Tura, March 19 : A conglomerate of civil society organisations in Garo Hills has urged the Meghalaya Government to formally enforce the mandatory submission of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
In a memorandum addressed to District Council Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong, and submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, the organisations highlighted the need to uphold the constitutional provisions of the Sixth Schedule.
The memorandum was jointly submitted by several organisations, including the Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE), A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), A’chik Youth Welfare Organization (AYWO), Federation for A’chik Freedom (FAF), Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), and the Garo Students’ Union (GSU).
The groups referred to a notification issued by the GHADC on February 17, 2026, which mandates that any individual aspiring to contest the elections for the post of Member of District Council (MDC) must produce a valid ST certificate while filing nomination papers.
They stated that the move is aimed at ensuring that the rights and autonomy granted under the Sixth Schedule are preserved for bonafide Scheduled Tribes residing within Autonomous District Councils.
The organisations further alleged that in the past, non-tribal individuals, particularly from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community, have participated in GHADC elections, which they claim goes against the spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
They emphasized that the tribal population of Garo Hills has been demanding for decades a review of such participation to safeguard indigenous rights and governance.
Welcoming the recent notification by the Chief Executive Member of GHADC, the organisations said it has been widely accepted by the tribal community and is seen as a step towards restoring the original intent of constitutional provisions.
The groups have now urged the Department of District Council Affairs to acknowledge the notification and ensure that it is officially published in the Meghalaya Gazette at the earliest.
They also stated that formal enforcement of the rule would not only protect the rights of indigenous communities but also help ease tensions between tribal and non-tribal populations in the Garo Hills region.
The memorandum concluded with an appeal to the government to act swiftly in order to uphold constitutional safeguards and maintain harmony in the region.
