Social activist Greneth Sangma has lambasted the state government over the decision of the Non Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to boycott the upcoming elections to the council due on April 9.
Employees of the GHADC have remained unpaid for close to three years now, which, according to the activist, is a shame given that the GHADC government was run by a coalition led by the National People’s Party (NPP), the same party that heads the government at the state-level.
“Anyone would know how difficult it is to survive even two-three months without money. People have all types of needs, including school/college going children, energy bills, transportation bills, utility bills and medical bills,” said Sangma.
The activist asked why, when the government can borrow money for other things, the salaries of the GHADC cannot be arranged.
“Is this inefficiency of the government or just apathy towards their own people? It would be shameful if the NGEA were to boycott the elections to the GHADC. It is time for the NPP-led government to show that they do care for the people and answer the challenge put forward,” he added.