Shillong, Aug 27: A delegation comprising students, pressure group members and lawyers met Governor CH Vijayashankar here yesterday to brief him about some of the particular challenges and dangers facing Garo Hills.
One of the foremost concerns raised was the financial crisis afflicting the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), primarily arising from the delayed and irregular release of funds.
Council employees are protesting as they are owed close to four years’ worth of wages by the GHADC. The delegation apprised the Governor that funds from the central government often get held up by the state, through which the ADC monies are routed.
In a press release from the visiting delegation, the Governor was said to have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and observed that statutory funds must never be subjected to bureaucratic bottlenecks or political arbitrariness. He assured that he would personally examine the matter and ensure that funds meant for GHADC are released in a timely and transparent manner. He also said that a Finance Commission for ADCs would be seriously considered. Such a commission, if realised, would ensure systematic allocation, disciplined utilisation and regular auditing of ADC finances, the release added.
The second issue was that of safeguarding Garo customary law. Vijayashankar reportedly assured that he would extend his support to ensure that a committee formed by the GHADC to examine the future of Garo customary law would have its recommendations implemented in consultation with the state government, scholars, jurists and traditional custodians of Garo society. He also backed the government, saying that it is committed to preserving the essence of customary law while also ensuring its harmonisation with constitutional values, human rights, and modern administrative frameworks.
Education was also raised with the Governor, specifically regarding the governance of Mendipathar College in North Garo Hills. The delegation informed Vijayashankar that the college has become embroiled in allegations of irregularities, nepotism and misuse of office. The Governor said he would examine the matter comprehensively.
He also heard about the challenges that students face on the NEHU Tura campus. The delegation told the Governor that the Tura campus has been systematically neglected over the years in comparison to the Shillong campus. Vijayashankar said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities so that there will be equitable allocation of funds.
One other issue discussed was the state of fencing on the Indo-Bangladesh border. While acknowledging that fencing is essential for national security, prevention of illegal migration, and curbing of cross-border smuggling, the delegation stressed that it must not come at the expense of local villagers whose lands and livelihoods are at stake.
Several stretches of the proposed alignment fall within agricultural lands and village boundaries, raising concerns about land ownership disputes, loss of livelihood and displacement. The Governor informed that the issue has been actively discussed with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and he reassured that fencing will be implemented in a manner that ensures fairness, justice and compassion.
