Following previous turmoil, murders, and a curfew over non-tribal candidates’ involvement, Meghalaya’s Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) modified its rules on Monday to require Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for contesting council elections. The resolution, made during a special session, seeks tribal representation and will now be submitted for state and gubernatorial approval under the Sixth Schedule.
The action comes weeks after unrest in the Garo Hills erupted over uncertainty in the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Council Rules, 1951, regarding non-tribal candidate eligibility. The change limits candidature to recognized Scheduled Tribes, a long-standing desire of various indigenous organizations. Officials stated that the idea will be forwarded to the state government and then to the Governor for approval.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed the judgment, describing it as a “historic” and long-awaited reform that supports the intent of the Sixth Schedule. “History has been made today with the landmark decision of the GHADC to amend its rules, now mandating ST certification to contest council elections,” Sangma reported.
“The Garo Hills District Council, established in 1952, has taken 74 long years to arrive at this historic moment,” according to him. “This decision will strengthen true representation of our Garo people, ensuring leadership by those who understand the aspirations, traditions and future of our community,” according to him.
The subject had already encountered legal challenges, with the Meghalaya High Court overturning a similar executive proclamation and emphasizing that any such change must follow proper parliamentary procedures. The council’s decision to formally accept the amendment through its legislative procedure is expected to affect the next phase of political and legal discourse in the Garo Hills.
