By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 21: Leader of the Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma has accused the state government of shirking responsibility and shifting blame for the financial mess that has left employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) agitating for over a month without salaries.
Sangma said that attempts by the government to argue that the crisis stemmed from his tenure were misleading.
Sangma pointed out that the creation of new districts, subdivisions, C&RD blocks, police stations, colleges, and battalions during his government’s time was aimed at delivering employment and development.
“Does it mean to indicate that because so many jobs were created, today salaries cannot be paid?” he asked, dismissing the government’s line of defence.
The Opposition leader also rejected claims that his government destabilised autonomous district councils.
He said records would show that most executive committees remained intact during his tenure, and only in a few cases were there changes due to internal politicking.
He recalled that in 2015-16, a sum of Rs 100.16 crore under the Special Assistance Grant by the centre was released to the ADCs but was misused by the then executive committee, which eventually collapsed.
According to him, it was for the state government to take such matters to the Centre, failing which political parties were bound to act.
He maintained that the Government of India had always responded positively when approached during his tenure.
On the ongoing protest by GHADC employees, Sangma expressed grave concern. He underlined that the Sixth Schedule was incorporated in the Constitution to safeguard tribal identity, culture, and land ownership, and any neglect of the ADCs’ financial health amounted to weakening this vital constitutional safeguard.
“When the state government says it is none of their business, they are wrong,” he said, adding that such abdication diluted the very spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
Sangma condemned what he described as the insensitivity and anti-people mindset of those in power.
He said the refusal to prioritise protection of the people’s interests reflected a dangerous disregard for constitutional responsibilities. “When you allow dilution of the Sixth Schedule and display this kind of insensitivity, it is as if the Sixth Schedule does not matter,” he said.