SHILLONG/GUWAHATI: Assam and Meghalaya have taken decisive steps to enhance administrative efficiency by downsizing or dissolving underperforming state boards.
The move, announced after separate Cabinet meetings in Shillong and Guwahati, aims to streamline operations and optimise resources, according to statements from the state governments on Wednesday.
In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed the dissolution of the Meghalaya State Housing Board (MSHB), citing its inefficiency.
“This decision is part of our broader effort to rationalise state operations,” Sangma stated.
The board’s 18 employees, facing salary issues, will be offered a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) amounting to ₹7.42 crore, aimed at ensuring a dignified exit for them.
Marcuise Marak, Meghalaya’s Minister for Housing, emphasised the VRS package as a means to address longstanding issues within the MSHB.
The Cabinet’s decision comes after the Housing Department launched an internal inquiry in June prompted by a complaint from the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) regarding the distribution of inferior corrugated aluminium roofing sheets to the C&RD blocks statewide.
Parallelly, in Assam, the government decided to downsize the Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board (ASAMB), which has been grappling with financial challenges affecting its 612 regular employees and 147 contingency staff.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a comprehensive financial settlement scheme totalling ₹154 crore to resolve pending salary issues and streamline manpower utilisation in the government sector.
“The financial settlement includes a 10% goodwill gesture over and above the settlement amount,” Chief Minister Sarma highlighted in a social media post.
Earlier directives from the Assam State Finance Department in May outlined plans to reduce ASAMB’s workforce to 58 through redeployment and VRS implementation, pending further review of financial implications by the Department of Agriculture.
Both states underscored the decisions as necessary steps towards fiscal discipline and operational efficiency, amidst ongoing efforts to streamline government services and resource allocation.
The measures are expected to enhance governance effectiveness and financial sustainability across Assam and Meghalaya, setting a precedent for prudent public sector management.
