Shillong, Aug 25: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today chaired a consultation meeting with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Deputy CEM, and senior officials of the State Government, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner & Secretary Finance, and Commissioner & Secretary District Council Affairs (DCA).
After extensive deliberations on the financial challenges faced by GHADC, the Chief Minister announced a historic decision of the Government of Meghalaya to ensure the regular release of monthly salaries to all employees of GHADC, KHADC and JHADC starting from November 1, 2025.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the prolonged hardship faced by the employees and their families due to irregular salary disbursement. He said, “District Councils are important institutions and a symbol of our culture. Over the years, for various reasons, their functioning has faced challenges. I am not happy with the turn of events that has caused great suffering to the staff and their families. While the councils are autonomous and the State Government has always respected that autonomy, we cannot remain silent when people continue to suffer. Hence, we have taken this historic decision.”
The State Government will put in place a mechanism, constituted by a committee headed by the Secretary of District Council Affairs (DCA), to directly release salaries to council employees while ensuring that the financial system within the District Councils is strengthened.
The Chief Minister further clarified that while the State Government will take responsibility for the salaries of the employees, the autonomy, powers, and decision-making authority of the District Councils will remain intact.
“The jurisdiction and overall powers of the District Councils will remain autonomous and independent. The State Government will not interfere in governance, administration, or customs and duties of the councils. Our sole intention is to strengthen the system to ensure timely release of salaries,” he added.
This landmark step by the Government of Meghalaya reflects its commitment to safeguard the welfare of Autonomous District Council employees and their families, while upholding the autonomy and traditions of the Councils.
 of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Deputy CEM, and senior officials of the State Government, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner & Secretary Finance, and Commissioner & Secretary District Council Affairs (DCA).){kind=link}