Shillong, Jan 15: National People’s Party (NPP) national president and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has assured that his party is taking the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls seriously, with preparations underway at the grassroots level.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sangma said, “We are very serious about any election and we ensure that we don’t take anything for granted. We have started working and we have started moving at the grassroot level and a lot of activities are taking place.”
When asked about extending the tenure of the GHADC, Sangma said there are no such plans as of now.
Regarding anti-incumbency, Sangma acknowledged its presence, saying, “Anti-incumbency is always there, no doubt about it, and we always take that very seriously.”
He added that it affects not just one party, but all parties with sitting MDCs.
On the delay in paying salaries to GHADC employees, Sangma said the government has taken steps to address the issue, consulting with stakeholders and implementing reforms.
“We have taken steps and we assure that we will be moving forward to be having more such reforms and we will streamline things,” he said.
Sangma highlighted the government’s efforts to support the ADCs, including setting up committees headed by deputy commissioners to improve their functioning.
“Consultations are taking place on how each council can be improved and functioning can become better,” he said, adding that the government is committed to supporting the councils.
The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction with the positive response from GHADC employees, who had earlier been upset over delayed salaries.
“I am happy to see some video clips of the GHADC employees… thanking the government for clearing their salaries,” he said.
