Shillong, November 7: A group of concerned members and golfers of the Shillong Golfers Association (SGA) has submitted a formal notice of no-confidence motion against the association’s President, Secretary and Governing Committee, alleging a lack of democratic functioning, transparency and accountability in its administration.
In a letter dated November 5, 2026, addressed to the Registrar of Societies, Government of Meghalaya, the members expressed a complete lack of confidence in the present management of the association, which is registered under No. SR/SGA-38/82 of 1982.
The members alleged that the existing leadership had failed to discharge its responsibilities in a transparent, democratic and accountable manner, thereby undermining the interests of golfers and the wider golfing community in Meghalaya.
The notice outlined seven grounds for moving the no-confidence motion, including the alleged absence of democratic functioning within the association and the failure to conduct Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and elections in a transparent manner for several years.
The members also alleged that previous office-bearers had been removed without following the procedures prescribed under the association’s registered constitution.
They further raised concerns over what they described as a lack of transparency in the conduct of meetings, decision-making processes, financial management, membership records and other administrative activities.
Another major concern highlighted in the notice was the discontinuation of several prestigious and traditional golf tournaments that had long been associated with the golfing community in Shillong.
The members cited the AOCCup, Statesman Cup, Earle Fuller Challenge Cup, Visitors Cup, Monthly Medal and Caddy Tournaments among the competitions that had reportedly been discontinued without meaningful consultation with golfers.
They maintained that such tournaments formed an important part of Shillong’s golfing tradition and provided opportunities for players to participate in competitive events.
The notice also raised allegations of arbitrary exclusion of certain golfers from tournaments, including the reported denial of participation to Washington Marak.
The members questioned the circumstances surrounding such exclusions and called for equal opportunities for all eligible golfers to participate in competitions and activities organised by the association.
They also questioned the SGA’s claim to represent the golfing fraternity of Meghalaya and raised concerns regarding its affiliation with the Indian Golf Union.
Through the proposed resolution, the members requested that the present President, Secretary and Governing Committee resign from their respective positions, subject to the procedures prescribed under the association’s registered constitution.
They also demanded that a Special General Body Meeting be convened to consider and vote on the no-confidence motion.
The members called for the appointment of an independent Returning Officer to supervise the voting process, wherever permissible under the constitution, to ensure fairness and transparency.
They further demanded that fresh elections be conducted in accordance with the association’s registered constitution if the no-confidence motion is passed.
As part of their demands for greater accountability, the members sought access to the association’s membership register, minutes books, audited accounts, bank records, statutory filings and other relevant documents for inspection by eligible members.
They maintained that access to these records was necessary to ensure transparency in the functioning of the association and restore confidence among its members.
The notice also called for all golfers to be provided equal opportunities to participate in the association’s activities and decision-making processes without discrimination or arbitrary exclusion.
Pending the outcome of the no-confidence motion, the members requested that the existing office-bearers refrain from taking major policy, financial or membership-related decisions, subject to the applicable constitutional provisions and law.
The members further urged the Registrar of Societies to formally acknowledge the notice and the accompanying signatures and place them on official record.
Copies of the notice were also forwarded to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the Minister in charge of Sports and Youth Affairs, the MLA representing Pynthorumkhrah constituency, the Commissioner and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the presidents of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, Indian Olympic Association and Indian Golf Union, among others.
The members clarified that the objective of the no-confidence motion was not to undermine the Shillong Golfers Association but to restore democratic functioning, transparency, accountability and confidence among the golfing fraternity.
