Meghalaya: GHADC staff threaten strike over unpaid salaries

Tura: Employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya are simmering with discontent over unpaid salaries, threatening to strike if the issue isn't addressed in the upcoming budget session.

The Non-Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA), representing the workers, initially planned a work stoppage from next week but has postponed it, hoping for a resolution during the crucial budget allocation talks.

Their anger stems from 32 months of accumulated salary dues, with the last payment being two months' worth in December 2023.

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NGEA accuses the ruling NPP-led Executive Committee (EC) of breaking a promise to pay another two months' salary by January 2024.

However, Chief Executive Member Albinush R Marak denies the accusation, stating that salary releases rely on state assistance.

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He highlighted their efforts to clear previous dues, emphasizing clearing 34 months' worth within their shorter tenure, including the previous EC's term under Benedict Marak. Marak blames the current situation on the "mess" inherited from earlier administrations.