Shillong, Jan 9: National People’s Party (NPP) president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on January 8 said the party has set in motion comprehensive preparations for the forthcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, calling on leaders and workers to stay united, disciplined and committed to the party’s development agenda. He stressed that sustained progress in Meghalaya depends on collective responsibility rather than individual ambition.
Addressing a party gathering at Betasing in South West Garo Hills, attended by senior NPP leaders, MLAs and Cabinet Minister Marcuise Marak, Sangma reminded party workers that public mandates are about accountability, not authority. He urged them to trust the party’s leadership and organisational strength, noting that governance requires consistent effort to improve the daily lives of citizens.
The chief minister reflected on the difficulties faced by the GHADC in recent years, including prolonged salary backlogs and administrative instability. While emphasising that the council is an autonomous institution, Sangma said the state government stepped in constructively to prevent further disruption. He explained that a committee was formed to engage with MDCs and employees, enabling the release of advance royalty shares that helped clear pending salaries and restore regular payments. He added that long-overdue pensions of former MDCs have also been settled.
Recalling a period when the GHADC office remained closed for months due to internal turmoil, Sangma said his government deliberately chose dialogue and resolution over political confrontation. He maintained that addressing genuine issues through consultation has been a consistent approach of the NPP-led administration.
On education reforms, Sangma said the government has finally resolved the long-pending issue of Adhoc teachers’ pay by streamlining their salary structure. He announced that from April 1, Adhoc teachers will begin receiving salaries under the new system, describing it as a major step after decades of uncertainty. He added that similar reforms are being pursued to strengthen the functioning of autonomous district councils.
Turning to the GHADC elections, Sangma acknowledged that competition for party tickets is natural but underscored the need for discipline once candidates are finalised through consultations and surveys. He cautioned party workers against putting personal interests above the organisation, saying unity after candidate selection is essential for electoral success.
The chief minister also announced key infrastructure projects for South West Garo Hills, stating that ₹27 crore has been sanctioned for the Betasing–Zikzak road and ₹22 crore for the Zikzak–Budukona road. He said the projects underline the government’s focus on infrastructure-driven development in the region.
Concluding his address, Sangma said political parties cannot be built around individuals alone and require strong grassroots leadership, discipline and public trust. He added that only a united organisation with a clear development vision can deliver long-term transformation across Meghalaya.
