.
Drawing parallels with autonomous councils in other Northeastern states, Marak said, “Once functional like Bodoland, Karbi Anglong Council, Tripura, Dima Hasao, we also hope that it will be a great help to the District Council if this is done.”