Hundreds of people took to the streets of Tura in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills on Thursday, demanding the release of long-pending salaries of employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The protest, spearheaded by the Non-Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA) of GHADC and supported by various civil society groups under the Joint NGOs Forum, highlighted the plight of workers who claim they have not been paid for nearly 44 months.
The agitation comes days after Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the state government would ensure regular release of salaries of autonomous district council employees starting November 1. As per the plan, five months of arrears would be cleared before November, after which salaries are expected to be disbursed on time.
However, Thursday’s protesters rejected the announcement, saying it failed to address the backlog of nearly four years of unpaid dues. “This so-called historic decision does not talk about the 44 months we have already lost. How are we to survive on promises while our families go hungry?” asked one protester.
Another employee said, “We are not asking for charity, we are asking for what we have already earned.” A Nokma from the region also voiced discontent, stating that releasing salaries for just a few months was not a permanent solution.
Many non-employees joined the march in solidarity. A college student who participated said, “This is about the dignity of our elders and our future. If councils collapse, our identity is at stake.”
The GHADC has been facing a severe financial crisis for years, with recurring protests by its employees over salary delays. Thursday’s demonstration once again underscored the growing frustration in the Garo Hills over the unresolved issue.
