Tura, Sept 3: As the deadlock between the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council authorities and its employees on the demands for release of their 34 months pending salaries and implementation of an upgraded pay scale continues, the council Executive Committee has made a big announcement indicating that talks are already underway with the central government for financial support to the tune of Rs 252 crore to clear all the pending dues of the council employees.
The Executive Member for Forests and Environment in the GHADC EC, Ashahel D Shira, spoke to The Meghalayan Express about the ongoing discussions with the Centre in this regard.
“We have been in active discussions with both the Government of Meghalaya and the Central Government, including consultations with key ministers. As part of our efforts, a formal letter dated March 22nd, 2024, was sent requesting financial support of Rs 252 crore to address salary payments for GHADC employees,” said Ashahel D Shira.
“These discussions are moving forward constructively, and we remain hopeful of reaching a favourable outcome that will benefit the Council and its employees,” added Shira.
According to the Executive Member, the letter bearing reference numbers GHADC-GAD/DOL/S90/2016/573 and GHADC-GAD/DOL/590/2016/574, was dispatched to the Secretary of the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, by Vijay Kumar D., Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya.
Shira, a sitting MDC from Batabari, was also the Chairman for the Agreed Text for Settlement between the ANVC militant outfit and the state and central governments.
Highlighting the efforts being undertaken by the Albinush Marak led EC in the GHADC, Shira reassured that, “The Executive Members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) remain fully committed to addressing the financial challenges facing the Council and ensuring uninterrupted services to the people of Garo Hills. We continue to take decisive steps to improve the Council’s financial stability and service delivery.”
He pointed out that although the council is undergoing a major financial challenge, the current Executive Committee has been complying with directives from the High Court of Meghalaya, particularly the order in the WP(C) No. 19 of 2016 case.
“We have ensured the consistent payment of salaries to non-gazetted employees, even advancing one month’s salary in good faith, despite financial constraints. Our priority remains to maintain essential public services and minimise disruptions to the citizens of Garo Hills,” he reiterated on behalf of the GHADC Executive Committee.
On the core demand for the 5th pay scale by the agitating employees, Shira acknowledged the issue was in line with an agreement made by previous Executive Committees, but, at the same time, blamed the previous authorities for making a promise without first undertaking a thorough assessment of the district council’s financial capacity.
“We understand that the employees have recently renewed their demands for immediate payment under the Fifth Pay Commission, in response, we have proposed the disbursement of three months’ salary under the Fourth Pay Commission as an interim measure to address immediate concerns. However, the ongoing strike has continued, which is regrettably impacting the Council’s operations and its ability to generate revenue,” said Ashahel D Shira as he appealed to the agitating employees to consider the broader implications of the strike and return to work in the interest of the GHADC and the people it serves.
“We are confident that through continued dialogue and cooperation, we can find a balanced resolution that safeguards both employee welfare and the Council’s financial sustainability,” said Shira on behalf of the EC.
