MDCs raise concern over ST certificate reference to Koch community
Tura, July 30: In one of the longest debates witnessed in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), members across party lines on Thursday supported the proposed Separate Electoral Roll (SER) but sought amendments and corrections before the report is adopted.
On the third day of GHADC’s Monsoon Session, the treasury and opposition members participated in the extended discussion on the landmark proposal, raising concerns over procedural issues, Scheduled Tribe certificate powers and references to the Koch community.
Chief Executive Member Dhormonath Ch. Sangma, replying to the debate, said the Executive Committee had already approved the SER report and expressed confidence that it would be passed during the ongoing Monsoon Session after considering members’ suggestions.
One of the key issues raised during the debate was the proposed amendment to Rules 128 and 129 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure.
Several MDCs argued that the amendments should not be adopted without wider consultation, with opposition members insisting they should have been taken into confidence before the changes were brought before the House.
Deputy Chief Executive Member Stevie M Marak urged the Council to address concerns raised by the Koch community, citing representations submitted by the Koch Association seeking appropriate references in the report while acknowledging the community’s historical migration.
Echoing the demand, MDC Sanjay Koch called for corrections to the report before its adoption, while MDC Sadiarani Sangma said any factual inaccuracies relating to the Koch community should be rectified.
MDC Rimpu Bernard pressed for a significant constitutional change, arguing that the GHADC—not the Deputy Commissioner—should be empowered to issue Scheduled Tribe certificates in keeping with the spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
He warned that retaining the existing system could lead to legal complications and sought amendments to the relevant provisions after broader consultations.
MDC Nikman Marak questioned the procedure followed in introducing amendments to the Rules of Procedure, while Nathual R. Marak sought clarification on whether the Council intended to pass the Separate Electoral Roll during the current session.
Supporting the report, Executive Member Alphonsius R. Marak described the Separate Electoral Roll as a historic document prepared after extensive study under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule and welcomed suggestions from members, noting that the Council had deliberately allowed ample time for discussion.
During Question Hour, Alphonsius Marak informed the House that Patta Books have already been printed and are awaiting collection before distribution.
He also announced that four new sets of service rules—including those relating to markets, printing services, ministerial establishments and the Building Regulatory and Development Authority—will be tabled in the House on Friday.
Apart from the SER debate, Sadiarani Sangma highlighted the absence of a dedicated toilet for women employees in the GHADC building, urging the Executive Committee to provide proper sanitation facilities for female staff.
The marathon debate ended with broad political support for the Separate Electoral Roll, but with members making it clear that legal, procedural and community concerns must be addressed before the Council gives its final approval to what is expected to be a landmark electoral reform under the Sixth Schedule.
