Shillong, Jan 9: National President of the National People’s Party (NPP) and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, on Thursday said that the party is fully gearing up for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, and urged party leaders and supporters to work together as a united team to further growth and development across the State.
Addressing a party function at Betasing in South West Garo Hills, attended by senior party leaders, MLAs and Cabinet Minister Marcuise Marak, the NPP chief called upon party workers to repose faith in the party’s leadership and organizational strength.
“When people give us the mandate, it is not for our personal benefit. This is not our power, this is our responsibility,” Sangma said.
“As a ruling party, we must ask ourselves every day what difference we are making in the lives of our people. We should not waste a single day and must work sincerely for the people who have entrusted us with this responsibility.”
GHADC issues & council autonomy
Highlighting the challenges faced by the GHADC in recent years, particularly regarding salary backlogs, Sangma explained that the State Government, while respecting the autonomy of the Council, took proactive steps to ease the hardship faced by council employees.
“GHADC is an independent and autonomous body, and the State Government cannot directly interfere in its affairs,”* he clarified. “However, understanding the difficulties faced by employees, we intervened constructively by forming a committee to engage with MDCs and council staff. Based on consultations, we released advance royalty shares to help clear backlogs and ensure monthly payment of salaries.”
He added that the State Government has also cleared long-pending pensions of ex-MDCs, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing genuine concerns in a responsible manner.
“There was a time when the GHADC office remained closed for months due to chaos. We took it upon ourselves to listen to both sides and find a solution. Many tried to politicise the issue, but our government chose resolution over blame,” he said.
Reforms for Adhoc Teachers
The NPP chief also highlighted the government’s efforts in streamlining the pay structure of Adhoc teachers, an issue that remained unresolved for decades. “No previous government attempted this because it was a massive exercise. But we took it seriously,” Sangma said.
“From April 1, teachers will receive salaries as streamlined by the government. Similarly, we are committed to strengthening and streamlining the Autonomous District Councils.”
He reiterated that the NPP-led government is working for inclusive and holistic development across Meghalaya.
Party discipline and GHADC elections
Speaking on the upcoming GHADC elections, Sangma acknowledged the democratic process within the party, noting that multiple aspirants often seek tickets from the same constituency.
“This is democracy. Everyone wants to support their own candidate, and many have applied for party tickets. But we cannot give tickets to everyone,” he said.
“Once the party takes a decision through a consultative and survey-based process, everyone must come together and support the official candidate. If there is no party, there is nothing. We must be willing to sacrifice for the good of the party.”
He stressed that organizational strength and discipline are the backbone of the party.
“Organisation is the essence of the party. We must strengthen the NPP right down to the grassroots level. Leadership is needed at every polling station,” he said.
Development announcement
Highlighting infrastructure development in South West Garo Hills, the Chief Minister announced major road improvement projects:
Betasing to Zikzak road – ₹ 27 crore sanctioned
Zikzak to Budukona road – ₹ 22 crore sanctioned
“We have laid the foundation for growth and development, and we will continue to work for holistic development across the State,” he said.
Sangma also reminded party workers that a political party cannot be built around a single individual. “To build a party, we need the people, their trust, and leadership at all levels. With discipline, truth and loyalty, we can strengthen the party and work together to transform society,” he said.
