Social activist urges GHADC and NGEA to resolve present imbroglio amicably

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 16, 2024

Social activist Tennydard M Marak has appealed to the executive committee of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and the Non-Gazetted Employees Association (NGEA) to settle the current issue amicably.

In a statement issued here, Marak said, “I would request both the parties to come forward to settle the issue amicably in the best interest of justice and if the EC fails to keep its commitment by January 2025 then you have the option to approach the Court of law for justice remedial measures.”

“Even I will also fight your  battle by approaching the Court of law for remedial measures in the interest of justice,” he assured.

According to him, dragging the issue will not serve any benefit to the society rather the same is causing huge financial loss and affecting the members of the society.

Marak said that the non implementation of the 5th pay commission for council employees since the decision was taken by the previous EC who had failed to assess the financial capacity of the council before announcing the decision.

The assurance to implement the new pay scale under 5th pay commission was apparently promised in 2018.

“But unfortunatelly, such an important issue was kept pending by the EC, GHADC for the last 7 years or so for mere negligence of the EC, GHADC,” he stated.

Further, Marak said Ashabel D Shira, GHADC executive member in-charge forest and environment informed the steps taken by the EC to address the issue and that since the promise was made, the current EC led by Albinush Marak as the chief executive member, was trying to fulfil the demand.

“Therefore, I would request the members of the NGEA to accept the proposal forwarded by the EC to clear 3 months salaries under the 4th pay commission and give the EC the opportunity to implement the 5th pay commission by January 2025 and come to resume your duties in order to clear pending works and avoid any grievances of the people,” he said while adding that “according to reliable information more than 30 employees had died due to non-payment of salaries which is very sad and hence the members of the NGEA want to fulfil their legitimate demands without any further loss of time. This amounts to violation of human rights of the employees.”