Shillong, Jul 18: Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has alleged that reform initiatives have weakened the constitutional autonomy of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Marak said the delay in fund release exposes financial control being used as “political pressure.” He said the NPP-led Executive Committee had promised reforms, including salary regularisation and clearance of backlogs, on extending its term. “Those promises have now proven to be hollow,” he stated.
Terming the continued non-payment of salaries to GHADC employees a “betrayal of the people of Garo Hills” and an “assault on the autonomy” of the council, Marak said he has urged the District Council Affairs Department to clear pending files and release funds without delay.
“There is no justification for subjecting GHADC employees and their families to such prolonged financial hardship,” he said.
“The District Council Affairs Department must immediately release pending funds and ensure GHADC employees receive their rightful salaries,” Marak added, noting that withholding funds contradicts assurances under the Tripartite Agreement and undermines Sixth Schedule safeguards.
He also alleged illegal transportation of coal and boulders using fake challans, duplicate documents, and trucks without valid TNT and Transit Passes. Marak said the Executive Committee had passed a resolution on his request to verify TNT and Transit Passes, but no implementation order has been issued.
