Shillong, April 22: Electioneering for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) is set to undergo a massive transformation as the state government has intensified its efforts to introduce an indigenous-based electoral framework for the GHADC.
Creation of a dedicated Scheduled Tribe (ST)-exclusive electoral roll for GHADC was a long-pending demand of the indigenous communities.
The government proposal to create the new electoral roll is aimed at safeguarding the demographic and political integrity of tribal populations in Garo Hills.
The proposed framework will ensure that only ST voters participate in GHADC elections, thereby keeping governance in Sixth Schedule areas firmly within the hands of tribal representatives, according to officials.
The government maintains that the initiative is in line with the constitutional mandate under Article 244(2) and the Sixth Schedule, which are designed to protect tribal authority over ancestral lands and traditional institutions, including the Nokma system in Garo Hills.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting indigenous rights, stating that governance and policymaking must remain accountable to the communities they are meant to serve.
He has also called for continued respect for democratic processes while prioritising the broader interests of the State.
Officials believe the introduction of a separate electoral roll will strengthen safeguards on land ownership, uphold customary practices, and prevent any dilution of tribal governance structures.
