Shillong, Nov 8: The Shillong Golfers Association (SGA) is facing growing internal dissent, with 36 members moving a no-confidence motion against the association’s present President, Secretary and Governing Committee, alleging a failure to maintain democratic functioning, transparency and accountability in its administration.
In a formal notice dated November 5, 2026, addressed to the Registrar of Societies, Government of Meghalaya, the members sought to convene a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) to consider and vote on the motion. They also raised several concerns over the functioning of the association, stating that the present management had “seriously undermined the interests of the golfing fraternity of Meghalaya”.
Among the concerns raised was the alleged absence of democratic functioning, with the notice claiming that Annual General Meetings and elections had not been conducted through a transparent and democratic process for several years. It further questioned the legitimacy of the present committee, alleging that it had assumed authority without establishing a clear mandate from the general membership.
The notice also raised concerns over the reported removal of previous office-bearers, alleging that the process had not followed the procedures prescribed under the association’s registered constitution.
On the issue of transparency and accountability, the members alleged that the golfing fraternity had not been kept informed about the association’s meetings, decisions, finances, membership records and administrative activities. They also claimed that members had not been provided adequate opportunities to participate in the affairs of the association.
The notice further accused the present management of failing to promote golf in Meghalaya, citing the discontinuation of several traditional tournaments, including the AOC Cup, Statesman Cup, Earle Fuller Challenge Cup, Visitors Cup, Monthly Medal and Caddy Tournaments, allegedly without meaningful consultation with the golfing community.
Another major issue raised in the notice concerns the reported exclusion of golfers from tournaments, including Washington N. Marak, whose participation in the IIM Shillong Golf Cup Season 17 had earlier become a subject of controversy. The members have described such instances as contrary to the principles of fairness, inclusiveness and promotion of sport.
The notice also questioned the association’s claim to represent the golfing fraternity of Meghalaya and its affiliation with the Indian Golf Union (IGU), stating that both matters were being contested before the appropriate forums.
Citing these concerns, the members said the present management had failed to maintain the confidence of golfers and had created an atmosphere of division, uncertainty and lack of accountability within the golfing community.
As part of the proposed resolution, the members have called upon the present President, Secretary and Governing Committee to resign, subject to the procedures prescribed under the registered constitution. They have also sought the appointment of an independent Returning Officer to supervise the voting process, wherever permissible under the constitution.
The notice further demands that, if the no-confidence motion is passed, fresh elections be conducted in a free, fair and democratic manner. It also calls for the association’s membership register, minutes books, audited accounts, bank records, statutory filings and other documents to be made available for inspection by eligible members.
The signatories have requested that all members be given equal opportunities to participate in the association’s affairs without discrimination or arbitrary exclusion.
The notice stated that the objective of the motion is not to undermine the institution of the SGA but to restore democratic functioning, accountability and the confidence of the golfing fraternity.
