Shillong, Jul 31: Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma has come down hard on the state government for what he termed a complete breakdown of governance in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Calling the situation “crippling,” he accused the government of extreme insensitivity and deliberate neglect of constitutional bodies.
In a sharp critique today, Sangma highlighted the grim reality facing GHADC employees, who have gone without salaries for over 42 months. He said the prolonged non-payment had pushed them into a prolonged peaceful protest, driven by sheer desperation to survive. “Many employees can’t even manage two square meals a day for their children. This is not just a delay, it’s a direct attack on their livelihood,” he said.
He stressed that the scale of the crisis cannot be dismissed as a routine administrative lapse. Instead, it has brought the Council to a standstill and has deeply impacted those dependent on its functioning. “The GHADC has effectively been paralysed, and the silence from the government only adds to the tragedy,” he remarked.
What particularly shocked the Opposition leader was the complete lack of response from the government. “Not a single official statement has been made so far. It’s as if the suffering of these people doesn’t matter,” he said, describing the silence as a clear sign of apathy.
Sangma also raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. “Do those in power even understand the significance of the Autonomous District Councils? These institutions are meant to protect tribal rights and our traditional way of life,” he questioned. If the government truly valued the ADCs, he said, it would empower them—not leave them to collapse.
He reminded that during his tenure, a tripartite agreement had been signed between the Centre, the state, and the A·chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) as an alternative to the demand for statehood. That agreement envisioned minor constitutional changes to strengthen the ADCs, but Sangma noted that support promised under this settlement never materialised.
The Meghalaya State Finance Commission Act, intended to assess and support local bodies including ADCs, has also remained largely unimplemented, he said. “There’s a legal framework, but no intent to act on it. Is this an indirect attempt to dismantle the ADCs?” he asked, warning that such negligence could lead to their eventual demise.
He didn’t spare the Centre either. Citing the 2014 text settlement agreement, he said the Government of India had a responsibility to amend constitutional provisions and provide support, but had yet to follow through. A letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs had indicated such intentions, he added, but action remains pending.
Sangma also recalled that in 2015–16, the Centre had released funds under a Special Assistance Grant to all three ADCs. However, in the case of GHADC, allegations of misuse—especially involving the Regional Transport Office—had emerged and were taken up by the Lokayukta, though the matter still awaits resolution. “Misuse of funds cannot be a reason to stop support altogether,” he warned, insisting that issues with revenue generation should be tackled through the mechanisms laid out in the State Finance Commission Act.
He emphasised that these Councils are part of the constitutional governance structure and cannot be left to fend for themselves. “The Governor plays a vital role in the functioning of ADCs. They’re not optional—they’re essential,” he said.
Sangma also pointed out that Meghalaya doesn’t have the Panchayati Raj system like many other states. This makes ADCs the sole grassroots governance bodies for the tribal population. “Weakening the ADCs is weakening the very fabric of tribal self-governance,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the State’s attitude towards the GHADC and other autonomous bodies is a stark example of constitutional neglect. “The government’s apathy is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous,” he said. “If you care about the Sixth Schedule, if you care about indigenous identity and governance, you must strengthen the ADCs. Anything less is betrayal.”
