Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Oct 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday announced that the state government has released a total of ₹79.5 crore to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), enabling it to clear pending salaries of its employees.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, he explained that ₹11 crore of the sanctioned amount represents the council’s existing dues, while the remaining ₹68.5 crore is an advance payment from its future share of royalty.
The funds have been transferred to an escrow account to ensure proper utilisation. “With this amount, the council will now be able to release the 12 months’ backlog of salaries for its employees,” he said.
The Chief Minister clarified that the payment is not an additional grant but an advance from the GHADC’s revenue share. “This is their money, which we are releasing in advance from their future entitlement,” he emphasised.
He added that the arrangement comes with the requirement that a Principal Secretary be appointed to oversee the financial management and ensure the funds are used solely for salary disbursement.
Sangma said the escrow account will remain under the control of the district council and its officials, while the Principal Secretary will serve as a monitoring authority. “We are releasing the money in good faith, but accountability is essential,” he noted.
He further stated that discussions are ongoing with the Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Councils for similar financial restructuring. However, he clarified that the initiative is voluntary. “We are not forcing anyone. The idea is to work together and support the councils so that they can achieve financial stability,” he said.
Sangma also reiterated the government’s call for administrative reforms within the ADCs, including the adoption of service rules and improved revenue collection mechanisms, which he said are vital to ensuring long-term sustainability.
Enforcers of non-cooperation movement in GH warned
The West Garo Hills police department has warned of strict legal action against any individual or organisation that attempts to enforce or disrupt public order during the non-cooperation movement called by several organisations on October 16 and 17.
A release issued in this regard by West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Abraham T. Sangma, reminded the people of the High Court judgement of 2015, which stated that “calling for or enforcing” any form of bandh, strike, etc., “which obstructs the fundamental rights of citizens to move freely and to carry on their lawful duties and business is unconstitutional and illegal”.
The release also cited the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner’s order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibiting any form of obstruction, coercion, or disruption of normal movement of the public, vehicles, and functioning of offices, markets, and other establishments, etc., for a non-cooperation movement.
“Accordingly, in light of the above, the West Garo Hills District Police shall ensure adequate deployment of forces across the district to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. All citizens are therefore requested to cooperate with the District Administration and the Police to maintain peace, harmony, and normalcy in their respective areas. Furthermore, all members of the general public are requested to remain vigilant and to immediately inform the nearest Police Station, Out Post, or Beat House about any attempt by individuals or organisations to enforce the NCM or to disrupt public order and normal activities,” the order stated.
Meanwhile, the public has been advised to report any suspicious gathering or activity intending to create disturbance to the Police Control Room, Tura, at: 88374 23053, 70055 30510, and 90891 99064.
