TURA: The employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) who will complete the 12th month without salary on September 1 are unlikely to be paid anytime soon.
CEM Boston Marak, while speaking during the budget session, said “every attempt” is being made to clear salaries.
“We are trying our level best and negotiating with the state government for the release of our dues,” said the CEM and added that payment of pending salaries is the Council’s top priority.
Meanwhile, leader of the opposition Denang T Sangma accused the ruling Congress EC of failing to live up to its expectations and breaking promises.
“When we were in the ruling the opposition Congress accused us of failing to address the salary issue and promised to rectify it. Today, they are facing the same situation,” said the opposition leader.
The Rs 126-crore annual budget of the council was also passed on the last day of the session.
First woman chairperson
Congress MDC from Dengnakpara Sadhiarani M Sangma became the first woman chairperson of the oldest autonomous institution in Garo Hills.
Deputy Chairman of GHADC Mettrinson G Momin, who conducted the three-day budget session, announced the election of Sadhiarani in the House. She won the election uncontested as the opposition NPP alliance did not field any candidate.
Sadhiarani, who is the wife of Minister Zenith M Sangma, is the 22nd Chairperson of GHADC and the first lady to hold the position.
Sadhiarani termed her victory as an example of women’s empowerment and assured the members that she would discharge her duties to the best of her ability.
