New Legislation in Meghalaya Bars Non-Tribals from Tribal Council Elections

Meghalaya Governor Approves New Election Legislation

Shillong, Mar 24: On Tuesday, the Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankar, sanctioned a new law from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) that prohibits non-tribal individuals from participating in tribal council elections, according to officials.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed his appreciation for this decision and thanked the Governor for endorsing the legislation, which requires candidates to hold Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to be eligible for the council elections.

"I extend my gratitude to the Hon'ble Governor for approving the revised rules that necessitate ST certificates for candidates contesting the GHADC elections," Sangma stated.

He emphasized that this initiative would enhance the legal framework governing the elections and ensure adherence to the law's intent.

"This will eliminate any confusion and guarantee that only qualified candidates, as defined by the council's regulations, can run for election," the Chief Minister added.

Officials noted that the newly enacted legislation aims to bolster existing provisions and protect the rights and representation of the indigenous tribal communities in the Garo Hills.

On Monday, the GHADC had approved a significant amendment that stipulates only Scheduled Tribe members can contest the elections, effectively ending the participation of non-tribals after more than seventy years.

The elections for the tribal council, scheduled for April 10, were previously postponed due to violent incidents in certain areas of the Garo Hills, leading authorities to reassess the legal and administrative frameworks governing the elections.

The GHADC, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, is responsible for safeguarding the customs, traditions, and governance systems of the tribal population in the Garo Hills.

However, for the last 74 years, non-tribals have been exercising rights that were intended solely for the tribal Garo community.