Shillong, Sep 16: In the face of continuing stalemate over salary issues between the striking employees and the Executive Committee of the GHADC, social activist from the region, Tennydard M Marak, has made an appeal to both sides to find an amicable solution over the issue in the interest of the people of Garo Hills.
The social activist who has knocked even the doors of the Supreme Court for his previous petitions pertaining to the state, gave a statement on Monday urging that the issue be amicably settled in the best interest of justice, and advised that should the GHADC EC fail to keep its commitment for the 5th Pay scale by January 2025, the employees will have the option to approach the Court of law for justice remedial measures.
“I will also fight your battle by approaching the Court of law for remedial measures in the interest of justice,” he assured.
Marak said that continued dragging of the issue and deadlock is not serving the interest of Garo Society, but rather the same is causing huge financial loss and affecting the members of the society.
Marak questioned the wisdom of the earlier GHADC Executive Committee for promising the new pay scale, failing to implement it and later citing financial shortfalls.
The assurance to implement the new pay scale under 5th pay commission was reportedly given way back in 2017-2018.
“But unfortunately, such an important issue was kept pending by the EC, GHADC for the last 7 years or so for mere negligence of the EC, GHADC,” he alleged.
The social activist also highlighted recent attempts at rectification by the current EC, mentioning that GHADC executive member in-charge forest and environment, Ashahel D Shira, had informed of the steps taken by the EC to address the issue and that since the promise was made, the current EC led by Albinush Marak as the chief executive member, was trying to fulfil the demand.
“Therefore, I would request the members of the NGEA to accept the proposal forwarded by the EC to clear 3 months salaries under the 4th pay commission and give the EC the opportunity to implement the 5th pay commission by January 2025 and come to resume your duties in order to clear pending works and avoid any grievances of the people,” he said while adding that “according to reliable information more than 30 employees had died due to non-payment of salaries which is very sad and hence the members of the NGEA want to fulfil their legitimate demands without any further loss of time. This amounts to violation of human rights of the employees.”
