Shillong, Sept 6: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) would require around Rs 80 crore to pay the salaries of over 2000 employees which has been pending for the past 17 months.

GHADC chief executive member (CEM) Dipul R Marak admitted that the Council was facing huge financial crisis and would need Rs 80 crore to clear the pending dues of its employees.

Marak has also apprised the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma about the problem who assured to look into the matter.

Marak along with his KHADC chief Hispreaching Son Shylla and JHADC chief Madonbai Rymbai have jointly paid a courtesy visit to the chief minister who was recently elected as new MLA of South Tura MLA.

The GHADC chief also said that the present financial crisis has not only affected the 2000 plus employees but even he and his fellow MDCs as well.

Whether the Executive Committee would consider reducing the number of staff in the Council, the CEM said such decision would only be taken after having a meeting with the state government.

The Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council has a total strength of 1700 staff while the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council has 700 employees.