Tura, March 11 : Dr Patrick S R Marak, a resident of Tura in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, has written to the Prime Minister of India requesting a review of the electoral framework governing the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), which functions under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
In his letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi, Dr Marak expressed concern regarding the constitutional and administrative future of the GHADC. He stated that the council was originally established to protect the land, customs, traditions, and political rights of the indigenous tribal communities of the Garo Hills.
He highlighted that the region has historically been recognised as a protected tribal area where traditional systems such as the Nokma institution and customary governance structures play a crucial role in preserving the identity and rights of indigenous people.
According to Dr Marak, concerns have grown among sections of the indigenous community in recent years that the present electoral framework of the GHADC may not fully safeguard the principles of tribal self-governance envisioned under the Sixth Schedule. He noted that since the council was specifically designed to protect Scheduled Tribe interests, many citizens believe its composition should reflect the indigenous character of the region.
In his letter, Dr Marak urged the Government of India to consider examining several issues, including possible reforms to the electoral framework of Autonomous District Councils to ensure stronger representation of Scheduled Tribes. He also suggested reviewing provisions under the Sixth Schedule to clarify eligibility criteria for candidates contesting elections to such councils, so that the original intent of safeguarding tribal autonomy is preserved.
Further, he proposed initiating a national-level consultation with Autonomous District Councils across the Northeast and other tribal regions to discuss ways of strengthening indigenous governance institutions.
Dr Marak stated that the people of Garo Hills value India’s constitutional framework and believe that protecting indigenous rights is consistent with the spirit of the Constitution. He appealed to the Prime Minister’s Office to consider initiating a national discussion on strengthening tribal self-governance under the Sixth Schedule.
