Tura, March 23: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) on Monday passed an amendment to its rules making it mandatory for candidates to possess a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to contest council elections.
The decision was taken during a special session of the Council, marking a significant policy shift aimed at reinforcing the constitutional intent of autonomous district councils as institutions for indigenous tribal governance.
The amendment comes amid a rare political convergence, with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the Opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) aligning to form the Executive Committee of the GHADC.
Following the passage of the resolution, cabinet ministers and MLAs of the NPP gathered at the party office in Tura to mark the development. The gathering was attended by Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma, who termed the development as a long-awaited fulfilment of the aspirations of indigenous people in the region.
“Today, during a special session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the House passed a Resolution to amend the AD Rules. This amendment mandates that any candidate contesting the Autonomous District Council elections must possess an ST (Scheduled Tribe) Certificate.
This is a historic moment and a most crucial decision. As we know, the District Councils are meant specifically for the tribals of this region; therefore, it is essential that the regulations introduced within the GHADC are implemented. This has been a long-standing aspiration of the indigenous people.
For 74 years, no Government or District Council has been able to achieve this, but today, under the NPP-led Executive Committee (EC), I am filled with joy to see this decision finalized.
I hope that non-tribals will understand that the Council is specifically reserved for the indigenous people of the Northeast. I look forward to cooperation from all sides to ensure peace and harmony as we strive for the progress of the Garo Hills,” he added.
