New Requirement for Garo Hills Council Elections: Scheduled Tribe Certificate Mandatory

In a significant development, candidates contesting the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections are now required to hold a Scheduled Tribe certificate. This amendment, approved by the Meghalaya governor, aims to ensure genuine representation for the Garo community. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma emphasized the importance of this decision in understanding the community's aspirations and traditions. The elections, initially set for April 10, were postponed due to unrest following nominations from non-tribal candidates, leading to tragic incidents. The Meghalaya High Court previously intervened regarding the notification mandating the certificate. This change marks a pivotal moment in the governance of the Garo Hills.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 13:55 IST

Mandatory Scheduled Tribe Certificate for Garo Hills Elections

Candidates aiming to participate in the elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council must now hold a Scheduled Tribe certificate. This requirement follows the Meghalaya governor's approval of an amendment to the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts Constitution of District Councils Rules on Tuesday.

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council had previously endorsed this amendment on Monday.

Following this decision, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed that this move will “enhance genuine representation” for the Garo community, ensuring that leaders are those who truly comprehend the community's aspirations, traditions, and future.

Initially, elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council were scheduled for April 10. However, they were postponed, and the council's term was extended until October 18 due to unrest that arose after non-tribal candidates submitted their nominations.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in what is believed to be police firing on March 10.

On March 10, the Meghalaya High Court had annulled a notification from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council that required Scheduled Tribe certificates for candidates to submit their nomination papers. The court ruled that the notification was issued without adhering to the necessary procedures outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Sixth Schedule facilitates autonomous self-governance in specific tribal regions of Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura.