SHILLONG : Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) President James P.K. Sangma has said he can continue holding his position in the association even if elected to the Rajya Sabha, while also addressing concerns over unpaid staff salaries and the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for women cricketers.
Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election, Sangma said existing laws, the Lodha Committee recommendations and Supreme Court guidelines do not prevent an MLA or MP from holding an executive position in a sports association.
“There is no problem,” he said, adding that restrictions apply only to Ministers and government servants.
When asked about unpaid salaries for MCA support and office staff, Sangma acknowledged that the association continues to face long-standing administrative challenges.
The issue drew attention in recent weeks after reports emerged that several MCA employees, including coaches, trainers and ground staff, had allegedly gone months without receiving salaries despite the release of funds from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Describing the matter as a “legacy issue”, Sangma said efforts were underway to resolve the problem and address staff concerns at the earliest.
When asked about the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework, Sangma said he has been aware of several gaps within the association since taking over as MCA President in January.
The issue gained public attention following allegations of sexual harassment involving members of Meghalaya’s Under-23 women’s cricket team. The Meghalaya State Commission for Women subsequently initiated an inquiry and sought responses from MCA officials regarding the handling of the complaints.
Sangma said one of the first steps taken after assuming office was the appointment of an Ombudsman, a position that had remained vacant for nearly two years.
Regarding the ICC, he said the MCA is awaiting a report from the Meghalaya State Commission for Women and would take appropriate action once the findings are submitted.
“We will take it up immediately,” Sangma said.