By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 29: Amid state government looking to assume responsibility for paying the salaries of all employees of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has asserted that the proposed reforms are aimed at streamlining the bodies, denying any political motive behind the offer.
This comes in the wake of the ongoing salary crisis in the GHADC, where employees are yet to be paid 43 months of salaries. The CM on Friday met Nokma representatives from across the Garo Hills, along with GSU leader Tengsak Momin, to discuss the proposed reforms in GHADC.
In the meeting, held in Shillong, the chief minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging with traditional council members in shaping any administrative changes. The discussions focused on enhancing governance efficiency while preserving the GHADC’s cultural and political authority.
Sangma emphasised that reforms will proceed only after detailed dialogue with Nokmas, the hereditary village chiefs who hold constitutional authority within the GHADC framework.
“Assured them (Nokmas) that the reforms are purely from a financial standpoint. The autonomy and sanctity of the duties of the Council is enshrined in constitutional provision,” the CM said in a post on X.
No formal proposals or timelines have yet been disclosed. Further consultations are expected to clarify which functions may be restructured, and whether any merger of administrative roles will occur.
Experts and local observers believe that, if handled with sensitivity, the reforms could bring improved service delivery and transparency without undermining indigenous governance structures.
Nonetheless, critics caution that pushing through structural changes without widespread local involvement could lead to political resistance.
In the future, the state government is expected to hold a series of stakeholder meetings across Garo Hills before finalising any proposals.
It may be noted that the state government has announced that it will assume responsibility for paying the salaries of all employees of Meghalaya’s three ADCs only after obtaining consent and holding consultations with the councils.
The move, expected to begin in November, is aimed at addressing the persistent financial crisis faced by the ADCs.
A dedicated committee has been constituted to coordinate with the GHADC, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The committee has been given 45 days to ensure that all necessary systems are put in place for a smooth rollout of the new arrangement.
Commissioner and Secretary of the District Council Affairs Department, CVD Diengdoh, stated that the committee will work in detail and seek the consent of the Councils, as the process must be carried out in consultation with them.