Shillong, Oct 6: Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Vibhor Aggarwal announced today that the process of disbursing 12 months of pending salaries to employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) will be completed before October 15.
Meanwhile the Non-Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA) has agreed to accept the offer despite initial reservations. It had originally insisted that the full amount of 44 months of pending salaries be released at one go. However, NGEA president Britein Sangma stated that the employees have not given their consent regarding the regular salary, which is supposed to commence from November 1.
The association’s decision comes with caveats as they demand clarity on the source of funds and written assurances from the government. Sangma stated that the NGEA will follow the collective decision of the people of Garo Hills regarding the acceptance of regular salaries, which has now become a public concern.
According to Sangma, the 12 months’ salaries are expected to be disbursed in one instalment, as per discussions with the subcommittee set up by the government to handle the matter. However, he warned that if the payment is not made in one go, the association will resume its agitation.
The state government has offered to take on the responsibility of all three district councils’ salaries from November 1. However, this has caused concern in some quarters as there are fears that the bodies will lose their autonomy under such an arrangement. The state cabinet also last week agreed to pay the GHADC an advance in its expected share of mineral royalties so as to enable the council to pay the 12 months of dues.
Today’s meeting was chaired by Aggarwal, with representatives of the subcommittee, GHADC employees and members of the Non-Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA) present. The meeting focused on planning and progress for disbursing the pending salaries, as approved by the state cabinet.
A comprehensive salary disbursement plan was presented by the subcommittee, outlining steps to ensure the process is completed by October 15. Council officials are preparing salary statements and necessary documentation to facilitate the release of funds.
Aggarwal said the release of pending salaries will move forward once all required documents are finalised. The meeting concluded with an understanding that all stakeholders will coordinate closely to ensure the salary disbursement is completed within the stipulated time frame.
