Shillong, Feb 28: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has implemented a significant change concerning its upcoming elections that all candidates must present a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate recognised by the Government of Meghalaya when filing their nomination papers.
The decision was taken during a GHADC executive committee meeting on February 9, a notification which was published on February 17.
This change comes amidst demand from the civil society in the region to prevent non-tribal voters from participating in the GHADC elections, asserting that the council is meant exclusively for the protection of tribal interests under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The GHADC’s General Administration Department said that submission of a valid ST certificate is mandatory at the time of filing nomination papers.
The resolution was taken in the context of safeguarding customary laws, traditions, and the socio-political identity of the indigenous tribal communities of the Garo Hills.
Under the newly established guidelines, all returning officers and assistant returning officers in the various Garo Hills districts are required to verify candidates’ ST certificates during the scrutiny of nomination papers.
Failure to produce a valid certificate will result in the rejection of the nomination.
The GHADC will go for polls on April 10. The election will be notified on March 9. The last date for filing of nominations is March 16. Nominations will be scrutinised on the same date and the last date for withdrawal of the nominations is scheduled on March 17.
Results will be declared on April 14.
