Shillong, Nov 8: The Shillong Golfers Association is facing something of a crisis after 36 members moved a no-confidence motion against the SGA President, Secretary and governing committee with allegations of a failure to maintain democratic functioning, transparency and accountability.
In a formal notice dated 5th November addressed to the Registrar of Societies, the members sought to convene a special general body meeting to consider and vote on the motion.
Among the concerns raised was the alleged absence of democratic functioning, with the letter claiming that annual general meetings and elections have not been transparent and democratic for several years. The golfers also questioned the legitimacy of the present committee, alleging that it had assumed authority without establishing a clear mandate from the general membership. They also stated that the present management had “seriously undermined the interests of the golfing fraternity of Meghalaya”.
The notice also raised concerns over the removal of previous office bearers; a supposed lack in information regarding SGA meetings, decisions, finances, etc; and discontinuation of several traditional tournaments, including the AOC Cup, Statesman Cup, Earle Fuller Challenge Cup, Visitors Cup, etc.
They also raised another matter that has come to the fore recently, namely the exclusion of golfer Washington N Marak from the IIM Shillong Golf Cup Season 17. Marak is an SGA member and was the first signatory to the letter. The members described such instances as contrary to the principles of fairness, inclusiveness and promotion of sport.
The SGA was also accused of claiming to represent Meghalaya as the state’s official golfing body even though various local golf stakeholders all recognise the Meghalaya Golf Promoters’ Society as the state governing body.
As part of the proposed resolution, the members have called upon the present President, Secretary and governing committee to resign and have also sought the appointment of an independent Returning Officer to supervise the voting process.
(Representative photo)
