Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma launched a scathing attack on the incumbent government, accusing it of abdicating responsibility and deliberately weakening the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). Raising concerns over the prolonged salary crisis, he said the government’s contradictory approach not only exposes its insensitivity but also points towards a “hidden agenda” against the constitutional mandate of the ADCs.
“Now, you are aware that for last 43 months, they have not received salaries and now this 43 months will become 44 months and under the present circumstances what was expected from the side of the government was that okay, there’s a breakthrough, there has been certain decisions, concrete decision that we have taken to ensure that the ADCs are able to somehow sail through this kind of crisis for the time being. And we are taking measures to ensure that these similar situation is not repeated, but on the contrary what the government has said is that they they can’t do anything. They have shrugged off their responsibility, washed off their hands,” Dr Mukul said, warning that such insensitivity undermines the very relevance of the district councils.
He further questioned the state’s unilateral decision to directly pay ADC employees from November 1, calling it an infringement of autonomy. “Otherwise what explanation can actually convince us otherwise? Do they have some hidden agenda to weaken the district councils slowly? Because even the offer of the government, that the salaries of the employees of the ADCs will be given directly by the state government with effect from 1st November. That is a conclusive decision, isn’t? If they are saying that from the 1st November, they are going to do this, that is a conclusive decision. I am wondering is to with whom have they discussed this issue? And have they quietly discussed with other ADCs? No, they have not discussed with ADCs. Then are they not infringing upon the autonomy of the ADCs? Which is contrary to the actual mandate of the Constitution,” he remarked.
Terming the move “irony at its peak,” Dr Mukul said the government was sending conflicting signals by simultaneously disowning responsibility while deciding on salaries without consultation. “It is quite irony. Now, the government saying that your employees are your employees, your autonomous bodies, so I have nothing to do with it, but then at the same time they are saying that for the employees I’ll give the salary directive without you knowing,” he stated.
