Raphael Warjri

The State Cabinet today cleared a ₹50 crore financial support package for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, aimed at clearing nearly a year’s worth of pending salaries for its employees.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma told reporters after chairing the meeting that about ₹24 to ₹25 crore will come from GHADC’s share of taxes, while an advance of another ₹25 crore will be released by the government. The money will go into an escrow account and will be used exclusively for salary payments.
The Chief Minister clarified that this is not a bailout, but an advance release of dues with additional state support. He informed that most of GHADC’s 1,200 to 1,300 employees have agreed to the package, with around 800 already submitting written consent.
The Council has also accepted the appointment of an IAS officer as Principal Secretary, while the Deputy Commissioner will serve as ex-officio Principal Secretary. Conrad Sangma reminded that over the past three years, the government had already supported GHADC with funds to clear 42 months of salaries.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also took several other important decisions today:
It approved the settlement of the Sohra land dispute, paving the way for the transfer of 128 acres at Saitsohpen to the Elaka of Hima Sohra — ending a conflict that dates back to the British era.
The government formally introduced the E-Cabinet system, a paperless platform for cabinet agendas and approvals.
Rules were cleared for the Taraghar State Guest House, including room allotment and operational procedures.
The Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Directorate and District Drivers’ Service Rules, which will regulate the recruitment and promotion of government drivers.
The official 2026 State Calendar was also approved.
And finally, the Cabinet reiterated its strong opposition to uranium mining, vowing to take up the issue with the Centre if any law or notification goes against the people’s interest.