Meghalaya Tribal Council Staff Protest 43 Months of Unpaid Wages, Reject Interim Offer

Swift Summary

• Employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya have been unpaid for 43 months.
• The GHADC offered to pay five months’ salaries as a temporary solution, supported by ₹24.45 crore released by the State government, but this was rejected by the Non-Gazetted Employees’ Association (NGEA).
• Chief Executive Member Albinush Marak stated that funds were available for the proposed payment and added that from August 2025, salaries would be paid directly through district governance rather of via the council.
• Mr.Marak attributed GHADC’s financial crisis to excessive appointments made nearly a decade ago under Congress rule, which increased employee numbers from over 1,350 to more then 2,300.
• Civil society groups have sympathized with agitating employees and recommended addressing revenue leakages within GHADC.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The prolonged non-payment of salaries highlights systemic challenges faced by Meghalaya’s autonomous councils like GHADC in managing finances effectively. With public-sector employees going unpaid for over three years, basic governance and service delivery risks being undermined unless structural reforms are implemented promptly. While Mr. Marak’s claim that random hiring practices during past administrations triggered financial strain is noteworthy, it also emphasizes a need for enhanced oversight on fiscal management across regional councils.

The rejection of piecemeal payment reflects employee frustration at delayed settlements and will likely fuel continued protests unless immediate solutions are provided. Direct salary disbursement through district authorities might streamline payments temporarily but does little to resolve broader inefficiencies or potential revenue mismanagement within such bodies.

For effective governance in tribal regions reliant on administrative autonomy, plugging loopholes and ensuring accountability should be key priorities moving forward.

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