SHILLONG, Jan 9: National People’s Party (NPP) president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the party is fully prepared for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, calling on party leaders and workers to remain united and disciplined to further development across the State.
Addressing a party function at Betasing in South West Garo Hills, attended by senior leaders, MLAs and Cabinet Minister Marcuise Marak, Sangma urged cadres to place faith in the party’s leadership and organisational strength. He said political power is a responsibility to serve people, not a personal privilege, and stressed the need for daily accountability in governance.
Highlighting challenges faced by the GHADC, particularly salary backlogs, Sangma said the State Government respected the Council’s autonomy but intervened constructively to ease hardships faced by employees. He noted that advance royalty shares were released following consultations with MDCs and staff to clear arrears and ensure regular salary payments, while long-pending pensions of ex-MDCs were also cleared.
The Chief Minister said his government chose dialogue and resolution over politicisation at a time when GHADC functioning was disrupted by prolonged unrest.
Sangma also highlighted reforms for Adhoc teachers, stating that from April 1 their salaries would be paid under a streamlined structure, addressing an issue pending for decades. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Autonomous District Councils and ensuring inclusive development across Meghalaya.
On the GHADC elections, Sangma acknowledged multiple aspirants within the party but stressed that once tickets are decided through a consultative process, all members must support the official candidates. He underlined that organisational discipline and grassroots leadership are essential for the party’s success.
