Shillong, October 15 : The Government of Meghalaya has released ₹79.5 crore to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC)to facilitate the clearing of 12 months’ pending salaries of its employees.
Of the total amount, ₹11 crore has been released towards dues payable to the GHADC, while ₹68.5 crore is an advance payment against future royalties.
Announcing the development, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “We have cleared an amount of ₹79.5 crores to the GHADC, out of which about ₹11 crores is their dues which is there right now with us and the rest ₹68.5 crores is an advance we are giving towards their share of royalty from the future.”
According to the Chief Minister, the sanctioned amount has been transferred to an escrow account designated specifically for salary disbursement, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
With the funds now available, the GHADC is expected to release salaries for 12 pending months, bringing long-awaited relief to its employees.
Sangma explained that the Principal Secretary will oversee and monitor the funds to ensure they are used solely for salary payments. “We have stressed that reforms should take place, service rules should come into place, and revenue collection should go up. We are hoping that when all of this falls into place, we will see financial stability in the GHADC,” he stated.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the released funds are not additional grants, but rather an advance payment drawn from the Council’s future share of royalties.
Extending support beyond the GHADC, the state government has also offered similar financial assistance to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). “This offer is on even with the JHADC and KHADC. We are not here to force anyone; we are here to work together and support in any way possible. If the councils agree, only then will we find a way to move forward,” Sangma said.
He noted that the other two Autonomous District Councils have not yet submitted their financial reports, and any decision will be taken once discussions with their leadership are completed.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the financial health and governance structure of the District Councils through better revenue collection systems, fiscal discipline, and service rule implementation.
The release of funds to the GHADC marks another step in the government’s broader plan to stabilize the finances of the three Autonomous District Councils, ensuring that employees receive their dues while encouraging institutional reforms for long-term sustainability.
